Gohan felt like his whole spirit shattered, large eyes filled with tears stared at the place his father said his final goodbye.
He had the power to do it, His father gave him the push to transform.
He allowed himself to get beat up by Cell in order to trigger the transformation.
Cell sensed Gohans power rising in disapair, and took it up a notch.
He allowed miniature copies of himself beat up his friends while mockingly continiuing
to toruture Goku himself, when Cell was ready to kill his father with a beam to his head something snapped.
a blind rage consumed him and transformed, he finally had the chance to make Cell pay for everything. But didnt. he let his cockiness ruin everything.
And now Goku too the fall.
His yelling to finish Cell off while he can still haunts his mind.
"Daddy!" Gohan yelled but Goku is gone.. probably forgood.
Gohan closed his eyes shut and could see the final moments of his Father flash before him
"Gohan Listen to me!" Finish Cell off now!" His fathers shouts could still be heard echoing in his mind as he crumbled to his knees In sorry and his Father disappeared with Cell.
"Take care of your mother for me" Goku Said with a smile, that smile will always be in his memory, he wasn't mad at all nor disappointed, he wished Gohan farewell sacrificing himself for mankind once more.
Gohan cried out to him,begging to come back, slamming his fists to the ground, "It should have been me!" He kept repeating as he couldn't keep his emotions at bay.
Everyone mourned, Goku is gone. Krillin wished he could stop him from doing this but without him the Earth would have been destroyed.
"My friend" Krillin said saddened as he looked up at the sky
He lowered his face,he didn't want anyone to see him cry,
Trunks went from deeply distraught of seeing Goku die to enraged, He marched up towards Gohan and grabbed him by his collar.
"You! This is all your fault" Trunks yelled. "He perished because of you!" Trunks screamed at him in sorrow, Gohan took no offense, he knew Trunks was heartbroken.
"I'm sorry," "I know you care about him" Gohan said.. there was no excuse for what he allowed to happen.
"Cared?" Is that what you think?" Trunks barked and shoved him to the ground,
"He treated me like a son! You don't deserve a father like him! You are a disgrace!"
Gohan cried more, " I know" Gohan began to tremble, "I don't deserve him.. I don't deserve to live.."
and then Trunks became regretful about his outburst.
He stepped away realising being furious won't bring Goku back,
"I" Trunks said but was silenced when a large beam came towards him and penetrated his body, Gohan gasped when Trunks fell on the ground bleeding to death.
"No!" Gohan cried out. Grabbed his face trying to wake him up, "Trunks no! You can't!" Gohan shouted. in disbelief and a chilling chuckle came from Cell who sensed that blast.
"Actually that was meant for you Gohan" Cell said spiteful "But I promise I won't miss this time"
Gohan looked at Trunks briefly as rage throbbed all over his body,
"You..Look at what you have done to Trunks" Gohan said and charged up changing back into a Super Saiyan 2.
"You should have stayed away because this nothing will stop me from killing you" Gohan said vengeful.
Vegeta got over the shock that Cell survived and watched in horror seeing Trunks bleed to his death, how could he let this happen..
In a fit of rage Vegeta charged towards Cell, and Cell smirked he allowed him send a barrage of Ki blasts towards him, Cell teleported infront of him and crushed Vegeta towards the ground like he got smacked like a bug.
"Don't worry, I'll reunite you with your son in a heartbeat" Cell said aiming his death blast towards Vegeta.
Gohan couldn't let another victim die because of his mistake and charged forward, Everyone shouted at Gohan not to do it,
Gohan tried to deflect the beam as Cell was ready to kill him, He was too late and the beam damaged him arm, Gohan tried to get up but his arm wasn't moving, it laid limp as blood rushed out of the injury.
He is done for, He is no longer a match against cell.
The Z fighters watched Gohan from a distance, he seems to accept defeat,and lowered their gaze to the ground, there is nothing that can be done.
"kill me, "Gohan said, "I can't fight anymore" He was going allow Cell to blast him, if only he listened and now this whole world will die because of him.
