.The door opened and the tight feeling left Trunkses skull, for the first time in months he could see the sun rising above the sky,
Trunks left the time chamber,Part of him wanted to finish the year but he had enough.
his hair has grown and grew a bit in size, he didn't finish the full year but his strength has increased tremendously. He felt reborn with a new chance in life.
His Father was awful to him, and hardly had the chance to train with him, He frustrated and left the chamber without saying a word. Maybe he should just stay with Goku if he ever decides to go inside again.
It was a stupid idea for even thinking that he could bond with his father, the little admiration he had turned to dust,
Vegeta knows who he is but remained cold the whole time. Like his own son don't matter.
How could his mother fall for him?
The only thing he's thankful for is that he has the power to save people,but that's the only reason he's happy Vegeta is his father but besides that he rather have Goku and his Mother conceive him, at least Goku is despite his flaws like having a temper of a water-cooker a humble man and teacher.
Despite all of this he found new appreciation for life, like a brighter future is set In stone. For once he wasn't troubled,
The cold wind of the lookout calmed the pressure he still feels in his body, he breathed out and traveled towards the edge.
He scanned for Goku's ki and took off, he didn't tell Vegeta he left but at the moment he didn't care,
after he smacked him away for just wanting to help him pretty much shows that he never wanted Trunks with him in there.
Goku was the only thing on Vegeta's obsessive mind, he never wanted to be a father and it stung.
Maybe it's time to stop wishing for things he can't have, it causes nothing but pain.
Atleast he give it closure and focus on the people who do want him, his Mother, Goku, Gohan, Erasa and the others from the Z squad
are those people, his true family.
Its easier said than done, but in his case its for the best.
-/-
Goku and Gohan were near the islands having a walk together, Trunks arrived further away from them.
He watched them from a moment, they were chatting as they walked next to eachother.
Goku ruffles Gohan scalp and he hurried towards a nice shell that was lying on the sand. "Dad you think mom will like this one?" Gohan asked and Goku just shrugged in response.
From that moment Trunks decided to leave as his heart shattered he became saddened once more, Gohan has a loving father with him, guiding his son with every step. Why can't his biological father be at least similar? Yes he has been born out of wedlock but being treated like you are an inconvenience is terrible.
Goku loves seeing Gohan develop his character more, he went from timid and easily giving up to someone who is starting to choose for himself. He briefly looked up at the sky where the clouds parted for the sunlight to come through and focused on Gohan again who walked ahead,
"I miss you Gohan,"
-/-
It was time to head back,Trunks remained by himself until his supposed time to get out of the time chamber.
Trunks landed on the sand and looked next to him at Roshi who was snoozing on a beach chair with a hentai magazine over his face, Trunks smiled deciding not to wake him up to greet him and went to the door.
When Trunks entered the Kame house Goku looked up with a smile as he greeted him.
He walked over from the table giving Trunks proper welcome.
"Hey!" Goku Said happy like he hasn't seen him in years, They embraced, It felt wonderful to be back here,in the humble house in the middle of nowhere.
Goku cradled him a bit since Trunks seems to have a bit trouble to let go.
"You're okay?" Goku wondered.
"Y..yeah" Trunks said facing Goku.
"It's just that..why can't Father be like you"? Trunks asked. And Goku knew things didn't go very well with Vegeta.
"My attempt to bond with him went awful.. I never felt so unwanted in my whole life" Trunks Admitted and his eyes sparked with hurt when he told Goku that.
"Trunks.."
"If you want to, I can contact your mother and let her meet you" Goku Said.
"But what about the time.." Trunks stuttered.
"Put the blame on me," Goku interrupted him,
"Your Mother Bulma loves you, maybe meeting her will help you move on and learn to only focus on the people who want you by their side" Goku Said.
Trunks sniffed a bit,not wanting to become emotional, "Thank you.. Tou-san"
"I love you" Trunks said and leaned against his shoulder.
Gohan came from the kitchen with a dish and noticed Trunks
"Yay you're back!" Gohan hopped towards him and Trunks grabbed around the shoulder with one arm pulling him close.
"Yeah, I'm happy to be able to meet all of you back" Trunks said.
Gohan smiled hearing that from Trunks.
"So how did everything go?" Gohan grabbed his hand and guided him to the table where a lot of food was.
"I want to know all about it" Gohan chirped.
