In the dark portal of time Trunks mentally prepared himself for the final battle against Cell, he has no idea what that creature has been doing, maybe he already sucked the whole planet dry but no matter how much victims he claimed he will not win.
Knowing that Goku's spirit is with him he will set humanity free.
Trunks eyes narrowed and thought about his friends, Goku the most sternest teacher you'll even have but at the same time the most nurturing and doting, Gohan always tried to do the same for him, even when Trunks makes mistakes Gohan never remains angry for a long time.
-
10 years ago..
Trunks sat on a chair waiting until they could see Gohan, they ran out of senzu beans and Gohan gave the last one to him.
And now he's injured. Trunks blinked tears away, Goku sat a bit further away from him, Trunks couldn't dare to say anything, what if Goku blames him for all of this?
Its his fault that Gohan is in such a critical state,
A blonde nurse came and smiled at them both and told them that Gohan is out of life danger but it will take some time to recover. Goku and Trunkses faces perked up hearing the good news, the nurse recognised Goku when he was the one who was bandaged from head to toe.
They walked after the nurse and opened a damaged hospital door. In a room Gohan laid there motionless.
Half of his face was covered with a large bandaid, and around his skull was bandaged including his arms all the way to his legs.
He wore a mint green buttoned up hospital gown that reached over his knees.
Carefully Trunks went towards Gohans bed and remained close to his face.
His facial features was in a light frown like he's dreaming of something awful.
He didn't want to touch Gohan's hand fearing that he might hurt him, and sat close in silence apologising by trying to break through his thought stream with the mind link.
"He's going to be all right.." Goku said breaking the ice.
"Do you hate me?" Trunks asked and let his tears fall down.
"No,.. but I'm very disappointed in you " Goku said.
"Why did you faced them alone Trunks-kun?" Goku asked.
"We are a team" Goku added raising his voice.
"They tried to kill people.. I thought If I battled them then I might become a Super Saiyan.. " Trunks said.
"I don't want to transform because I've seen you or Gohan perish..
"I love you both, " Trunks cried and grabbed onto Gohan's bandaged hand.
Goku couldn't feel honoured, this reckless behaviour is something he can't turn a blind eye to.
"Gohan is injured because of you..No matter what your excuse is to face them alone all of us could have died a moment ago" Goku said serious.
"Don't ever do this again." Goku warned.
Trunks shivered in response tears gleams in his eyes as he looked back at Goku's disappointed facial features and then looked away cradling Gohans hand letting tears fall on top of it.
But then Goku realised this is not Trunks fault, even if he did go after the androids alone.. all of this wouldn't have happened if he didn't spare Gero.. all the pain humanity has to endure is his fault.
Regret burdened his heart and reached a hand towards the shoulder of a grief stricken warrior.
Carefully Trunks looked up, Goku's eyes teared up too, he had no right to be displeased with Trunks.. he knows that now.
"Come here" Goku said and Trunks went over to his chair, Goku picked him up and comforted Trunks.
Trunks held onto Goku's shirt into a loose fist and rested against his elder friend. Happy that Goku forgave him a little.
Trunks thought about going to Korrins tower and use the last resources to grow senzu beans. It might be their last chance to get them before they die out completely.
-
Moments later Gohan groaned in pain but managed to open his eyes, the pain seems to become less seeing Goku's fatherly gaze watching over him .
"Dad.." Gohan said quiet.
He found himself with an infuse in his arm, and wore a buttoned up hospital nightwear.
"Where am I?" Gohan asked.
"At capsule Corp hospital you were hurt pretty bad" Goku mentioned.
Then he became alarmed like his dad instinct took over sitting up, "W..where is Trunks? Why isn't he here?" Gohan mentioned.
He couldn't sense him anywhere in the hospital wing.
"He's safe, he's just busy " Goku said.
"Too busy to see a friend who just caught a bullet for him?" Gohan said disappointed.
Goku didn't to make things worse so he told him the truth, "He's busy planting new senzu beans"
"He blames himself for this so he can't confront you right now" Goku said.
"Wait he's all alone out there? Father how could you let him leave?"
"Arggg" Gohan whimpered in pain.
"I brought him there, I'll pick him when he's done" Goku said,"In the meantime try to rest"
"I can't ,not until he's with us" Gohan said, frustrated with his father for leaving Trunks alone on the lookout.
But at least at the look out he's safer than where the androids can spawn anywhere.
