Cerise looked up at the sky, waiting. The voice known as King Kai had been silent for nearly fifteen minutes now. Gohan was fidgeting beside her. His eyes were wide and anxious. Cerise felt the sudden urge to take his hand but she held back, unsure if her gesture would be appreciated or not. She cast a furtive glance toward Vegeta. He looked almost as worked up as Gohan. He was glaring up at the massive form of the Dragon, hands clenching and unclenching.
She vividly remembered how he'd so easily tossed her from his back without a second thought. Her stomach flipped, as if she were plummeting to the ground all over again. She told herself he had known Gohan or Piccolo would catch her. She told herself he wasn't actually intending to end her life.
But it did not quell the fear.
She swallowed the hard lump that had risen in her throat and looked back to the mighty Dragon above. How could such a thing actually exist? All those years, her blood father's crazy dream had been reality. The Eternal Dragon existed, and it granted wishes. Any wish at all.
A sudden thought occurred to her.
"Uh," she tried to speak but for a moment words failed her. The others looked at her, both the Namekians and the strange plump Mr. Popo as well as Gohan and Vegeta. She had to swallow again. "Mister Piccolo..."
"You don't have to call me that," Piccolo said. "It's just a habit Gohan gained from all the manner books Bulma had him read."
"Right..." Cerise turned toward him and gave him a hard look. "You said you read my intentions."
Piccolo blinked slowly at her. "I did."
"Then maybe we can use one of these wishes to help," Cerise said.
Piccolo glanced up at the Dragon, then back to her. "I think you're underestimating Goku."
"Wait, what's going on here?" Vegeta demanded. The snap of his voice nearly made Cerise flinch. "What are you two talking about?"
"Nothing to concern yourself with, Vegeta," Piccolo answered smoothly.
Vegeta opened his mouth to argue, but another voice interrupted.
"Alright, I have good news, and bad news."
It was King Kai. Cerise looked back up at the black sky. Gohan looked like he was going to burst.
"Are my parents okay?" he asked.
"Yes, they're fine," King Kai said. "Better than fine, really. They've landed on a planet known as Yardrat, and are being well taken care of, including new techniques. Now, their ship was damaged in the landing and it's currently being fixed. They aren't sure when they'll be back."
"We can wish them back," Vegeta said sharply. "They can be here today!"
"Yes, well, I tried to tell them that too," King Kai replied with a huff. "But they insist that no one's revival should be delayed on their account."
"O-oh..." Gohan's head dropped. He looked at his brown cloth boots, hands clenching.
Cerise moved toward him before she could stop herself. She knelt down beside him, and placed a hand on his shoulder. Gohan blinked and looked over at her.
"Hey," she said, smiling gently. "Listen, from what I've heard, your parents would never do this without a good reason. And you heard the weird frog voice-" - there was a booming, "HEY!" from King Kai at that, but Cerise continued on as if he hadn't spoke - "their ship is being fixed right now. They'll be back soon."
Gohan stared at her but then he looked at the ground again. "I understand why they're not accepting the wish," he said softly. "Our friends died, and they want them to be able to return to their normal lives. But still... It's been so long now. And I've barely got to spend any time at all with my father."
Cerise didn't know about that. Was Goku not around while Gohan grew up? She tightened her grip on his shoulder. "I know it'll be hard," she said. "But like you said, you're friends are coming back! And you'll have me too."
Gohan looked up sharply, startled. Cerise smiled again.
"That's right kid, I'm your friend too, right? I promise, we'll have so much fun, the time will fly by. Before you know it, your Mom and Dad will be back." She shook his shoulder slightly.
Gohan seemed lost for words. Slowly a smile came to his lips and he nodded.
"Okay," he said.
Somewhere behind them, Vegeta let out an annoyed scoff. Cerise ignored him.
"Let's bring back the elder Namekian, Mister Piccolo!" Gohan said, looking over toward the green man.
Piccolo smiled lightly at Gohan's returned enthusiasm, and cast Cerise a grateful glance. He then looked back to the mighty Dragon, and spoke out a handful of foreign words. The Dragon's eyes gleamed crimson, and then, quite suddenly, another green being materialized before them. Piccolo smiled warmly at him and offered him his hand.
"It is good to see you again, my friend."
The Namekian looked confused. He blinked rapidly, glancing around him in astonishment.
"I'm alive? But how- Guru?" he looked back to Piccolo. "But- what-?"
"Guru and Nail both fused with me on Namek in order to fend off Frieza," Piccolo said. "I want to restore the Namekian planet, however, I was hoping for your assistance first."
As Piccolo explained his plan to the Namekian, Cerise heard retreating footsteps. She turned and saw Vegeta walking toward the edge of the Lookout. Gohan noticed as well.
"Vegeta? Where are you going?" he called.
Vegeta shot a glare back over his shoulder. "Neka and Kakarot aren't returning today, there's no point in me being here."
"But we're going to revive the others!" Gohan said.
"Tch," Vegeta scoffed. "So? Those are your mother's friends, not mine. I've not grown so soft as to consider the filth of this world proper company."
With that, he launched into the air, and flew into the distance.
"Filth of this world, huh?" Cerise said dryly.
"I'm sorry, Cerise," Gohan said earnestly. "He doesn't mean it. I'm sure he's just angry that my Mom isn't coming back yet."
"He and your mother are close, are they?" Cerise asked.
Gohan nodded. "They're twins. And, well, for a long time they were each other's only family. See, Frieza, the tyrant we fought on Namek, he destroyed the Saiyan home world."
"He did?" Cerise's eyes shot up. "That's right, you said he did the same to Namek. How can someone be powerful enough to destroy a planet?!"
"He wasn't fun to fight, I can tell you that much," Gohan said. "But my mother told me she and Vegeta watched from the depths of Frieza's mothership when it happened. Their father was on it when it was destroyed."
"What were they doing on Frieza's ship?" Cerise asked, bewildered.
Gohan seemed to hesitate. "Uh. It's a little complicated."
"Gohan!"
Piccolo's voice caught the boy's attention. He looked over. "Yeah?"
"We're about to bring Bulma back. The elder agreed to create a new set of Dragon Balls for us, so long as we use the next set of wishes from Perunga to create a new Namek, and the wish from Shenron to restore the Namekian race."
"Great!" Gohan ran over to where Piccolo was. "Let's bring back Miss Bulma!"
Cerise stood there, blinking. What had Gohan been avoiding to tell her? Could it be linked to what he left out about Vegeta coming to Earth first? She couldn't figure it out.
Piccolo spoke more strange words to the Dragon. Its eyes glowed red, and then, a girl that Cerise recognized from papers and news networks appeared before them. Her hair was short and blue. She wore a ragged, yellow cargo outfit. For a moment, she just stood there, blinking. But then, she looked around and smiled.
"I'm back!" she said.