"Gohan let's eat first" Goku offered, Trunks must be very hungry"
"Oh yes I can't wait to dig in" Trunks smiled, "What did you guys ordered?"
"Your favourite" Goku Said and the table was full of deliciousness like they robbed a restaurant.
-/-
After dinner and a short nap to let everything digest the Z squad discussed about their plan to defeat Cell. Gohan listens attentively, and felt his anxiousness creeping up in his stomach, This being seems powerful and the fact that it's already here in a premature state brings chills to his bones,
But it also fed the fire, his hidden potentials has always left a big impact, he faced villains stronger than him and doesn't want to be the weakest link of the group.
He has to find that strength to transform, his father always said to use the pain of loss and that power will come when you need it the most.
But what if.. nobody has to die in order to get it? What if he can think of the worst scenario in his head.. like his mother, Father.. Trunks and all of friends die at the hands of this horrid android..
Gohan swallowed a steel lump away in his throat. It wasn't something pleasant to think about, He will ask his father what Cell looks like to get a better picture of him but until then he will stay calm until it's time to enter the chamber.
"Dad may I please be dismissed?" Gohan asked.
"Where you're off to?" Goku asked.
"Train," I want to be ready when we enter the Hyperbolic time chamber" Gohan said acting like nothing is amiss.
Goku nodded,
" Sure but don't go anywhere you can't sense you, it's getting late" Goku Said,
Gohan agreed and made sure he did what his Father asked of him and took off.
"Poor kiddo," Goku sighed, "I know he's having a hard time.."
"How bout I give you a haircut?" Goku asked catching Trunks by surprise with the sudden change of subject.
"Uhh..Sure" Trunks said running his hand through his shoulder length hair after removing the rope that tied it together.
Snap! * that was the last lock of Lavender hair that was cut short.
"There you go Trunks-Kun" Goku Said ruffing Trunkses new haircut.
Trunks smiled looking up at him from the chair, "Thanks"
Goku did well and its wonderful having everything short again. He forgot how light it felt with no more hair getting in the way of his eye sight.
Guilt stirred in Trunkses gut, he wanted to Tell Goku that the androids have been destroyed but then the truth that he tampered with everything will come out,
he knows that the truth cant be silenced forever, Gohans birthday is coming up soon,and after that he will tell Goku it's time to go home,Its a bit harder than it seems. He feels like he's going to betray his elder friends trust again.
But Hopes that Goku will understand that he had a PTSD flashback and all he did was defend Krillin from being harmed.
"Goku-san "Trunks said when Goku dusted the hair from his back.
"hmm?"
"You didn't ask me anything about how things went in the timechamber"Trunks mentioned,
"I know, I just wanted to give you a warm welcome before asking"Goku said, Trunks smiled thinking that it was very thoughtful.
And from that Trunks told everything he went through and the hardship of the climate change in there but also the most devastating part that his own father doesn't care about him.
"When I thought he was in danger he just smacked me away like I'm nothing but garbage, and all I did was walk away feeling embarrassed. But one moment I had enough, Tired of his cold demeanour I left without a word, I was said but it also gave closure.
"I know now what truly matters, and I haven't missed out on anything by never having the chance to grow up without a biological father"
"I regret that I didn't wait until I could go with you" Trunks said.
"But I suggested it, thinking it will make you grow to eachother" I should be sorry" Goku Said and then the door opens.
Gohan walked in "Dad wanna spar"? Gohan asked getting back to his chipper mood.
"Just a sec Gohan, I was wondering if we should Celebrate yours and Trunkses birthday on the same day after our training is finished." Goku Said assuming that Trunks want to keep the conversation about his father private.
"Oh that's a great idea" Gohan said.
"When is your birthday?" Gohan asked.
"November" Trunks said, "It has already passed during my stay in the time chamber"
"Ah I see.."
"So how old are you now Trunks-kun"? Gohan asked.
"17" Trunks smiled. "I'm a young man now"
"I'll be 9 soon in may, I can't wait what kind of surprised Dad has for me" Gohan said chipper.
"And when you are 18 you can do whatever you like" Gohan said with mock envy.
"I could always do what I wanted, Goku trusts me enough to act responsible on my own" Trunks said taking another bite.
"And I trust him" Trunks said after he swallowed a chunk.
