Don't Say Goodbye

**UPDATE** I would like to apologize for reuploading the chapter. I had to fix a pretty major mistake I made. I have fixed that mistake at the very end of the chapter where it was supposed to go in the first place, so you can happily just skip over to it

AU: I would like to say that I am so very happy that I'm receiving lots of views/hits on this story! Thank you for tagging along, I hope I do not disappoint. Thank you reviewers/commenters. I love reading what you guys think 😊

Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ

Chapter 3: A Reunion

As the morning sun finally shined its light, the air around started to warm up, with a slight breeze kicking in. Trunks sighed as he finished up his coffee and donuts; it was delicious. The hot beverage was just what he needed… Suddenly, a familiar scent hit him, making him look around. Continuing forward, he realized that sweet scent was from the barista earlier. Odd… Why would that come up?

Trunks did not think much else and proceeded to head over towards Capsule Corp. He was mentally preparing himself to come face-to-face with his mom and dad… and himself. Oh boy… His "present-day" self would be much older than him by now. Trunks took a look at his watch. It was a good remote for his time machine that kept him updated on its fuel and where he currently was. Looking at it, he traveled about 30 years into the future. That would make his present-day self… 34?!

Trunks was wide-eyed. He couldn't help but think how his future would have turned out had the Androids not taken over. What kind of life would he be living right now? Looking up, his thoughts cleared as he saw a great, white dome a few blocks away. It was bigger than ever too. The exterior had a vast number of windows, circling the entire building. A large water fountain was placed proudly to the right of it, demonstrating the class held within the building. The words "Capsule Corp" were in the same spot as usual as were the same tall trees around the area. Behind it, were even more buildings than Trunks could remember. They were probably created over the past years to make room for further research and inventions.

With that thought, Trunks couldn't wait to see what crazy contraptions his mom has created. How further advanced she has made this world, and how excited she will be to see her future son again. Trunks smiled and continued walking further. When he finally arrived, he noticed a large, blue tent outside of the building. There was a limo parked right out in front. He stayed back a couple hundred feet to give them room. He didn't want to impersonate the Present Trunks Briefs.

As he waited, a young woman stepped out of the limo. She had light, blue hair, similar to a mountain blue bird. It fell straight down to her lower back. Trunks looked up at the strands of hair in front of his face; it was similar to his hair color, but his was slightly darker. The young woman also had a vibrant red outfit: red crop top with spaghetti straps, dark red skirt with dark red boots. She had on a red headband as well. Interesting… he thought. The young woman waved at the driver and walked inside. Trunks was definitely curious to know who she was.

Rather than going through the front entrance, he decided to go around the right side. He quickly dashed over, hiding between the tall shrubbery. He saw two security guards standing in front of the side gate. It was still early in the morning, but one can never be too safe. As soon as on of the guards yawned, Trunks took the opportunity and dashed above them at an unseeable speed. He landed a couple yards away from them; they had no idea.

Trunks shook his head; this is what his mom was paying for? Then he thought, maybe it was all they needed. Afterall, they had his father and himself there to protect them, and that's if they needed any protection. Earth looked so peaceful now that maybe its threats were no more. Trunks liked that thought. He then walked over to the patio door on the right side of the building where there were closed blinds blocking the view.

Trunks got to the door and prepared himself. What were they going to think? He had been gone for so long to them. What would his father think of him now? With a deep breath and a shake of his shoulders, Trunks rang the patio intercom. A few seconds passed before he heard a female's voice go through. "Who is this and how are you in our backyard?" Trunks didn't recognize the voice. Strange.

"State your name?" Trunks was surprised by the sudden command. "I'm afraid I cannot say my name out here. I am the son of Vegeta and Bulma." He hoped that would be enough…

Quietness took over as a whole minute passed before that same voice came through again. "What is your name?" This was more of a sincere tone now. "Trunks Briefs… except I'm not the same—" He couldn't finish his sentence before the blinds were moved open. There before him was that same, stunning young woman with blue hair… and blue eyes. He couldn't believe it… She looked just like his mom…

The young woman looked him up and down with the same confusion it seemed. Her eyes suddenly went wide as if with recognition. She immediately opened the patio door and ushered him inside, then she quickly closed the blinds once more. As Trunks stepped inside, he saw how beautiful the place was. Everything was in the same position but with brand new furniture and equipment. He was currently in the kitchen where everything was white and spotless, just as before. Looking ahead, he could see the living room, just like home… except they had a new tv that was much bigger and flat rather than box-like.