Cell grinned in response charged up for a Kamehameha, "Not running for cover? well you are just going to make things much easier"Cell laughed menacing.
"No Gohan you can't give up"! Everyone shouted, this couldn't be the end, this can't be the end of the Earth.
"You can't give up on us or the Earth now!"
"I'm Sorry, there is nothing left that can be done, I failed you..I failed you all" Gohan said to the others who tried to talk him out of this.
Gohan started death in the eye as Cell was ready to fire,
"Gohan" he heard a voice call out to him
Gohan became alarmed when he heard his fathers voice clear.
Gohan looked around,he could sense his fathers presence.
It was like he was taken to a different dimension, his surroundings was obscured with lights
"Dad where are you?" Gohan asked.
'"don't you dare give up,"Goku said authoritative, "This is not what I've taught you!"
It was like he was present in a different dimension, he couldn't hear Cells taunts for a moment.
"Get up Gohan I thought you are way better than this" Gokus voice echoed.
"Father?" Gohan said shocked.
then it became quiet for a second and In front of him a silhouette appeared,it was familiar but he couldn't identify this individual.
It was a man dressed like his father.
"Who are you"? Gohan asked alarmed.
"I am you.. from a different world" Future Gohan said to his younger self.
And with awe Gohan stared at his future self, this is the man he might become one day? Gohan couldn't believe it,
" Believe in yourself Gohan, don't let Cell win" another voice was heard.
Trunks spirit appeared as well, All 3 came to his side.
"Trunks it's my fault..." Gohan cried and looked at the ground where his body is laying in a puddle.
"Now it's not the time for tears," Trunks spoke up,"you are the only one that's left standing you can't hold back"
"We are here with you" Future Gohan said and all 3 of them dissolved. Gohan snapped awake startled he looked around and could no longer feel their ki.
Gohan removed his hand from his injured arm, he won't accept defeat,not until giving everything he got, the spirit of his father is with him,he felt him
and hope sparked in his heart. He felt his mind return to the mortal plane, his father is still with him and now it's not the time for feel sorry for himself.
"No Cell I won't give up anymore! never again
"My energy has been cut in half but it's enough for me to defeat you" Gohan said to Cell standing in his position to blast a Kamehameha wave with one arm.
"Ah you're finally awake from your little day dream, at least now you will not be killed without putting up a fight first" Cell said.
Cell fired his Kamehameha towards him and Gohan has charged up for the final battle.
Gohan roared as he fired the Kamehameha wave towards Cell.
Gohan struggles, Cells beam keeps on getting stronger and almost landed on his knees.
"Father..I can't do it,he's too strong!" Gohan cried out.
"Yes you can Gohan! Whatever it is that's holding you back let it go now!" Goku spoke.
"Unleash that power that harbored inside you from the moment you were born, you still have it,!" Goku yelled this time forcing him to push harder.
"Yes that's it! Just hold on!"Goku said when Gohan seems to put up greater resistance in the beam struggle and pushed Cell Kamehameha slightly back.
The Z fighters stepped in and fired their attacks at cell, they were desperate but refused to accept that this is their end.
Cell mocks them mentioning that their puny attacks won't do anything.
Gohan kept a struggling kamehameha wave at bay, one more push and Cell will win, he can't let that happen,
"No! "Gohan mourned,
Gohan was slightly pushed back, if only he could use his other arm.
"Gohan every damage you caused can be restored back with the dragonballs, Don't hold back"Trunkses spirit beamed.
"Unleash your power!"
"I'm not holding back Trunks-kun" Gohan struggled, I'm tired, my strength is slipping away"
"Father!" Gohan shouted and started to cry in defeat, "Helpp me.."
"Gohan I'm here, I'll always will be. I know you can do this" Goku Said And Gohan noticed his fathers cupped hands close to his giving him a Zenki boost.