"You see when we have mutual respect and trust in eachother then the * wait until you are 18 to be in charge of your life * crap is irrelevant" Trunks said.
"
""Gosh, Trunks had the awesome privilege to be raised by my Dad, Iife would be so much simple If only Mother had this much faith in his ability to become a warrior" Gohan thought.
"Hey what's up?" Trunks said a bit alarmed when Gohan became silent all of the sudden.
"Nothing..I just thought about what you said, I just wish I could be like you though, I mean when others say No to me I feel chained up but your willpower is grounded like a mountain" Gohan said.
"Yeah well, Harsh cicumstances contributed to that strong will, but you can do it too, I notice you always feel guilty when you try to choose or even think for yourself"
"Like with your mother, You're training hard in secret instead admitting to her that you are training to save the world with your Dad" Trunks said.
"If you don't help then there is no Earth left, and no matter what other people tell you, You have a right to choose your own life and do as you see fit Aslong you don't disrespect or harm anyone"
"Who are you disrespecting or harming when you train hard"? Trunks asked.
"Nobody"
"Exactly, so stop fussing and learn to be in charge of your own life,"
"Yeah but.."
"No buts, you always have the last word" If you dont want be a scolar then dont let her inflict that limit upon you"
"If you won't listen then go ahead and be your mothers puppet forever because I'm not going to coach you, you are responsible for your own fortune" Trunks said with a strict tone.
"So if I remain respectful towards others I can do whatever.." Gohan said.
"Yeah, but you shouldn't wait for anyone's approaval, just do it. " Trunks mentioned. "Listen to common sense only and you'll be fine,"
Gohan notice Trunks smile. It's always a nice reminder that Trunks means well.
His voice is so gruff and it's hard to tell if he's annoyed or in a good mood.
-/-
Tomorrow Gohan and Goku will enter the time chamber together, Goku was a bit anxious but also excited, Excited to train with his son for a year but also to see how far his powers will take him.
But before that happens Goku wanted to spend time with Trunks and Krillin At the beach they remained with eachother. Krillin was ready for a swim and Goku was still awake but rested his eyes laying underneath a tree,
They agreed to retreat in the remote islands far a way from the cities for some well deserved peace and quiet.
Gohan was massaging Gokus back after placing sunscreen on it, satisfied Goku remained on his stomach,he thought about his friends and regretted a bit being here on the islands, He wants to head to the HBTC now but since it's Trunks Birthday he will let it slide just this once.
The androids will arrive very soon, realising that made him squeeze his eyes shut.
"Does it hurt?" Gohan asked and avoided scrubbing on the sunburns.
"No.. Gohan when this day ends well head to the HBTC without any side stops okay"? Goku Said looking over his shoulder.
"You're worried about the androids aren't you?" Gohan got off his back and looked nervous.
"It's Cell.." a creature a lot stronger than any of us,therefore I can't stop until I ascend" Goku Said sitting up.
"I'm worried about everyone else too..but everyone is aware and training, Piccolo fused with Kami so atleast we'll have a good defense"
"Then what's the problem"? Gohan wondered.
"It killed you, and almost all of us,but Trunks got me to safety.." Goku Said still finding it hard to talk about it, He rembers their future like it happened yesterday.
"That's why I need you to do your best," Goku held on to his shoulders,
Gohan nodded, "I wont let you down this time Father"
and Goku help up his palm holding it close to Gohan.
At first Gohan wondered what his Father wanted to do,then he realised.
He balled his fist and punched hard against Goku's palm.
They exhanced a smile with mutal admiration.
for Goku it was great to see his boy wavering from his previous desire to keep his mother happy and to choose what hes designed for.
He can hardly be compared to a shadow of the Gohan he always knew, he might never come anywhere close but this Gohan still has potential.
Together they will unlock it.
-/-
The gang went towards the forest to look for decent firewood.
Goku remained behind for a short nap knowing that theyll be fine.
But instead of making it a quick trip they explored their surroundings by foot,
Gohan eyed the pearly white sand beneath him. The sun rays shined through the g aps of mint green leafs He heard his friends chattering nearby and made sure he goes not to far away.
On his way to see more from his surroundings he found some wood they could use.
He saw something shimmer in the distance, he grabbed it and it was a shard thick glass.