Feeling like someone was staring at him, Trunks realized that the young woman was still behind him. He turned around immediately to explain, "I'm sorry for the intrusion! I just need to speak with Bulma—" The young woman blinked twice and was about to say something, but a loud shatter was heard from the living room. Trunks turned around and saw the very woman who he was looking for, the very woman whom he was most proud of, the very woman who gave him hope…

"Mom?" Trunks could feel the tears forming in his eyes as he stared into the aged eyes his blue-haired mother. She wore an orange, turtleneck dress that went down to her ankles, a pearl necklace around her neck, and her hair was cut very short, similar to his but with beautiful side bangs. "Mom?" He repeated himself, wondering if she was okay now. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she did not move.

"Mom?" Trunks immediately turned to look at the young woman who called his mom, mom. She was no longer staring at him but at their mother. He had a sister… This young, blue haired woman was his sister. She was a spitting image of his mom but had the fierceness of their father in her eyes. Now he could see it…

Trunks, remembering the situation, took a step forward towards his mother and was about to speak again until another figure stepping into the room spoke up, "Bulma, what's going—" He stopped immediately upon looking at Trunks. Trunks was even more nervous now. He looked ahead of him at the same man who looked almost no different than before, except now he appeared much stronger and wiser. He wore a black sparring suit with Saiyan armor that looked much different than the one he wore.

"Trunks?" Vegeta spoke. Trunks could only nod. It was then that Bulma rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around him, her grip increasing with each sob and breath she took. "Oh, my son! Where have you been!?" She cried. Trunks hugged her back. It had been two years since he last saw this timeline's Bulma, but to her, it was over 30 years. He definitely did not prepare himself. He looked up and just caught his father wiping a tear away. Huh?

Bulma finally released her grip and looked at him up and down. "Oh, my goodness… You have not changed a bit, my sweet, baby boy." She smiled up at him, still holding onto both of his arms. Trunks could only smile as his mother hugged him again. Finally taking a deep breath, she moved away. Trunks was about to explain why he was here, but he suddenly felt another pair of arms around him.

Trunks was in complete shock as he realized it was his father, the great prince, hugging him with all his might. Trunks was too stunned for words. Why would he have missed him this much? Just then, he pulled away and looked at him just like his mother. There was sadness in his eyes. "Father, what's wrong?"

Bulma shed tears again and started picking up the ceramic shards on the floor. The young woman, his sister, went to go help. "Sit down, boy." He did. Vegeta sat in front of him, his mom and sister joining shortly after. His mom sat next to his father, while his sister sat next to him. Their parents were both staring at the two of them with longing faces. Trunks was very confused. "So why are you here, boy? Did something happen in your timeline?" Trunks shook his head.

"No, everything has been running smoothly ever since I defeated Cell. We have been gathering resources and are now at a steady pace to improve. It's been a heck of a 2 years." Bulma was so shocked. "Wow… only two years have passed for you." Trunks smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, the people back at home, as well as my mother, you, wanted me to come back and visit." Bulma was confused. "But why this far into the future?"

"Everyone would still be grieving for Goku. I couldn't bring myself to visit that time." Bulma nodded. "Well, honey, Goku has been back for quite a while now. Right Vegeta?" Vegeta nodded. "We managed to bring the idiot back only for him to take off again." Trunks was very confused now. Bulma waved her hand in her face. "Another time." Trunks smiled.

He turned to face his sister, who looked very confused. "Sorry, this must be very confusing for you. I'm your brother from a different timeline. I helped—"

"I know who you are." She cut him off short. Bulma glared at her. "Bulla. Be nice." Bulla glared back. "Well how can I be nice when my brother just comes back into our lives without any clue whatsoever!?" Trunks looked over at his father who still continued to stare at him. Bulma sighed as she rubbed her temples. "Bulla, please… I'm sorry Trunks. This is Bulla. Your sister… I guess you wouldn't have known who she was until now." Trunks smiled and looked at Bulla again. "It's okay. I'm just happy to see that things here have turned out for the better."

The room got quiet again. Trunks felt tension surrounding everyone. Bulla sank into her chair, Vegeta crossed his arms and closed his eyes, and Bulma simply looked at him with a smile. Looking around the room, he decided to ask, "So, uh… where is other me?" He immediately felt his father's ki spike up and down. He felt another ki spike up and down as well; it turned out to be Bulla's. Wow, she's strong.