"I'm going home" Gohan said reaching to his collar and tugged nightwear open.
"Where is my stuff?" Gohan said short.
"They are drying, I've washed them for you" Goku said chipper.
"I'll get you out of here whenever you are ready" Goku mentioned.
Goku understands that keeping Gohan at the hospital against his wishes will anger him and might cause a rift in their relationship.
The bond with his son is far too precious to jeopardise, If he's out off life danger then he's fit enough to recover at home.
Gohan prepared himself to bark back at his father to let him leave for home assuming that Goku will side with the medical staff but he simply chose not to, at times Gohan forgets he's nothing like his mother, his father respects your personal decisions always.
Gohan declined any offer for some chow hinting that his stay is getting on his nerves and Goku went to the wash-line at the balcony.
Gohan had a look at his injuries was bandaged all over his rib cage. And one shoulder had a large bandage stained with blood.
Thank goodness every limb remained attached, so far luck has been on his side, but he will have a word with Trunks when the time is right.
-
Without a word to the hospital staff Goku opened the window for their escape flight.
His Gi wasn't dry yet but Gohan didn't want to stay a second longer, his hospital gown will do for now. As they were in the air golden rays of the sunlight peeked through the clouds.
It was like having a glimpse of a peaceful world, his heart is longing for that so much but having his father with him makes this nightmare easy to go through, Gohan was quiet it feels wonderful being held and at times he wished he was a child again, and just remain in his fathers embrace always.
"Hold on tight" Goku warned.
"Why? What's wrong?" Gohan said
"Nothing I'm close enough for instant transmission" Goku said nonchalant.
Goku held Gohan around the waist with one arm as he placed his fingers on his forehead.
They poofed at home, in Gohan's bedroom.
Gohan was in awe, it happened in a split second.
Gohan managed to walk towards the bed he let the hospital down fall off his shoulders disposing it, content that he's in his own room made him less tensed up, He rather recover at home than be under the care of strangers.
Being with his dad is soothing.
"I'm glad you are all right, I'm sorry you got hurt.. If only I reached the battle field sooner" Goku mentioned.
"At least I'm alive and all my limbs are attached" Gohan said.
"I'm hungry.." Gohan complained.
"I wish I could cook" Goku said shrugging.
"I'll try to fix something, in the meantime it's time to rest.
"Dad" Gohan said.
"I won't go far, just gravity training" Goku mentioned.
"No it's Trunks.. can we please get him?" Gohan asked.
"I can't rest like this.."
"but He's working on creating a senzu bean for you" Goku said.
"Ill just recover without it" Gohan mentioned.
"We can't let him out of our sight"
"He agreed to stay on the lookout, besides when he's done he'll use the mind link." Goku said.
"Father do you really think he'll stay put? Didn't you tell him not to face the androids alone but still did it?" Gohan argued.
"So can you please get him before I go up there myself?" Gohan snapped becoming inwardly agitated with his fathers carefree nature. But at the tone of his voice it sounded like a plea.
"Okay" Goku shrugged. "You are just like your mother"
"Always worried about others, even when you don't need to" Goku said.
"I guess I'm too protective of Trunks," Gohan admitted. He did inherited some of her characteristics despite resembling his father a lot more.
"I miss her" Gohan mentioned.
"Even if we do wish everyone back, she can't.." Gohan said as he started to cry.
Goku came towards him and held him careful not to touch the bandaged areas.
"I miss her too, every single day.." Goku said as a tear fell down.
"But she's watching over us, having her in my heart kept me alive, to look after you" Goku said.
Gohan listened attentive but kept holding on to his father, a fear of losing him too became present.
"Father promise me you'll make it to the past.. I don't want to lose you too" Gohan mentioned.
"You're my best friend.. and the only person on this Earth I want to be with.. forever" Gohan said.
"Likewise, " Goku said ruffling his scalp.
I promise you I'll make it" Goku said.
-
Moments later Goku went back to the lockout to pick up Trunks.
"Ready Trunks-kun?" Goku said when he came To his side with a bean bag.
"Yeah, can you give it to him?" Trunks said.
"You can do that yourself" Goku said and Trunks flinched.
"Trunks you can't continue to avoid him,you two need to work things out" for the sake of the Earth. We need each other and Gohan is counting on you too" Goku said serious.
Trunks let it sink in and nodded, Goku placed a bean in his palm closing it.