It seems like there has been littering going on but it was of strange since humans dont go on deserted islands like these often. Gohan dug a hole in the sand to burry it to prevent any animals to get hurt on it.
He wanted to walk back towards the others.
A weird tight feeling went passed his back and glanced towards the path where the sensation was coming from. He had a bad feeling like his senses in his whole body screamed Danger.
"Gohan?!"
Gohan startled when He heard Krillin and Trunks call out to him.
"Guys im here, get over here quick!" Gohan said through the mindlink and sped up towards the path he kept his guard up as he scanned the area.
There was nothing, no Ki of anything unusual was detected but why does he feel so alarmed?.
But as he walked further he noticed something, it had a weird shape.
His eyes grew big with disgust as he backed away and called for his friends letting his Ki spark so that they can locate his ki.
Krillin and Trunks landed, worried about him,
"Gohan what is it? "Trunks beamed hurrying towards where he was.
He looked towards the direction where Gohan was standing.
"What are you seeing?" Trunks said coming to his side.
"O..over there"
Trunks gasped, there was a huge bug-like creature standing with 4 legs on the grass in plain sight.
It didn't move and looks like a creature shedded it's cocoon.
"Cell".. Trunks said with dread.. they still arent done with saving this Earth.
"Guys get behind me!" Trunks ordered. Krillin and Gohan did so but watched on as Trunks got closer to the thing.
Carefully Trunks touched the skin and looked inside the gap, there was Pink goop inside and Trunks feared for the worst.
"Damn it,! It's still wet inside so this means Cell is not far" Trunks said alarmed.
"He could be watching us waiting to attack" Gohan said bracing himself despite being fear stricken.
Trunks clenched his teeth turning into a super saiyan, "He won't be able to stop me!" Trunks said unleashing an aura of anger ready to hunt that hideous bug down.
Gohan cowered slightly due to the hurricane of an Aura but remained next to Trunks looking around, trying to scan any Ki nearby.
"I need to Kill it before it has any chance to cause harm" Trunks said determined.
"But Goku said" Krillin reaches out.
"I know! I'll mess up the time even more but this android absorbes lifeforms and if I don't do anything now he will outgrow all of us in Strength!" Trunks argued.
"Trunks wait for us!" Gohan reaches out to him and both tried to keep up with his Supersaiyan speed. They feared that Trunks might get hurt and Krillin tried entering Gokus thoughtstream.
-/-
Goku woke up, drowsily rubbing one eye like a small child.
his stomach was starting to growl and noticed the others haven't returned yet.
Wondering what's taking them so long he rised on his feet.
Goku became alert when Krillins voice broke through.
"Krillin? Calm down what's going on?" Goku responded back.
"We found a cocoon of a bug like android and we lost track of Trunks" Krillin said.
Time seems to freeze when Krillin mention Trunks went all alone, he felt the same panic when Trunks was found missing the first time.
"No!"
"Get back here both of you" Goku ordered agressivly ."Now!"
Goku then went up in the air within seconds he was above the trees and channeled his Supersaiyan power as he tore through the valley, he had to find him, he scanned the area as rage throbbed in his skull when Trunks refuses to answer.
Goku's shout for him to turn back echoed in his mind causing light sensation of pain.
"This will be the end of us all I can't just sit around and do nothing!" Trunks cried and seconds later Goku appeared in front of him in mid air with instant transmission.
Swiftly Goku strikes him in the face with a backhand,not with full power but just to knock him down.
Trunks used his elbow to get himself up from the crater of his fall to the ground, it happened so fast he hardly felt the blow but it did send him flying.
Regret shimmered in his eyes for having to use force but his demeanour remained strict.
"You're not going to get yourself killed" Goku Said serious.
"You hear me?" You are not facing Cell alone, I told you that many times before!" Goku barked.
Trunks snapped out of his fit and stared at Goku
"This was not supposed to happen!" Trunks babbles in terror," this cant be happening!"
Goku senses that Trunks is having a panic attack and came to his side right away, kneeling in front of him, Goku made eye contact with him.
"Listen to me, I know Cell arrived much earlier than expected but there is no time for panic, We need to Stay focused." Goku Said grabbing onto his face.
"We need to do this together as a team" Goku urged and Trunks visibly calmed down. But still had that look of terror in his facial expression.
"Goku-san...I this is my fault" Trunks whimpered. Goku thought Trunks was talking about the incident where he had to step in.