"Miss Bulma!" Gohan cried and ran to her. He latched his arms around her middle in a tight embrace.
"Gohan!" Bulma ruffled his hair. "It's so good to see you again! I'm sorry your parents won't be back for a while."
"It's okay," Gohan said. "I mean, it can't be that long right? They're learning a new technique, and my Mom always said my Dad was really good at mastering a new move."
"I'll say." Bulma agreed. "Hey, Piccolo. Hey Kami, Mr. Popo. Where's Vegeta? I expected him to be with you, Gohan."
"Once he learned my mother wasn't going to be back today, he left for home," Gohan said.
"I see," Bulma said, then her eyes found Cerise. "Oh? Hello, I don't think we've met...?"
Cerise instantly bowed her head. "I've heard amazing things about you, Ms. Briefs! I'm a big fan of your work- I mean, your intellect is very much to be admired."
"That's Cerise Pastel," Gohan explained. "She's a scientist like you!"
"Not quite on your level," Cerise insisted.
She looked up to see Bulma blinking at her in confusion. But then the blue-haired girl smiled.
"Wow, I didn't expect to come back to such praise! Should I recognize your name?" she said.
"No, no," Cerise said, shaking her head. "I never went public with my work. I'm studying energy work, you see."
"Ah, so our group should be right up your ally," Bulma said. "Well it's nice to meet you."
Cerise felt her cheeks warm. She had heard so much about the heir to the Capsule Corporation, and it was astonishing to meet her in person. Perhaps she could get her help with some of her inventions? But she felt nervous at the prospect of even asking about it.
"Next we'll bring back Yamcha," Piccolo said. "I would assume that he would be the wisest choice for now until we have to wait for our next set of wishes?"
Bulma looked around and smiled. "That would be great! I haven't seen him since we died, and he went on Snake Way with Krillin."
Piccolo nodded and turned to speak to the Dragon again. Cerise watched on in awe. She could not believe what a turn her life had taken since meeting Gohan and Vegeta. The Dragons Balls exist. There are other worlds with intelligent life. These abilities, chi and energy, can be used by all of them.
Yet still, she had yet to accomplish her goal.
Goku, she thought, her eyes falling to her feet and her hands clenching. You saved my life and you didn't even know it. I have to repay you.
*.*.*
Gohan ran down the hall of Capsule Corporation with a smile and his face covered in chocolate. Mrs. Briefs was always nice and feeding him sweets whenever he came here with Cerise. The past five months, Cerise had been making trips here to compare her work with Bulma's. Together, the girls were making fast progress on Cerise's inventions. With Yamcha, Krillin, Tien, and Chiaotzu's help, Cerise had been able to discover some key differences in the energy out put of humans and Saiyans, and even Namekians. Though what she was doing with this information, Gohan had no idea.
He'd been thrilled when they finally wished his other friends back to life. All of them were much stronger from training with King Kai, and now they had access to powerful new techniques. Gohan wanted to learn the Kaioken, but all of them had told him it wasn't something easily taught.
Rounding the corner, Gohan made his way into one of the many labs of the domed building. He paused, blinking in surprise.
"What's that?" he asked.
Cerise and Bulma looked over at him. Cerise had her arm encased in a strange, armored gauntlet. It looked like the lower arm of a robot. On the palm of the hand was a strange glowing orb.
"Uh, it's just a prototype," Cerise said with a nervous laugh. "But it's a gauntlet that can allow me to absorb and redistribute energy."
"Cerise did most of the internal work," Bulma said. "I just helped with the outer design and robotics of the hand."
"Absorb and redistribute energy?" Gohan repeated. "With that thing in the palm, I'm guessing?"
"Yeah." Cerise held it out to him. "Punch it!"
"What?" Gohan blinked.
"Go on!" Cerise smiled. "I promise, I'll be fine. It absorbs the blow to the point where it isn't as powerful as it would normally be."
Gohan approached her apprehensively. He slowly held back a fist. "Are you sure?"
Cerise nodded.
Gohan darted his arm out, his fist colliding with Cerise's robotic palm.
He still held back, terrified he'd send the pink-haired girl sailing across the room. But to his surprise, the machine barely gave with the blow. Cerise smiled and stepped back.
"Now watch this," she said.
She turned toward a punching bag hanging in the side of the room. Cerise held back her robotic fist, and slammed it forward. There was a loud WHAP sound as the innards of the bag burst outwards. Cerise coughed and stumbled away from the white substance. The robotic arm looked like it was short circuiting. smoke was emitting out of the now cracked orb in the palm.
Cerise frowned down at it.
"Well, this is why it's just a prototype," she said.
"I'm sure we can make a few adjustments," Bulma said, taking it in her hands and helping Cerise undo the latches to free her arm.
"That's still really cool, Cerise!" Gohan said. "With that, you might be able to fight with us!"
Cerise laughed nervously. "I don't think I'm brave enough to take on you or Vegeta. Or Piccolo or Yamcha."
"Did someone say my name?"
Yamcha stepped into the lab with a big grin on his face. His hair was tied back into a ponytail, and he was wearing his orange gi. Krillin followed after him, wearing the same outfit and rubbing a towel on his head. Both of them looked sweaty and winded.
"Hi Yamcha! Hey Krillin!" Gohan greeted as he went over to him. "Have you two been training?"
"Sure have." Yamcha flexed an arm. "Bulma installed a Gravity Room that can go up to four hundred times Earth's gravity! But we can only make it to seventy-five."
"That sounds great! I'd like to try!" Gohan beamed.
"Maybe next time, Gohan," Cerise said as she set her robotic arm onto a workbench. "Vegeta will be expecting us back soon. I don't think we want to keep him waiting again."
"Well, if we tell him about this Gravity Room, maybe he'll come with us more often," Gohan suggested.
Bulma paled. "Vegeta in my house? Well, I have home insurance, but I don't think I want to deal with the renovations."
Cerise laughed. "I don't think he'd be that bad. He has been talking about the gravity machine Goku and Neka used on the ship when they traveled to Namek. I think he'd like the chance."
"And then he'll hog the thing the whole time," Krillin said. "We're stronger than the average humans, that's for sure, but we're no Saiyans. Vegeta's a lot stronger than us. We wouldn't be able to walk in there."
"How about this," Bulma said. "My Dad's been making another ship like the one he made for Goku and Neka. You could take that and land it over by Goku's place and he can use the Gravity Room in there."
"That sounds great." Cerise smiled. "Is it finished?"
"It should be in the next week or so," Bulma said. "I suppose it must be a Saiyan thing, always wanting to get stronger. Goku is the same way, always has been."
"That's for sure!" Krillin laughed. "I can't believe the lengths Goku went to in his training! Remember when he swam all the way to the World Martial Arts Tournament?"
"That was from the other side of the world." Yamcha shook his head. "He was crazy."