He sensed his future self and Trunks giving him their Zenki boost as the final push. It taxed their spirit form and if they die again then they can't be wished back but they didn't care. This Earth can't perish like their own.
Gohan looked up when Cell lost control over his attack, Vegeta has blasted his strongest finalflash from behind.
Cell was out of balance and it took time for him to regenerate.
"You maggot "Cell barked, stay out of this!
"Now is your chance! ""All three spirits yelled.
A powerful roar escaped and Gohan pushed Cells kamehameha back, he began to walk towards Cell pushing him back further until Cell was caught in his own blast.
"No this can't be the end!"Cell mourned his own defeat and witnessed his body desindergrate before being destroyed in a huge explotion.
Exhausted Gohan fell on the ground but with his gaze towards the heavens.
feeling his fathers pride bloom inside of his Shakra and Goku watched on, seeing Gohan on the ground as the Z fighters gathered to help him from the ground.
and their spirits faded from the mortal plane, back at King kai's planet Goku and Trunks celebrated.
They held on to eachother, it's finally over, after all these years there is light at the end of the tunnel.
-/-
Gohan was brought to Korins tower, He opened his eyes seeing Dende kneeled next to him.
"Dende!" Gohan smiled, it was good seeing everyone safe from harm.
The dragon balls started to glow and it became dark at the lookout, mighty roar trembled the Earth and a Dragon similar to Porunga obscured the sky.
The new Shenron asked for 3 wishes
And the first was to restore the damage wish Trunks and Goku back to life.
The Dragons eyes didn't glow, right away,
"The wish can't be granted"
"What?" Everyone looked saddened.
"Wait.. Father has been wished back before and maybe Trunks too" Gohan mentioned.
"We could ask the dragon to take us to Namek and we'll do it there" Krillin mentioned.
"That's a great idea Krillin." Gohans said but the dragon spoke again.
"The one named son Goku can't be wished back," Shenron spoke. "Porunga has been ordered not to grand that wish as well"
"But why?" It's not an natural death," Krillin argued back.
"Maybe I can explain this" A voice boomed from the heavens.
"I killed a Kai so as a punishment I'll be banned from returning to the mortal plane" Goku Said.
"But for how long"? Everyone wondered.
"I don't know, It could be lifted if there is a good reason for it but for now I have to stay put"
"And maybe it is for the best that I stay away from the Earth since I attracted a lot of villains" Goku Said trying to accept that he won't be coming home to his family.
"But you also saved us many times" Gohan said distraught.
"That is indeed True Gohan, You have grown so much and I know that I won't be needed when you take my place" Goku Said.
"But I do Father I don't want to live without you!" Gohan cried, "This is all my fault, it's my fault that you are stuck!"
"It's not, I'm to blame for everything, but I promise you that I will never forsake you" Goku Said.
"Goodbye friends and please don't mourn because we will meet again"
"Until then" Goku Said And went silent.
Gohan managed to smile a bit, even though he's heartbroken,
"Dad.. I don't know what to tell mother when I come home.. but my promise to you is that I will never stop training. " Gohan said.
"Until then" Gohan repeated as his eyes shimmered with tears,
Shenron became impatient and the Z gang decided to wish Trunks back but Trunks showed great resistance, he didn't want to be wished back.
-/-
Back at the other world Goku heard the Dragon mention that he can't fulfill the wish because Trunks refuses to be wished back. Goku looked beside him but Trunks was no longer by his side.
Goku spotted him in the distance, his spirit was glowing on and off trying to resist the dragons power to bring him back.
"Trunks-kun What's wrong"? Goku asked.
" I don't want to go back if I need to leave you behind" Trunks said.
"Trunks.." Goku Said sympathising.
"You gotta go home,"
"No! I just can't! I'll wait until your ban is lifted" Trunks mentioned.
"You can't, Trunks our world needs to be saved too" Goku mentioned, he understands that Trunks is scared and wished he could be there,
"I might screw things up again, I even failed to save everyone from Cells perfect form" Trunks mentioned.