"No, it's not" Goku Said making him look up, "None of this is your fault, I promise you Cell will be defeated. "It will never harm anyone on this Earth Aslong I'm here" Goku assured him one last time before getting up.
"Believe me" Goku spoke wanting to help Trunks up,but he remained unresponsive.
"What's wrong?" Goku asked knowing something is troubles his mind,
"Nothing.. I panicked, I've seen too many people die, I can't let that creature breed Hell on this Earth" Trunks said.
"It won't, we no longer have to be alone, this time there will be a difference, and a future for a better world, and for us as well." Goku Said assuring.
"But now it's not the time to sulk,change all the pain you feel right now into power and stay focused" Our battle is not over but soon it will," Goku became serious.
A split second ago he wanted to fess up,just to be liberated from the guilt of keeping quiet about all of this for so long but he could hardly say anything the shock was too much.
Instead he just held on,in response Goku held on to his scalp,
"It's going to be all right"
-/-
"I..I've never seen Dad so pissed off before" Gohan mentioned.
"Same" Krillin responded, "But he's just looking out for us,"
"I know, " Gohan mentioned, "Im heading back to mother, to make sure shes okay," Gohan mentioned.
"Okay, but no side stops, stay with her until its safe" Krillin ordered and Gohan agreed before blasting off towards mount paozu.
Krillin didnt know what to do, besides telling Goku the truth that is..
this could be their fault, If only he told Goku sooner that they ran into Gero and lowkey knows that keeping this a secret will cause more grief.
All 3 met up at the west district of Mount Paozu.
Trunkses nightmare followed him all the way here,Cell is out there in their world and Goku doesn't know he destroyed Cell larva form. and he felt cornered and a bit pressured to maybe tell the truth to Gohan if Goku manages to help him go beyond.
Krillin swallowed, "Goku uh..we have to confess something" Krillin said and Trunks stared at him shocked. "N..no what are you doing?" Trunks said and Goku looked at him questioning.
"Trunks we have to tell him, maybe this is happening because of us" Krillin said serious.
"Tell me what? What's going on here?" Goku asked demanding.
"We ran into Gero," Krillin said, "He attacked civilians and tried to kill me as well but Trunks saved me just in time"
"I think that only made it worse since Trunks changed the timeline more," Krillin said "But it wasn't his fault so please don't don't blame him, blame me instead" Krillin said.
"How can I possibly hold this against any of you?" Goku Said. "I'm happy Trunks was with you,but you should have told me this right away" Goku said,understanding now why the both of them remained tensed up whenever he spoke to them.
Trunks then realised that Krillin is right, and that he doesn't deserve praise for going against Gokus wishes.
"This is all my fault" Trunks said and Goku wanted to grab his shoulder trying to explain that he's not angry but Trunks stepped back.
"No," "I didn't just kill Gero, I tracked down his lab with the map before he got there and I got Krillin in danger, I also killed Cell including Android 17 and 18 to secure this timeline from harm atleast for now" Trunks admitted preparing himself for any backslash.
Silence dropped when Trunks confessed everything, Goku turned his back slightly towards the horizon of the lookout. Trunk felt nerves tighten, after all these years Goku is still a scary guy when he has enough.
"You disobeyed me..again" Goku Said sick of being disappointed and scolding Trunks from the same misbehaviour he keeps displaying.
"I shouldn't be surprised.. You never listen" Goku Said displaying his aggravation briefly.
"This wasn't done on purpose.." Trunks said but Goku demanded silence,he reached his boiling point and feared he might say something in anger if anyone dares to make another excuse for this.
"Im in no mood to babysit you all the time,"
" If you can't learn to trust me as leader then there is no point having you involved in the future " Goku said strict and confronting." There will be more dark times ahead and can't rely on dishonest allies" Goku Said dismissing them both. Krillin placed a hand on Trunkse's shoulder hinting that they should go and try talking to him later.
Goku watched them leave,as angry as he was he also felt sorrow, Trunks hardly disobeys his elders for nothing..maybe when he has cooled down they can have a word without things getting heated,right now he can't be around anyone without snapping.
-/-
Trunkses guilt pretty much ate him alive, Goku wasnt as upset like last time but feared
He had enough.
Krillin left the mountain to make an attempt to talk things over. But first he will look for the right way to relive old memories, maybe that might get Goku approachable.