Gohan found himself staring at the ground. He wished that he knew more about his father. He'd barely spent any time with him. He couldn't help but wonder when his parents were finally going to return.
"Well, let's get going, Gohan," Cerise said, beckoning him toward the door.
Gohan's head snapped up and he nodded. "Right! See you later Miss Bulma! Bye, Yamcha, bye Krillin!"
"Later kid." Yamcha ruffled his hair as he past him.
"Come back soon!" Krillin called after them.
Outside, Cerise's Cycle was waiting. Gohan had told her that he could carry her and it would be much faster, but she seemed wary of flying ever since Vegeta tossed her off his back. Gohan was still mad at his uncle for that. Why couldn't he just be polite for once? He seemed to have gotten better over the past five months, but it was mostly just him putting up with people, not actually being nice.
Cerise mounted the Cycle and pulled on her goggles. Gohan hopped on behind her, holding on to her middle.
"Well, we made some decent progress today," she said as she kicked the Cycle into gear and began to drive down the street.
"That gauntlet was really cool," Gohan told her. "Is that what you've been trying to make with all this energy research?"
"Well, kind of," Cerise said. "Just understanding how it works fascinates me enough to do the research on its own. But this way, I can actually be capable of it too. I mean, I understand it took you guys years of training and such, and given my stats from Yamcha, any human can do it too. But my strongest attribute has always been my brain."
"I think its great," Gohan said. "If you make a lot of them, then other regular humans could defend themselves in case something ever attacked Earth again."
"Again?" Cerise shot a look back at him.
Gohan blanched. He forgot that he hadn't told Cerise about Vegeta's first arrival here. He didn't want her to be scared. She was already wary enough around him as it was. Vegeta, though still a jerk, wasn't the monster he was when he first came to Earth. Gohan knew in his heart that his uncle was capable of being a good person. He just had to ensure everyone else did too.
"Uh..." Gohan tried to think of an excuse as they weaved through the West City traffic.
But that was when he felt it.
Two incredibly powerful energy signatures were approaching. He looked up at the sky, his eyes widening. Some sensors on Cerise's Cycle began to go off. She blinked and looked down at them, confused.
"What the? This thing must be broken! It's picking up some kind of signatures..." she said.
"It's not broken," Gohan breathed, his heart beginning to hammer in his chest.
"What do you mean?" Cerise asked, looking back at him.
Gohan couldn't believe it. It wasn't possible. He began to shake.
"It's... it's Frieza!"
*.*.*
Vegeta froze.
He was practicing his form in the clearing outside Neka's small home when he felt the incoming power levels. He looked up at the sky, his hands beginning to tremble.
There was no way.
He was dead. He was DEAD!
"What the fuck!" Vegeta screamed at the sky.
There was no mistaking Frieza's power signature. He'd know it anywhere. It plagued his dreams. He'd felt it for years working under that bastard. And not only that. There was someone with him. Someone just as powerful.
"K-King Cold," Vegeta rasped. "Impossible..."
A sudden urgent thought came to his mind.
"Gohan!"
He rocketed into the sky, as fast as his body could manage, and flew toward West City. The boy regularly went there with the human woman, Cerise. It had to do with her research, he knew, but he didn't care much beyond that. He felt Frieza and his father's signatures growing closer and closer. Frieza was somehow even stronger than before.
Am I dreaming? Vegeta wondered wildly. Is this yet another nightmare?
But no.
He knew this was real this time.
His heart hammered in his chest. He was stronger since Namek, that was sure, and the Earthling fighters were too. But they were still little match for this. Perhaps if Frieza was as he had been on Namek, and if he was alone. But now, with his increase in power and his father accompanying him, they were doomed.
Gohan's power signature was closer than he thought. He looked ahead and saw several figures flying toward him. His nephew wasn't alone.
"Vegeta!" Gohan cried, waving toward him. Behind him was Yamcha and Krillin. "Is it really-?"
"Yes," Vegeta said, coming to a halt before them. He could see the fear on all of their faces. "And his father is with him."
"His father?" Krillin yelped. "I never heard anything about him having a father!"
"King Cold," Vegeta said grimly, looking across the horizon toward where their powers were growing closer.
"What do we do?" Gohan asked.
"What else can we do?" Yamcha said, balling his fists. "Goku and Neka aren't here. We have to be the ones to face him."
Vegeta was surprised by the human's bravery. He clenched his jaw. If they did nothing, Frieza would surely destroy the planet, and they'd die anyway. Their only chance at survival was to go and confront him head on. It was basically suicide.
"Then let's go," he said softly.
Gohan nodded, and the four of them turned and flew toward the source of the tyrant's power.
*.*.*
Frieza stared out at the barren wasteland before him, his face set into a bitter scowl.
His body was not as it had been upon Namek. Cybernetics were inlaid with most of his form. Over seventy-five percent of it was completely robotic, the metal smooth and pristine. Only half of his face remained organic. Through his eyes, he could see as he used to, but also the most advanced Scouter technology informed him that there were several high power levels upon this world.
"So, son," his father, King Cold, spoke from his side. "This is the world you spoke to me about? Where those filthy vermin originate from?"
"This is where they call home," Frieza confirmed.
King Cold looked much like Frieza had in his second form, horns protruding from his skull, his face smooth and purple toned. He stood several feet taller than Frieza, and his body was thick with muscle.
"Why don't we just destroy it, then?" King Cold inquired. "I see no reason for these theatrics."
"I need them to suffer," Frieza snarled, his robotic fists clenching. "I want to see the look on their faces when they see everyone they love dead before them. First, I will find their wretched monkey son."
The men behind him all stood at attention as he turned to face them. They stood just outside the massive mother ship, it's great shape throwing them into shadow. The wasteland they touched down in was barren and looked like a dry and decrepit scar to Frieza. This rock surely held no value. It would be well to be rid of it when they were through.
When he made that vermin, Goku, and his mate, the monkey bitch Frieza had been stupid enough to let live for so long, Neka, pay for what they'd done.
"Listen carefully," Frieza said sharply. "I want you to scour this rock for any rotten green slugs and disgusting filthy monkeys. To whoever brings me the Saiyan brat, you shall be heavily rewarded. But I want him alive."
The soldiers saluted.
"Sir, yes, s-"
However before they could finish, a mighty blast crashed into the center of them. There were screams of pain and shock as most of them were sent flying, and those in the center were reduced to ash. Frieza gaped until a voice spoke up behind him.
"Ha, wow. Weaker than I expected. Nice shot, Trunks."
Frieza whirled to see two teenagers land on the ground before him and his father. One, the one who spoke, was a girl with ear-length black hair and sweeping bangs. She wore a ragged yellow hooded jacket and a black half top beneath. Her hands bore fingerless black gloves, and she had on denim shorts. On her legs were yellow cargo boots that reached half way up her calf. Her eyes were a bright turquoise.