"Trunks that's enough, You have the power to do great things,"
"And I'm honoured to have you as my successor" Goku said as his face curved into a smile, encouraging Trunks to go back.
"I'm not fit enough, I mean I've ruined so much because I didn't think straight. I'm not a leader like you" Trunks wined.
"Indeed, you aren't a leader like me,..." you are better" Goku Said assuring. "I believe in you and now it's the time to start believing in yourself" Goku spoke.
"Just promise me you will only use your power to defend the ones who can't defend themselves," Goku Said, knowing that Trunks also has a lust for a good challenge like every Saiyan.
"Dad" Trunks became saddened and Goku brought his
head to his shoulder for comfort, one last time. They will be apart from eachother for years but in spirit they will be close.
"I love you too," Goku Said tightening his hold around him.
"All right it's time to go" Goku mentioned and pushed Trunks back still holding his shoulders caring.
Trunks sniffed and nodded obedient,
They kept looking at eachother smiling saying their goodbye in silence until Trunkses Halo disappeared and his frame fizzled away from heaven.
It was hard but Goku knows that it won't take long until he can go home, for the nobel sacrifice to secure the fate of the universe King Kai might be able to pull some strings.
-/-
Trunks shut his eyes open when he returned to the coldness of the mortal plane, everyone Celebrated briefly when came back to life,
Trunks looked at the sky for a moment, there is still one thing left to do to,
"Trunks-kun you can stay at my place" Gohan said silently wanting to make amends for what he allowed to happen,
"Thank you,.. I'll stay here for now, you and your mother need to have a word" Trunks said saddened.
"I know," Gohan said thanking Trunks for understanding.
The Z fighters left the hideout, waving eachother goodbye, they have been close to oblivion and that sparked the desire to do their best even more, it won't be the last time the Earth will be in danger.
But now they will be more ready than ever,
-/-
,It was quiet in Mount Paozu, the horrid news was received well. Chi-Chi fell into depression again, when he came home she thought the tattered Gi was because he had an intense sparring match, He told her what happened and that an android came to this Earth and Goku had to sacrifice himself to save everyone.
Chi-Chi cried much more than the first time Goku left her, her soul felt like it was being stepped on, they were together as a family and now she has to move on alone, it was too good to be true.
On the next day Gohan went to see Trunks, told him what happened, they remained together and to cheer Gohan up Trunks mentioned valuable lessons Goku taught him and what it was like being raised by him.
After that they went to fetch the timemachine from Trunkses guest room, Chi-Chi wasn't there so Trunks left her a goodbye letter, thanking her for everything and that he has to set his world free.
Then Trunks wanted to take Gohan where Goku used to take him when he was little, maybe that will be a good place for a memorial.
Gohan remained quiet as he walked after Trunks, Trunks looked over his shoulder,
Trunks didn't need to ask what was wrong, he knows that Gohan is mourning.
Trunks kneeled to his level like his Future self used to do to him.
"Look at me," Trunks eyed him comforting.
"None of this is your fault, If you want to blame someone then blame Gero."
"Besides now you have the chance to look after this Earth, and keep your father with you in spirit"
"Make me proud okay?" Trunks smiled and it warmed Gohans heart.
Gohan nodded, "So when will you go back"?
" I'll leave early in the morning" Trunks said,
the sun is beginning to poke out in the horizon.
"Do you really need to leave?" Gohan asked.
"You can start a new life here" Gohan said.
"At first I wanted to do that but I need to avenge my people in my own world" Trunks spoke up.
Gohan looked down at the ground.. "But what if I'll never be as good as you" Gohan said "Or Mother won't allow me to take dads place because there are so many dangers that will come to the Earth"
" Not being prepared for any possible threat is even more dangerous and she'll lose you for sure if there is nothing that can stop evil" Trunks said.
"At times you need to learn to say No to people closest to you "Trunks said.
"But Trunks you are so strong and agile,I don't know if I ever achieve that kind of mental strength, You have been through so much" Gohan said.