Goku remained close to his home, the forest where his grandfather found him.
Wishing he was here, a smile managed to appear on his troubled features when the remembered the day he had the powerpole for the first time.
"Gi-san" Goku said he wanted to get up and visit the grave,but stopped in his tracks.
"Who's there?"...Krillin?" Goku asked sensing his life force and Krillin appeared from the large grass.
"Uh hi" Krillin carefully said holding a krate of beer in his hand.
"Goku..I um well wanna have a beer?" Krillin said,he didn't want things to be sour between them since he finally got his friend back.
"Sure," Goku said eying his friend a bit apologetic and Krillin did the same.
They drank eight cans individually krillin got drunk after the 3rd can but managed to fly to a liquor store nearby to get more booze.
"I had no idea it would be such a mess" Krillin said, "No muss no fuss when Gero was put to an end I thought.." Krillin hiccuped and slurped the last bit of beer in the can before reaching for another can.
"It's..ww okay," Goku said with a slur, "I was annoyed because you are my best friend I love you,and then I hear something disheartening like that" Goku said looking over at Krillin who clenched the beer can he was holding in response to Goku's display of disappointment..
"I..Love you too" Krillin said slowly suppressing a burp.
"And I felt like crap so I got the most expensive beer to relive old times..I'm sorry for all of that." Krillin said.
Goku nodded and took a large sip and opened another beer. "I *hick*..forgive you..only if you promise not to keep things from me ever again" Goku slurred.
"Seriously Krillin..dude I'm not playing" Goku said a bit agitated when Krillin stared at the horizon unresponsive.
"Ofcourse..so..were friends now?" Krillin breathed as his vision started to worsen.
"No..We are best fr..iends" Goku smiled.
They chuckled happy sitting next to each other, Krillin sipped the last drop and leaned against Gokus shoulder.
"Best friends no madder what" Krillin slurred, feeling relieved that they have settled this.
"Daww Krillin I cant imagine a life without you, but I really need to train" Goku leaving the last beer can for his friend.
burp* *hick* "But I also need to see Trunks, I won't be harsh with him because we already had a heated argument and there is no time to do that again" Goku said finding it hard to get up.
"I'll sober up first" Goku said eying Krillin lazily,
"Yeah good idea,Im happy that you cooled of first I hate to see you nettle" Krillin said.
"I hate staying mad at the little guy, well he's not that little anymore but at times he drives me nuts" Goku sighed.
"Well that's life." Krillin said after swalllowing, "When I have children of my own one day I might be butting heads with them too"
Goku shrugged "But still being a Dad to both Gohan and Trunks isnt as hard as I thought.
"I'm proud of them"
"And proud of you," Goku said.
"Why?"
"For being my longest friend, It feels nothing has changed." Goku said.
"Why would it?.. I mean if people stopped caring about you just because you passed away then those arent your friends" Krillin said.
"Ill always be a friend, I mean we came so far, we grew up together.
Its not something you can just trow away" Krillin said.
"Thank you" Goku said reminiscent. "I will be a friend too"
They sat closer to eachother having a moment,
Goku knew he doesnt deserve Krillins friendship. Eventhough hes happy that Krillin still kept the memories alive when his counterpart passed away.
All that suffering in their timeline hes still partly to blame,
When the blur from his vision cleared he went to the lockout with instant transmission,
Trunks was sitting by himself on the round platform, How could Cell be here?
Did he attached an egg on the timemachine? and the offspring has hatched?
or is there another lab hidden? what if the lab is on that remote valley they were at?
Then he sensed Goku's ki before he physically appeared, and Trunks was ready to be lectured, despite being friends since he was born Goku remains an intimidating Saiyan.
"Hi," Goku calmly said. Not as chipper as Trunks is used to,but atleast he doesn't seem agitated with him anymore.
"hey" Trunks carefully responded back,
They looked at eachother in silence for a moment and Trunks noticed a light but warm smile curve on Gokus face,his eyes sparked gentle like he doesn't want them to drift apart.
Trunks felt a bit emotional, after so many screw ups he's still willing to deal with him, He thought he came to give Trunks an earful of lecture but he chose to forgive him again instead.
"I'm sorry for this whole mess," Trunks said ashamed.