Next to her was a boy with lavender hair, straight and center parted, tied back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He wore a denim half cut jacket, a black top beneath, and matching jeans. He had on shorter yellow cargo boots, and on his back was sheathed a sword. He was glaring toward Frieza, while the girl carried a cocky grin.
"And just who do you think you are?" Frieza snarled.
"The people who are gonna kick your ass," the girl said, pointing at Frieza and King Cold while her other hand went to her hip.
Frieza looked at the pair for a moment before a laugh found its way out of his throat.
"You two? Please. Don't be ridiculous," he said. "Men." He glanced back at his remaining forces. "Do take care of these pests, wont you?"
Six of his men stepped forward, blasters ready. One placed a hand up to his Scouter.
"What?" He blinked in astonishment. "They both only have power levels of five!"
"Then it should be easy enough to deal with them," Frieza barked.
The men aimed, and fired. The two teens didn't make any move to dodge. The blasts hit them head on, consuming them both in a rapidly growing cloud of dust and energy. The men finally stopped, all laughing victoriously.
"What was that?" one cried. "Pathetic! Is that all this rock has to offer?"
"Before you go calling someone pathetic, please know who you're dealing with."
It was the boy that spoke this time, and Frieza blinked in surprise as the dust slowly faded away, revealing both of them completely unscathed.
The boy smirked toward them. "Allow me to demonstrate what pathetic actually means," he said.
The boy moved faster than Frieza's eyes could watch. One moment, he was unsheathing his sword at the girl's side, the next, he was mere feet away, stationed between Frieza and his men, blade out to the side.
All the men fell to the ground, unmoving.
"Tch," Frieza scoffed, gritting his teeth. Who were these two? What sort of annoyance was he to deal with now? He was here for the monkeys, not these brats.
The boy twirled his blade before sheathing it.
"Interesting," King Cold drawled, folding his arms. "Tell me, do the two of you have names?"
The boy turned, heading back toward the girl casually. He didn't even appeared worried about putting his back to Frieza and his father. His arrogance made Frieza begin to seethe.
"I'm called Trunks," he said, then gestured to the girl. "This is Ell. Would you like to know anything else?"
"Certainly," Frieza said. "Explain to me why you feel the need to end your life?"
Trunks turned back around once he'd reached Ell's side. He tilted his head. "Excuse me?"
"Do you know who I am?" Frieza snapped, his patience thinning.
"Oh we know all about you," Ell said with a cocky grin splaying her lips. "Lord Frieza. Would-be ruler of the universe."
"Would-be?" Frieza laughed. "Apparently you know nothing of me. I AM the ruler of this universe."
"Afraid not," Trunks said, narrowing his blue eyes. "Your story ends here."
*.*.*
Cerise didn't know where to go but back to Capsule Corp. Gohan had told her to stay in the city, to not worry. But the readings she was getting on her device were like none she'd ever seen. Gohan was no match for this. Even Vegeta was no match.
The door opened before she could knock, and there stood Bulma, adjusting her vest and gave Cerise a surprising grin.
"Ready?" she asked.
Cerise blinked, startled. "Ready for what?"
"Well, if the world is going to be destroyed, we might as well go see the light show!" Bulma said.
Cerise and Bulma had grown close the past few months over their shared love for science and technology. But Bulma still found ways to surprise her.
"You want to go after them?" she said, bewildered.
"Look," Bulma pulled out a small container of Capsules. "I have your equipment here, you can read off the energy Frieza gives off! Maybe it's different?"
"Oh, make some breakthrough right before we die?" Cerise said dryly.
"Better than dying wondering, right?" Bulma said. "Besides, Other World isn't so bad."
Cerise still found it incredibly odd that Bulma had actually died and been revived. The concept of it almost made her uncomfortable. Death was supposed to be a sure thing, solid, predictable. But then there were these Dragon Balls, changing the laws of nature.
"Come on!" Bulma urged, grabbing her arm and pulling her along.
"Wait!"
Cerise looked back into the house and saw the small floating cat known as Puar flying after them.
"I want to go too!" she said in her high tone. "Yamcha might need me!"
Cerise didn't want to make a comment on that. If this was the Frieza everyone had told her about, and he was somehow stronger than last they fought him, she was fairly certain no one could help Yamcha.
Regardless, the three of them packed into Bulma's air craft, and began zooming toward the signatures on Cerise's device.
Fear was beginning to arrest Cerise's body. She wondered how Bulma could possibly be so calm. Was it because she already died before? Cerise looked at the readings on her device again. There was no way that Gohan, Vegeta, and all the others combined could stop this. Her heart was hammering, and a cold sweat began to bead on her brow. She chewed on her lower lip, a nervous habit she'd had since she was a child.
"Hey."
A hand was suddenly on her knee, and Cerise looked over to see Bulma smiling at her.
"It's okay," she said. "Listen. I know that it's scary, but I can promise that one way or another, you aren't going to stop existing."
She had a point there. Cerise wasn't sure what she believed before in regards to what happened when someone died, but Bulma and the others had proof there was an afterlife. But all the same, the idea of being wretched from this world before completing her work terrified her. She couldn't die yet. She had too much left to discover.
"Yeah!" Puar charmed in. "No matter what, everything will be okay!"
Cerise swallowed and nodded, trying to stop the shaking in her knees.
They finally reached where the others were. Beneath, a massive expanse of wasteland lay before them. There was a valley in the center, surrounded by small mountains. At the edge of it was a hug, round shape that could only be described as a flying saucer. Cerise gaped at it, her breath coming in tight. First Saiyans and Namekians now this. How many extraterrestrial life out there was super powered?
The others were gathered on the other side of the mountains surrounding the valley. Bulma steered the vehicle to touch down beside them. Upon landing, Cerise saw that in addition to Gohan, Yamcha, and Krillin, Vegeta was here, along with Tien and Chiaotzu.
Bulma, Cerise, and Puar stepped out of the ship.
"Hey guys!" Bulma called.
"Bulma what are you doing here?!" Yamcha cried. "You and Cerise were supposed to stay in West City where it was safe!"
"If Frieza is here, nowhere is safe," Bulma pointed out flatly. "Besides, why should we sit out on all the action?"
"Bulma, Neka really wore off on you, didn't she?" Krillin asked.
Bulma laughed and smiled at him. "I suppose so. She'd never sit out on this."
"That's because she can fight," Vegeta barked. "You two will only get in the way!"
There was a blip from Cerise's device and she glanced down at it. Her brow furrowed.
"Wait... what?" she breathed.
"What is - oh." Gohan turned, looking toward the valley. "But... that's impossible..."
"What?" Bulma asked, looking over Cerise's shoulder at the readings. "Huh? Two more signatures?"
"They look weak..." Cerise murmured.
"Don't be fooled."