Trunks glanced over to him,
"Listen to me" Trunks said and nervously Gohan made eye contact.
"Gohan..nothing can stop you from being the person you've been searching for" Trunks said.
"If you want to be your fathers successor it will happen,people might discourage you but my advise to you is to be quiet."
"If your mother wants to you stop training nod your head instead of talking back, pretend to agree with her and then do it anyway" Trunks said.
"The energy used to argue with her should be preserved for your training"
"The only one who is getting in your way is you, at times it seems harsh but living life on your terms costs you nothing..."
"All you have to do is give up your comfort zone, giving into your mothers demand is easy but when you do what's easy your life will be hard"
"One day you will think back about this conversation we had and you'll be like,.."
"That guy from the Future has been right all along" Trunks said mimicking Gohans accent.
And Gohan has to chuckle at how Good Trunks copied his mannerism.
"I'm going to miss you though.." Gohan said ceasing his chipper features.
"I'll miss you too," Trunks said, he really meant that, Gohan has grown on him,but as much as he wants to stay Cell is still alive in his own timeline, growing stronger.
"I hope I'll be close with your present counterpart like I am with you..It's sounds silly but I always have a fear of not being liked" Gohan spoke up.
Trunks felt a bit bad,remembering how rocky things was between them in the beginning of his journey to the past. He was disappointed that he wasn't anything like Future Gohan but this Gohan has proven himself and is worthy of Trunkses respect.
"Just be there for me," Offer me a chance to come to mount Paozu and train along side of you with a goal to become Earths defender" In my world training together with that goal in mind is what made me come close to you and I'm positive it will work in this timeline as well " Trunks said.
"But I can't help but worry about you," Gohan said
"Please don't be,
"When Cell is defeated I'll let you know"
"I'll make a trip back to the past if that helps," Trunks offered.
"Just this once ok? And you'll have to give me a place to stay until the machine is charged" Trunks mentioned.
"No problem!" Gohan smiled,he would love to have Trunks over.
"Stay out of trouble when I'm gone" Trunks said.
"As if" Gohan chuckled and said their goodbyes.
-/-
The Z fighters gathered at a secure area to activate the machine,
Trunks was ready to leave and focused his attention to Gohan,
Gohan was dressed formally in his Chinese Gi and they smiled at each other.
They hugged goodbye for a moment. "Remember what I told you, don't let anyone stand in your way" Trunks said and Gohan nodded obedient,
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you,? You'll be all alone out there against Cell" Gohan said worrying a bit.
"I'm not alone, I have you and all of my friends with me in spirit" Trunsk said.
Trunks digs a hand in his pocket and gave Gohan the capsule of the worn out time machine Cell used to come here.
"Give this to Goku,If the kais allow him to be wished back" Trunks said closing Gohans hand with the capsule laying in his palm.
Gohans eyes watered,he wants his Dad to stay after the kais set his father free but he also belongs in his own world to do his part in reversing the damage the androids have done.
"I gotta go" Trunks spoke up,brushing away Gohans pending tears and backed away.
he also finds it hard to leave,he never knew peace,his whole life has been revolves around battles but he can't abandoned a world when he has the power to end suffering.
"I understand..just be careful out there" Gohan spoke up.
"Guys look after yourselves, I'll come back soon to let you know I'm ok" Trunks said looking at his Father who's stoic features changed to an approved look.
"Goodbye for now," Trunks smiles back and entered the machine.
Everyone present waved Goodbye, shouting encouraging words at trunks, wishing him Victory,
Vegeta remained with his arms crossed against a tree but stil smiled, his son truly is a warrior, a great one too. He never realised it until he watched him die.
"Thank you Trunks-kun." Gohan looked up to the machine as it rises from the ground.
"So long kid" Krillin smiled while swallowing a tight lump in his throat as he became emotional.
Gohan dried his tears that rolled down quick and smiled focusing at the sky where the timemachine was last seen. they will meet again soon.