"I know, there is no time to remain angry now that Cell is here, and you protected Krillin so that was the main reason I'm not going to scold you" Goku said.
"But I still feel annoyed and let down by you," Goku said "worst of all, I never expected Krillin to take part in this"
"I told Krillin to be quiet.." Trunks admitted.
"So you made Krillin lie to me as well?" Goku slumped his shoulders slightly.
"I didn't mean for him to do that, I see the error of my ways now and I just want to beat this creature" Trunks said.
Goku huffed sick and tired of being screwed over and lied to,
"It wasn't done purpose, I didn't try to track down Gero," Trunks said,
" we ran into him and he attacked innocent people right in front of us" Trunks said.
"That doesn't excuse you to take matter into your own hands, I told you over a hundred times everything we change here will lead to severe consequences," Goku snapped back.
But atleast you saved people's lives back there," Goku said managing to calm down.
"And acted fast to stop Gero from killing my best friend"
" I'm not sure if I should give you another chance,but I'm thankful for that " Goku said.
"It's okay,..I can train in the HBTC alone," Trunks mentioned.
" I don't mean it like that, I just don't know If I can ever trust your word" Goku said,
"You hardly listen and one day I might be too late to save you or the Earth because of this continuous behaviour" Goku said.
"I..it's for the best that you will leave hunting Cell down to us."Or any other threat in the future," Goku mentioned.
"But..I don't want to sit here and worry about you guys," Trunks said.
"And I don't want to worry about you" Goku said. "I gave you enough chances but you keep on ignoring what we agreed on"
"You say I hardly listen..." Trunks kept his voice down trying not to start another argument, but being left out like he's some irresponsible child rubs him the wrong way,
"Well neither do you! When did you ever listened to me?" Trunks asked.
"I tried to tell you many times that If we eliminated all androids right away then atleast this threat will be over!"
"We wouldn't risk the chance of tampering with the timeline more by meeting the others and found our way to become a Supersaiyan 2 here."
"The timeline wouldn't be screwed up if we followed my idea!"
"But you don't care at all what I have to say, as long as I remember you never gave me any say in this,"
"Nobody listens to me!" "I just have to follow the leader like a good boy!" Trunks started to become distraught.
"While I've been a part of the rebellion against the androids for years!
Goku just breathed out, he was right, he ignored Trunks fears,and suggestions all the time ever since they arrived here,
"Trunks-kun, now is not the time to debate who had the better idea to save this Earth. But I do regret not hearing you out, I'll try to listen to what you have to say more often"
Trunks responded with another aggravated pout, no longer bothered to continiue with this conversation.
"I mean it," Goku Said. "I'm sorry.. It wasn't my intention to disregard you, or make you feel ignored"
"I've saved the Earth so many times and I've acted like I know a better way to defeat enemies than anyone else, mainly because no matter who's aiding me..the survival of this planet rests on my shoulders alone." Goku Said.
Trunks felt his annoyance fade, that was indeed true. In all battles they engaged in, It was Goku who took the frontline, he was the one who fought the androids alone when Gohan wasn't a Supersaiyan yet. It was frightful moments for us both, Gohan wept for his father while comforting me when Goku was all alone out there.
Gokus original plan was to keep them out of it and train them especially Trunks if he perishes then they can be the next defenders but they have been very stubborn, When Gohan rebeled against that idea and demanded from Goku to let him help Trunks decided to do that too. and together they became Earths last defence.
"Thank you," Trunks said and his eyes became gentle again.
"I'll try to listen more often aswell, I havent always been a good ally,"..Trunks said guilty.
"But this time I'll do better," Trunks promised.
Both didnt listen to eachother and that was the main reason alot of things turned into a dispute.
"I want to work together with you, just not tag along but I also should stop being stubborn," Trunks said.
Maybe if we involve eachother with new ideas and let both of us have a say then it could improve our camaraderie. "
"I don't want to do this without you Goku-san" Trunks said lowering his head a little.
hopefully Goku will not exclude him.
"I don't want to do this without you either" Goku said,
Trunks smiled as goku placed his hands on his shoulder,
"But as you said, both of us need to start working together, as real team members" Goku mentioned.
"Yes" Trunks gave one Nod, and joy just glowed off him.
being fully accepted is what he needs at the moment.
-/-
As they arrived to the lockout Vegeta arrived from the chamber, his armor torn with visible bruises.