Cerise turned her head to see Piccolo slowly lowering down from the sky. He landed among them, his gaze fixed toward the valley. "They're suppressing their chi."
"Mister Piccolo!" Gohan greeted, running to his side.
"Who are they?" Tien asked, all three eyes lit with suspicion.
Suddenly, the readings on Cerise's device spiked.
"Whoa!" she gasped.
"Whoever they are," Vegeta said with his eyes narrowed, "I think they're not on friendly terms with Frieza."
*.*.*
"Please explain to me how you two insects believe that you can kill me?"
Frieza placed his cybernetic hands on his hips, a smug smile coming to his lips.
Ell glanced at Trunks. He looked annoyed as she felt. This bastard was just like all the stories they'd heard.
"Demonstration or should we keep trash talking?" Ell asked, elbowing Trunks in the ribs.
His blue eyes flicked over to hers and then away again. "You know I'm not really one for talk."
"Cool." Ell looked toward their adversaries again. "Should we kill his Dad first?"
King Cold's flesh brows shot up. "You dare?"
"It's fine, father," Frieza assured. "Listen. The two of you are only still breathing because I'm waiting for those Super Saiyans to arrive. I need some entertainment."
"Super Saiyan, eh?" Ell began to grin widely.
"Ell." Trunks shot her a warning look.
"But he said the magic word," Ell pointed out, clenching her fists.
Trunks let out an exasperated sigh.
"If you're waiting for a Super Saiyan," Ell called to Frieza, "I can fill the part."
The flesh side of Frieza's face fell into one of utter horror for a split second. Then, he seemed to recover and began to laugh. "Did you hear her, father? 'I can play the part'... Oh please. There's no way that you could be a Saiyan, let alone a Super one. I've ensured that nearly all of them are dead, and those that live, I have on my to-die list."
Ell spread her feet wide and cracked her neck. "You've a lot to learn, Lord Frieza."
She began to power up, her chi fluctuating wildly. Trunks let out another sigh and took a casual step away from her as the ground beneath her feet cracked and rose into the air. Her black hair began to stand on end, and flared to a vivid gold. Her eyes flashed to emerald green. She watched with satisfaction at the look of sheer terror that crossed Frieza's face.
Finally, when she finished, she grinned toward Frieza, hands on her hips.
"What did I tell you?" she crowed.
"Those eyes..." Frieza rasped, and then, his face twisted in rage. He flew up into the air, holding a finger over his head. A massive ball of energy began to form there, growing at a ludicrous rate.
Trunks unsheathed his sword, but Ell held out a hand toward him. "No," she said. "I've got this."
Trunks rolled his eyes. "You really have a show-off problem, you know that?" he said, but let the sword fall back into place.
Frieza was high above them now, and his energy orb looked like a orange moon.
"NO!" Frieza screamed from above. "I WILL NOT ALLOW THERE TO BE MORE! DIE! DIE! DIIIIE!"
And the orb of power was flung down at them.
*.*.*
Trunks crouched down low to the ground as the orb rushed toward them. Ell was confident as ever. She grinned up toward the attack and held up a single hand. Trunks braced himself. He wasn't worried about the orb. Ell would easily be able to handle that. He was far more concerned about Ell going overboard.
"Remember, we're here to save the planet," he told her.
"Oh shut up, worry wart," Ell scoffed.
The orb hit. Ell's arm bent with the blow, and the ground around them began to cave. Trunks kept his footing and felt the heat from the energy over them. It was definitely enough to crack this world's core, that was for certain. But Ell's chi was far stronger than that. She began to push back, lifting the orb up and over their heads. Trunks slowly stood, but had to remain slightly crouched, for even with her hand over her head, Ell was a small thing, and the orb was close to his lavender hair.
"Hey Frieza!" Ell called out. "Looks like you dropped the ball!"
Frieza and his father, King Cold, were staring at them in pure astonishment. Frieza's face slowly fell into that of rage again, his flesh eye twitching.
"No, but get it?" Ell seemed disappointed her joke was lost on them. "Dropped the ball? Drr-op-"
With a shriek of fury, Frieza shot out another blast. It hit the orb above them. The second it touched, the explosion hit. But Trunks and Ell didn't only train in strength. Within a blink, they were no longer in the valley, but up atop a nearby mountain.
"You okay?" Ell asked, flashing a glance toward him.
"Yeah," he said. Her concern was both touching and annoying to him. He might not be a Saiyan, but he was just as capable as she was.
"It's time to end this," he said. "You had your fun. But if we keep this up, he might try the same tactic he did back on Namek. He won't go for us, but the core of the planet."
"Party pooper," Ell said. "Fine, whatever, I suppose it is your turn."
Trunks glared down into the valley. It seemed that Frieza and King Cold both assumed them dead when the smoke cleared and there was nothing left. He could hear Frieza's shrill laughter from here.
"FRIEZA!" Trunks hollered.
He got the tyrant's attention. Frieza's half mechanical head snapped around and he gaped up at them.
Trunks held out his hands. He twisted them around in an elaborate fashion, channeling his chi, and finally, he held his palms out toward Frieza. A huge blast erupted from them, launching downward at an astonishing pace. Frieza, however, was not undone. He leapt upwards, narrowly avoiding the blast.
"Ha!" he cried. "You pathetic-!"
But it was already too late. By the time he turned his head, Trunks was already nearly on top of him, sword out and above his head, a battle cry spewing from his throat.
With one mighty swing, Frieza was cut vertically into two pieces. The cut seemed so clean and even, it was as if he'd cut through butter with a hot blade. Trunks twirled the blade in his hands and began to thrash it this way and that, slicing Frieza into more and more bits. Finally, when he was satisfied, he held out his hand and emitting a hefty blast, reducing the little bits of what had been Lord Frieza into nothing but ash.
"And you call me the show off!" Trunks heard Ell call.
It brought a small smirk to his lips.
"No!"
King Cold was glaring up at Trunks from below, his face twisted in horror and grief. Trunks lowered from they sky, landing a few paces from the alien.
"Y-you-!" King Cold was shaking in fury. But, after a moment, he took a breath, and seemed to calm down. "Hm. Commendable. You are capable, I see, and skilled. Not just anyone could have done... that... to my son."
Trunks could hear the tension in his voice. The strain of anger and pain.
"I would like to see that remarkable weapon you have there," King Cold said. "It seems a curious blade, to be so powerful."
Trunks understood what the alien was getting at. King Cold believed his power to come from his sword. He stepped forward, flipping the sword around so that he was holding it by its blade.
"Trunks?" Ell yelped from above.
Trunks ignored her. Let King Cold believe what he did. Let him. He would soon learn that humans could be just as capable as Saiyans.
King Cold took the sword by the hilt and stepped back. He gave it a few practice swings. Then he smiled.