Bulma reached over to hold her son's hands. "Trunks… there is no other you." Trunks did not hear that right. "I'm sorry?" Vegeta spoke up, "Our son died fighting Broly, along with Kakarot's son." Trunks went wide-eyed and backed into his chair, letting go of his mother's hand. "Hold up… I died? Gohan died? How?" He was so confused. He thought he had saved Gohan… "No, no, sweetie. Goten. Goku and Chichi had another boy shortly after you left. He was about 1 year younger than you."

"Another boy… what happened to us?" Bulma closed her eyes hard, as if answering this question was a must but still painful. "The two of you were the best of friends. You, Goten, Gohan, and Videl, Gohan's wife, were on a trip together. You were all training when suddenly… this evil man showed up from outer space…"

"His name was Broly. He was a full-blooded Saiyan, complete with pure rage for Kakarot. He mistook Goten for him and attacked them all…" Vegeta sat up straight and looked directly at him. Bulma was now holding onto his father's hand. "You, Gohan, and Videl tried protecting Goten at all costs, but he was too much. He was too powerful. Gohan was the strongest fighter Earth had at the time, but even he could not face Broly…" Trunks was not ready to hear the next part, but he knew it was coming.

"Gohan had told the three of you to run while he took care of Broly. Videl managed to run away just in time, but…" He closed his eyes hard, tears running down his face now. "He shot a large energy blast towards Gohan, knowing he would move away, but he was actually aiming for Goten. You, my boy who was only 8, saw the blast coming towards him and immediately took the hit…"

Bulla had tears in her eyes, but she remained quiet. Bulma was in tears, but she was remaining strong for everyone there. Trunks felt a drop on his hand. He was crying too… "Oh, honey. I'm so sorry you had to come to this…"

"What happened to Goten? You said we both died." Bulma looked down. "You were only 8. You were a little boy. You may have taken the blast, but Broly was something else… his attack went through you… and still managed to get Goten…" Trunks clenched his fists now. No… this was not how it was supposed to be…

"Gohan still blames himself to this day… We forgave him, but he still won't show face…" Bulma sighed. "Again, I'm sorry." Vegeta walked up and left the room without a word. The two women stayed quiet. Trunks tried to stop his tears, but he was so full of rage. He thought he had saved everyone… only for another threat to arrive and take him and his best friend out. "Where's Broly now?" Bulma looked up in panic, knowing what he was intending. "No, son. You have no idea the rage your father went through when he found out. He roamed the Earth until he found Broly."

"And?" He needed to know the job was done. "And… your father almost died." Trunks was in shock. "You mean… he's still alive? After all these years?" Bulma shook her head. "No, your father managed to deliver one final blow. He said Goku came down and helped him, giving him just enough energy to destroy him. Broly is gone. Gone." Trunks let out a deep breath, unknowing what to say next.

He was relieved that monster was gone, but what was next? Then, Bulla stood from her seat and looked at him. "Please, enough of this. Can I give my brother a tour of the place now?" Bulma smiled and waved them along. Trunks was still in shock, however. He wanted to be with his mom, to comfort her, to let her know that she still had a son somewhere. Right here.

Bulla was now at his right side, extending her arm. "C'mon big bro." He heard the words, but he couldn't believe them. There she was, his beautiful sister, meeting her brother for the first time, and she was offering him her hand. Bulma couldn't help but smile. He could only imagine what she was feeling. Her two children about to spend time together as they should have in another world, another time…

Trunks then remembered something but Bulma beat him to it. "We tried, Trunks. We gathered the Dragon Balls and… and… nothing happened." What? "What do you mean nothing happened?" Bulma glared down at the table, clearly frustrated with this. "I have no idea. None of us do. Ever since we used the dragon balls to bring everyone who Cell killed, they have ceased to work." This was something completely unheard of. However, these weren't the only dragon balls in the universe.

"What about the Namekian Dragon Balls?" Bulma shook her head. Bulla then explained, "The Namekians have been in trouble for the past 30 years. They have no Elder to power their Dragon Balls. Dende doesn't understand why either. We really have tried everything, Trunks." No. He refused to accept that. There had to be some way to help everyone out. One thing was certain though; he was going to help.

Just then, Bulla pulled him from his seat, already rushing him out of the room. Once they left the kitchen, he could hear his mother burst into tears… Dammit.

AU: Phew, sorry guys. This broke my heart to do this. You have no idea. Let me know what you all think! I'll be sure to update next week 😉. I really am sorry I forgot to add a very important part to the story. Hope this was enough. Thank you all for letting me know!