"Vegeta..
"Don't bother going in there," Vegeta mocked. "I doubt you would get out of there alive"
"Yeah well Im alot stronger now" Goku mentioned,
"Not as strong as I am, You and I got a score to settle After the androids are dealt with" It will you versus me"
"There is no time for that, there is another android, it came much sooner than predicted,
"We need to work together to defeat this monster" Goku urged.
"Like Im taking orders from you"
Goku huffed annoyed, he wont get anywhere further with Vegeta, but before he leaves he only had one last question in mind.
"Fine, lets not work together" Goku said keeping his temper st bay.
"But can you look after Trunks for me?" Goku asked. "I don't wan to worry about him while I'm training, its just one day and.."
"No" Vegeta responded.
"Why not ? He's your son!" Goku Said becoming a bit agitated.
"I never asked for the little runt" Vegeta said.
"Haven't you learned to atleast care about your own flesh and blood in there?" Goku asked not believing his ears.
" I feel nothing" Vegeta said. "Saiyans don't care about.. "family" Vegeta said with a bitter tone.
"I thought you already knew that when your Brother literally stepped on you" Vegeta mocked.
Trunks looked at his elders and Goku stared at him like he's ready to snap, His stance alone seemed agiltated but their mouthes weren't moving so they are using the mind link.
"You know, defeating you is all I care about Kakarot" Vegeta said no longer using the mind link.
Goku exhaled calm through his nose becoming visibly agitated and stepped forward.
"I wished you'd stop calling me that, I'm nothing like your kind, and seeing how you've treated your own son I'm glad I'm nothing like you... "
"Saiyan" Goku snapped.
Vegeta just smirked. Kakarot never liked the idea that he's a warrior race but this one actually despised it.
"Goku-san" Trunks mentioned and Goku looked down.
"Promise me you will stay put this time" Goku Said.
Trunks looked down but Goku moved his face back towards his direction.
"I need you to, atleast until I come back"
Trunks nodded, "Ill stick with Vegeta"
"Be careful in there, I..almost died "Trunks said nervous.
"I know.." I'm sorry" Goku Said. "I'm happy you came out of the chamber alive, I promise you I'll return in one piece" Goku Said.
Then he looked towards the exit of the lookout when he sensed Krillin.
"Goku!"
Look after each other in there," Krillin said. "We want you back in one peace"
Goku glanced back at Krillin, smiling at his friend Goku still looks at him the same way, like he will always be Krillin best friend no matter what. Emotion stirred in Krillins gut, hoping that everything goes well with tracking down Cell. He can't afford to lose Goku again.
The door closes and this is it, the final battle is nearing. Krillin clenched his hands together in loose fists.
At times it sucks being human, If only he had the power to do something,
Luckily he had great friends on his side but..he wants to be able to protect the Earth like Goku does.
He glanced over to Trunks who seems a bit restless.
"Hey.." Krillin said coming to his side, "I hope youre all right"
Trunks didnt respond right away, he just looked at the horizon before answering.
"I just hope hes not planning to put his life on the line" Trunks said.
"At times Im Nervous about that too Trunks. But we also need to Trust our friend too, He will always be needed on Earth..as a friend and a defender so Goku won't risk his life unless it's necessary" Krillin mentions.
"But what if it will be necessary?" Trunks asked.
"Ive witnessed so many people die at the hands of androids, I cant take it anymore"
"Im worried about him" Trunks said.
"And hes worried about you," Krillin said. "We all are"
That made Trunks look up a bit surprised, "what?"
"You do have a neck for getting yourself into trouble" Krillin said trying up to lighten up the mood.
And Trunks couldnt help but Chuckle in response,
"Finally a smile" Krillin thought shrugging slightly.
"Its not my intention though..Ive been struggling with post traumatic stress disorder for years, If I feel like history could repeat itself I get a blackout.
"I'm sorry I lashed out at you" Trunks said while Krillin had almost forgotten about that.
"Its okay, you were right all along" Krillin said,
"But you need to stay put until Goku arrives"
"I wont track down Cell, but I need to find out how it got here" Trunks said.
A/N: I'm still alive guys!
I had to leave before the Corona Virus affects the population even more. Where I'm at the infections on a low pitch compared to where I used to live.
I'm safe and sound and back with a bang and let's continiue what I started!