"Amazing," he said. "I do so love the feel of it... Let us see how it fairs against you!"
As expected, King Cold rushed upon Trunks. The sword came flashing down toward him with mighty speed. But then, in a blink, Trunks' arm snapped up and caught the sword by the blade. It did not even cut into his flesh.
"You truly believe that if this was the source of my power I would hand it to you?" he asked, raising one brow. "You've a lot to learn, for a King."
Then, Trunks pressed his hand to King Cold's chest, and let out a harsh blast.
It cut clean through the alien's torso. King Cold let out a choked cry of pain, purple blood coming up with it. He dropped the sword and stumbled back into the rock face of the mountain where he collapsed. Within seconds, he was dead.
The sound of footsteps landing next to him made him look around to see Ell picking up the sword.
"I swear, you always go on about me being cocky, but then you pull stunts like that?" she said, holding the sword out to him hilt first.
"What can I say?" Trunks shrugged and took the sword, sheathing it with a twirl. "You wear off on me sometimes."
He knew Ell wouldn't be able to resist smiling at that one.
"So," Ell said, placing her hands on her hips as her hair fell back into place and reverted to black. "Shall we greet our audience?"
Trunks glanced up toward one of the mountains were he could sense several energy signatures. He spotted figured among the rocks up there and felt his heart stammer.
"It's weird, isn't it?" he said. "Knowing so many of them aren't alive where we come from?"
Ell followed his gaze. She was usually pretty good as masking her emotions. But he saw a flicker in her eyes. "Yeah, well. That's why we're here, right?" She gave him a forced smile and then ascended up into the sky.
Trunks followed her as she waved toward their onlookers.
"Hiya! Enjoy the show?" she called.
Trunks just about rolled his eyes but shouted toward them. "Please! Follow us! We know where Goku and Neka are going to arrive!"
With that, he turned and began flying into the distance, Ell at his side. She glanced back with a grin. "Yup, they're following!" she said.
Trunks glanced back to see a small group of people flying after them. It appeared that two were being carried.
"Remember," Trunks said, looking back at Ell. "Only Goku and Neka can know our names. We don't want to mess things up."
"Right." Ell waved him off. "Come on, you're talking like I mess things up all the time."
Trunks shot her a look.
"Hey that's not fair!" Ell defended. "Be nice Trunks!"
He couldn't help but laugh. She shoved him playfully then gave him a coy smirk.
"You keep this up and I'm cutting you off from any kisses," she said.
Trunks felt his cheeks heat up. "E-Ell..." he stammered.
Now it was her turn to laugh.
*.*.*
If Vegeta hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.
He led the way, flying after the two teens that had just killed Frieza and his father. The two teens that one of which was somehow a Super Saiyan.
"I thought you said that there weren't any other Saiyans left," Gohan said.
He flew next to Vegeta, his eyes wide and staring after the strangers.
"That's because there aren't!" Vegeta barked.
He knew that he, his sister, Kakarot, Raditz, and Nappa were the only ones that survived planet Vegeta's destruction. Another Saiyan shouldn't be possible! Not to mention, she was a female, a mere teen, and a Super Saiyan! How?! How could such a young brat reach a pinnacle he hadn't even managed to scratch yet?!
"I can't believe how fast they took down Frieza," Tien muttered. He flew not too far behind, carrying a slightly uncomfortable looking Cerise on his back. "He was even stronger than when we faced him on Namek, but the boy tore him to shreds..."
"Do you really think they know where Goku and Neka are going to be?" Krillin asked.
"It's either that or they're leading us into a trap," Yamcha said.
"I hardly doubt they're leading us into a trap after killing Frieza for us," Bulma said from her seat on his back.
"But who are they?" Piccolo breathed. "We've never seen them before and then they just pop up out of the blue..."
"I guess we'll find out," Cerise said.
After a while, the two teens touched down in another valley. They turned and watched as Vegeta and the rest of them landed nearby. There was an awkward silence for a moment as the two groups stared at one another.
"Hi," the girl said suddenly, waving and smiling. Vegeta glared at her. How could she possibly be a Saiyan? It made no sense! "So, uh, thanks for coming. They'll be here in about two hours."
"Two hours?" Krillin said. "How can you know that?"
"It's a long story," the boy said, pushing lavender hair from his face. "I'm glad you all came. Here." From his pocket, he produced a small container from which he pulled what Vegeta recognized as a Capsule. He popped it, and a small fridge appeared. "Help yourselves!" the boy said. "It's pretty how out here, you must all be thirsty."
Hesitantly, their group went forward and each took a can from the fridge. Vegeta hung back, his eyes narrowed. Until this started to make sense, he wasn't about to let his guard down.
"So who are you two?" Yamcha asked, looking over the pair of them with a frown. "I mean, you guys took Frieza down faster than I could blink!"
"Uh," the boy seemed nervous under the scarred man's gaze and looked away. "We've come a long way to get here. There isn't much beyond that we can say."
"Well you're obviously a Saiyan," Bulma said, going to the girl's side and poking her arm. "And... is that a Capsule Corp logo I see on your jackets?"
The girl rubbed the back of her neck. "Uh. Yeah. We're big fans!"
Something definitely didn't sit right.
"No," Vegeta stormed forward, coming to a halt right in front of the girl. She turned and her eyes shot wide at the sight of him. She shrunk away, but he grabbed her arm. "You shouldn't even exist! There are no Saiyans left alive outside myself, my sister, and Kakarot! Yet you somehow achieved the level of Super Saiyan? Who are you?!"
"I'm no one!" The girl managed to rip free of his grip and she stared at him, wide eyed. "Just- just no one."
"Bullshit!" Vegeta began to step forward again, but a small hand fell onto his chest.
Vegeta turned to see Cerise standing next to him, her eyes slightly fearful as she glared at him.
"Vegeta, that's enough," she said softly. "These two helped us. I'm sure once Goku and Neka get here we'll have our answers."
Vegeta was half tempted to send her flying across the valley. This girl truly loved to get on his nerves. Then he spotted Gohan's gaze on him. With an irritated grunt, he stepped back, shooting the girl one last glare before storming off to sit on a nearby boulder. Cerise sighed in relief and smiled toward the girl.
"I'm sorry about that. My name is Cerise."
The girl looked at her with a wary grin. "Ah, it's fine, really."
"So what are your names?" Piccolo asked, leering down at both of them.
"I'm afraid we can't say," the boy said. "I know it's asking a lot, but you have to trust us."
"Well, you did just kill Frieza," Krillin said with a laugh. "That's good enough for me!"
"It was very impressive," Gohan said.
Both the teens looked down at the boy with equal looks of sudden surprise. They exchanged a look then their eyes fell onto him again.
"Th-thank you," the boy stammered.
Gohan frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!" the girl said. "It's just, we've heard a lot about all of you. It's nice to finally see everyone face to face."
Vegeta narrowed his eyes. How did these two know about them? None of this was adding up.
"So are you a Saiyan too?" Chiaotzu asked the boy.
The boy shook his head. "No, human as I can be."
Vegeta gaped at that. This boy was a human? Yet he'd managed to kill both Frieza and King Cold like it was nothing?! Impossible! He was getting sick of not understanding. But if these two were right, and Neka and Kakarot were to arrive here in a few hours, he supposed it would be worth it.
*.*.*
"Thank you all so much for all your help!"
Neka leaned against the building, tapping her foot impatiently. Goku was smiling and shaking the hands of the Yardrats that had trained them. Neka was grateful too, but she'd already said her goodbyes. She was tired of waiting.
After the past five months, Goku had gotten to the point where he could use Instant Transmission to get them home. Neka could still only get herself to the next nearest planet. She guessed it came down to sensing energy, since that's what Instant Transmission relied on. Goku had always been better at that then her.
"Goku," she said shortly.
"Ah! Sorry!" Goku laughed and came to her side.
Neka shrugged off the wall and took his hand. She was ready to get back to Earth. She was ready to see her friends and her brother. But above all, she was ready to see Gohan. She looked to the aliens that had saved them and trained them and gave them a final, appreciative nod.
They all waved and what she assumed was smiles were upon their lips. She'd always be grateful. But her place was on Earth.
Goku placed his fingers to his forehead, and his face tightened in concentration. Then, Yardrat was gone.
Neka gasped as a new landscape appeared around them. It looked like one of the wastelands that Goku used to take her to to vent. She blinked a few times.
"We're back?" she asked.
"Yeah," Goku said. "But I was expecting to be at our house..."
"Mom! Dad!"
Neka gasped and turned, her heart skipping. Behind them, were all of their friends. She spotted Vegeta, blinking in surprise, Piccolo equally as startled, Bulma beaming toward them from beside Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu smiling. There were three people there she didn't recognize. But she didn't have time to care about that.
A small form crashed into her, hugging her tightly.
"Gohan!" Neka cried, falling to her knees so that she could properly hug him. He'd grown since she last saw him, both in size and power. She held his small form tightly, burying her head into his soft hair. "I missed you so much," she told him.
Gohan broke away from her, beaming at her with watery eyes. "I'm so glad you're back!" he said.
Goku reached down and plucked Gohan into his arms. Gohan let out a startled yelp but wrapped his arms around his father's neck.
"I'm glad too, son," Goku said.
Neka couldn't express the elation within her at the sight of her son. She smiled and ruffled his hair just before Goku plopped him onto his shoulders.
"Welcome back, you two!" Bulma called as she approached. "Nice outfits."
Neka glanced at her Yardrat gear and shrugged. "I'm just surprised they had it in our size," she said.
Bulma pulled her into a hug. Neka returned it roughly, smiling slightly. "Good to see you again, Bulma."
"How did you guys know we'd be here?" Goku asked, looking around at them all. "And I see some new faces!"
Vegeta was approaching Neka, shooting a glance back toward the younger two of the three strangers.
"Vegeta," Neka greeted him with a nod. She wanted to hug him like she had with Gohan and Bulma. But she wasn't sure how he'd react to that, especially with so many eyes around.
"Neka." He nodded back. "I hope you know something about these two that we don't because so far none of it has made any sense."
He sounded quite peeved about that. But Neka could also see in the way he looked at her that he was happy she was back. Neka glanced over to the strangers. "Only two of them? I don't recognize three of these faces."
"The one with pink hair is of no issue," Vegeta said with a wave of his hand. "That's just Cerise."
Neka frowned at her brother. "Have you mated while I was away?"
Vegeta's head snapped around to face her again so fast she heard it pop. His cheeks flared red. "D-don't be ridiculous!" he spluttered. "She's just some scientist that your son insisted on keeping around! If it were up to me, she'd be long gone!"
Neka saw that Cerise too had blushed at Neka's comment. She looked between her brother and the girl with suspicion.
Goku laughed. "I don't know Vegeta, why are you both so red in the face, then?"
"We have more pressing matters!" Vegeta barked. "Do you know these two or not?! Do you realize what just happened? Frieza and his father were here!"
Neka just about fell over. "Frieza and King Cold?! How?"
"Frieza looked like he'd been brought back with cybernetics," Gohan said. "Over seventy-five percent of his body looked synthetic. I think they came here to find you and get revenge."
"But then those two came and saved the day," Bulma said, pointing to the two teens. "Within less than ten minutes, I think."
Defeating Frieza and King Cold in less than ten minutes? How was that possible?
The two in question began to head toward them. The boy with lavender hair spoke first.
"Goku, Neka, it's nice to finally meet you both in person," he said. "Could we talk in private?"
Goku and Neka exchanged a look.
"I suppose it can't hurt," Goku said as he reached up and picked Gohan off his shoulders. As he set the boy down he smiled and ruffled his hair. "We'll be right back, Gohan."
Gohan nodded warily.
"Wait, I don't think so," Vegeta snapped. "I'm going too."
"You can't," the girl said, stepping between him and Neka. "This has to be to the two of them alone."
Vegeta looked outraged, but Neka held up a hand. "Vegeta, it's fine," she said. "We'll be back shortly."
Vegeta clamped his mouth shut and turned away with a grunt.
Neka and Goku followed the two teens to the edge of the valley, far from the others. Finally, they turned to face them. After exchanging a look, the boy began.
"My name is Trunks, and this is Ellery. But she goes by Ell," he said.
"Ellery?" Neka repeated. "That... that sounds Saiyan."
"It is," Ell said, glancing at her feet.
"I suppose that makes more sense why they defeated Frieza," Goku said.
"It makes no sense, Goku, there's no Saiyans left!" Neka snapped.
"And I'm technically the one who killed them," Trunks said. "I'm human."
Neka's jaw went slack. "How is that possible?!"
Trunks sighed. "You know, Mom warned me it would be like this but it's still a little frustrating," he said to Ell.
She laughed and shrugged. "The 'human' word still has stigma in this time line."
"Time line?" Goku repeated.
Ell nodded. "To cover some of your confusion, Trunks and I are from the future. Twenty years to be exact."
"My mother made a time machine," Trunks explained. "This way we could come back, and well... try to make things different."
"Time travel?" Goku shook his head. "Now I've heard everything. Who's your mother?"
"Bulma," Trunks said softly. "My father is Yamcha. But you can't tell them. If they find out, I might never be born."
"But that means..." Neka looked at Ell, noticing how much the girl actually looked like her. "Does that mean you're our daughter? Then why would you tell us, wouldn't that make it to where you might never be born?"
"Oh, no, no," Ell said, laughing nervously. "You're not my parents."
"Then how else are you a Saiyan?" Neka asked.
"I'm only half," Ell said. "Vegeta's my father."
Neka gaped. This girl- this girl was her niece? Vegeta was going to be a father?
"Oh wow!" Goku said, looking her over with his hands on his hips. "Vegeta having a family... That seemed pretty wild. Who's your mom?"
Ell glanced back toward the others. It was only then Neka noticed how odd her eyes were, a vibrant turquoise.
"That Cerise woman," Neka said.
Ell looked back, startled. "How did...?"
"The eyes," Neka said. She shook her head slowly. "She must be something to start a family with Vegeta."
"She is," Trunks said. "The reasons humans are so strong in the future is all thanks to her. She's going to make some extensive breakthroughs with energy work in the next few years."
"Then I look forward to meeting her!" Goku said with a nod, but then his face grew serious. "So why are you here? What did you mean by make things different?"
"Where we come from, the world is being terrorized by two androids created by the Red Ribbon Army," Trunks said. "They are going to appear in South City three and a half years from now on March 10th. Within the first week of their attack, Vegeta, Yamcha, Krillin, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Piccolo will all lose their lives to them. The only ones who survive are our mothers, Gohan, and you, Neka."
"Even Vegeta?" Neka breathed.
"The Red Ribbon Army..." Goku murmured.
Neka glanced at him. "I remember that name. You said you fought them before right? That man, Tao, the one in that tournament from when we first met... he was with them?"
Goku nodded grimly. "I thought I wiped them all out."
"A scientist, Dr. Gero, still lives," Ell said. "He wanted revenge. So he created these androids. But they went out of control."
"Hang on," Neka said. "You named all the fighters but Goku. Does he survive in your time, then?"
"Afraid not," Ell said with a shake of her head, glancing at Goku. "You die before the attack even hits. A virus that targets the heart is going to hit in a couple of years from now. It's too strong, even for a Super Saiyan to beat."
Neka felt her heart twist. Goku would be taken by illness? No, it wasn't right! He was a warrior, something as pathetic as a virus shouldn't be the thing to take him down!
Ell seemed to notice her turmoil. "No need to worry!" she said. "There's a cure in our time."
Trunks reached into his pockets and produced a vial. He handed it to Goku. "Take this when the symptoms start. It will save your life, and you will be able to help fight when the androids arrive."
"And make a difference," Goku said, nodding. "Well this is great though! We can use these next three years to train. We'll make sure that we beat them!"
"Listen," Ell said, stepping forward. "I can ascend to Super Saiyan, and Trunks is almost as strong as I am. But even we aren't a match for them. If you want to stand a chance, you'll have to train harder than ever."
Neka felt her gaze drop. How could this be? Another threat blooming after they'd just returned? Wasn't Frieza enough? But no. She told herself this time it would be different. She had Goku, and it didn't always have to be training. She would make time to be the mother Gohan deserved.
"So even at my current level, I'm not powerful enough to stop them," Neka said. "Am I stronger in your time line? By how much?"
Trunks and Ell exchanged a wary glance.
"You... you survived the initial attack," Ell said. "But... you died when we were little. You went to fight the androids alone, but Gohan followed you. The androids used him to their advantage and you were killed."
"And Gohan?" Goku asked, taking a step forward.
Trunks met his gaze. "It was the final push. He ascended to Super Saiyan and managed to escape."
Neka bowed her head, fists clenching. She shouldn't have been surprised that it would be her death that would push Gohan to the edge. But all the same, she felt a sense of guilt. What must have arrested her to go fight them alone? Had she reverted back to her old self in this dark future? Perhaps without Goku there, and the loss of her brother, she had grown selfish again.
"We'll return on the day they arrive," Trunks said, seeming eager to change the subject. "With the two of us, plus all the Z fighters, I feel like we can take them down."
"We'll make sure we do," Goku said with a firm nod. "It's just a shame... I've met an android built by the Red Ribbon Army before, but he was peaceful... It seems this Gero has stepped up the game."
Trunks nodded. "My mom always said if you were still alive, you could have made a difference."
"I hope she's right," Goku said.
Neka looked over Ell again. She still couldn't believe it was Vegeta's daughter. She never imagined he'd settle down with anyone. She glanced over her shoulder toward the girl with pink hair. What was it about her that would make Vegeta start a family?
"We should get going," Trunks said. "We're the only two strong enough to put up a fight against the androids in our time."
"I thought you said Gohan survived? Went Super Saiyan?" Neka said, looking back at them.
Both of them looked suddenly crestfallen.
"He... he did," Ell said softly. "He was our mentor. He trained us everything we know. But about a year ago he..."
"The androids finally got him too," Trunks murmured.
Neka felt her stomach twist and her heart crack. She wouldn't allow that to pass. No matter what, she would defend her home and her family. Nothing was going to get in her way.
"Well, we appreciate this," Goku held up his vial. "We promise we'll do everything we can."
"You're just as noble as my mother said," Trunks said with a smile. "Thank you."
AUTHOR'S NOTE:::
I know, it's been a while, (again *shifty eyes*) But I've been doing a lot of crazy stuff! So let's get all this out of the way. Regarding this chapter, we finally get to see this fic's Trunks. For the most part, his personality is the same. And, his partner in crime, Ell. I honestly had no idea how she was going to turn out until I started writing her, and here we have this fun, spunky little Saiyan. I hope you guys like them!
Meanwhile, I've seen some comments complaining about Cerise as an OC. Now, I am sorry you don't like her character, but simply put, she is already here, and her character has already formed and developed. To put this as nicely as I can, if you don't like the story, you by no means have to read it. These are fanfictions after all! I write these to practice my own writing, develop characters, and in that long run, it is now also to entertain my readers, that being said however, if I tried to conform to every reader's wishes of how the story would go, well I'd have to be making additional fanfics of my fanfics. I love and appreciate every one of you, so please understand my position :) .
In other news! The main reason it's taken me so long to update is because I've been working on a lot of stuff for my novel, stuff like the actual publication process. I am happy to say that my novel now has a release date, November 4th, and can be preordered on Amazon! As of now, only the ebook version is available, (print copies will be able to preorder within the next month, most likely). For full details and the description of what the book is about, just pop in my name in the Amazon search bar: Serena Sneed. The Heart of Kings should show up for you. I would absolutely love to share this story with you guys, and would be so, so, SO grateful for your support. (Though be prepared for a long read, it clocked in at 887 pages long.) Also! For a free preview (the prologue and first two chapters of the novel) you can find me on Wattpad under SerenaSonyaSneed.
Alright! Now, just so you guys are aware, the next chapter will most likely be mostly fluff. Neka, Goku, and Gohan NEED family time! So look forward to that :D As always, thank you all so much for the reads, reviews, follows and favs! I seriously would not be at the point of publishing my own book if it wasn't for your guys' love and support. You've no idea how forever grateful I am for all of you!
-Red