"I want you to see Gohan as soon as we arrive home, all right?" Goku said.
"Right.. " Trunks said despite being nervous he felt some courage to see Gohan.
-
Trunks was happy that Goku brought Gohan home, at least a part of him. Now he can just relax and watch some tv no longer having to spend the night at that place.
Nothing beats home, but still his guilt stirred.
Trunks swapped through the channels to watch some Neko Majin Z,
It got switched to the news mentioning that the androids have left the current city and Trunks swapped the channel not wanting to hear anything about the androids because he doesn't want to get tempted to face these demons and just waited until his favourite show comes on when the news is over.
Trunks-kun, I'll be heading to the fridge to make something for Gohan" Goku said.
"Make sure you are staying here" Goku scowled finishing his sentence.
"I won't go anywhere further than the balcony" Trunks promised Goku.
"You better be, It could have ended up a lot worse for us" Goku said not in an angry tone it was quite nonchalant but Trunks still squirmed like he's being scolded.
"So what will you make Gohan?" Trunks said and Goku stopped in his tracks.
"Suppose I could crack an egg on a stone" Goku said drying his forehead with his wristband.
Summer is reaching its peak.
"When Im done Im going to gravity train and after that we can go for a swim at the lake" Goku smiled not wanting Trunks to feel upset with himself.
"That would be nice" Trunks mumbled. And looked at the tv.
" What if Gohan hates my guts?" Trunks asked.
"Gohan asked for you Trunks-kun, He was a little worried about having you all alone at the lookout" Goku said.
"Gohan might be a little sore for what you have done, but he doesn't hate you.." Goku said.
"In fact he wants to keep you from all harm, so do I" Goku said caring.
Trunks felt a bit better giving a nod.
" All right," want to help with breakfast?" Goku asked.
"Yeah sure, Gohan loves pancakes.. I'll make him some " Trunks chirped and hurried after Goku.
After that Trunks went to Gohan's bedroom holding a plate with a lid on it.
Trunks carefully knocked on the door and walked in, "Gohan?" Trunks said quietly.
There was no response, Gohan was asleep but his features were so restless, he's in great pain and Trunks lost his nerves have a long over due chat.
He placed the senzu bean down where Gohan can reach it, and sat on a chair next to bed.
Trunks grabbed onto Gohan's bandaged hand wishing he wasn't so stupid,
Trunks then let go when Gohan started to move,
"Trunks?" Gohan said but when his vision cleared
the room was empty, he sensed his ki leaving towards the exit,
Why didn't he stay?" Gohan wondered and sat up
Then he noticed a tray and next to it there was a senzu bean, Gohan grabbed it looking at the bean in his palm.
"Oh Trunks-kun" Gohan Said, Trunks even blocked him from his thought stream.
After swallowing the bean down Gohans muscles became bigger briefly and went to their normal size. He felt the sensation of the Zenki boost being close to death unlocked a new power,but felt it fade again due to the Heart Virus.
Not wanting to mourn about the fact he reached towards the drawer near his bed and took a sip of the heart virus serum.
Gohan rips the bandaged straps around his torso open and disposed of it.
Gohan glanced at his chest in the reflection of the window, not even a scratch was left form the androids brutal assault.
Trunks is home safe and sound, despite being out cold he could hear everything Trunks said and wanted to see him for a quick word.
Gohan heard Goku talk to him and went over to the living room,
Goku was sitting with his back facing the ventilator to remain sane due to the humid weather,
Trunks was sitting in front of the largest one watching tv to keep his mind off things, then he noticed a shadow appearing from the entrance.
It was Gohan, he's out of harms way but Trunks felt guilt ripping out his gut, Gohan got hurt because of him.
Goku rised from his seat greeting Gohan, "Are you all right?" Goku asked to make sure Gohan doesn't need anymore bedrest.
"Yeah, thank you" Gohan smiled sheepish,
Gohan looked over Goku's shoulder but Trunks wasn't sitting at the table anymore.
"Where did he go to?" Gohan asked,
Gohan walked outside and saw a lavender head disappear behind the hideout.
"He just..ran away from me" Gohan said becoming distraught.
"Gohan go easy on him," Goku mentioned.
"He's troubles with guilt"
"I know, and I don't want him to" Gohan said and ran after him,
"Trunks wait!" Gohan said and Trunks ceased taking another step forward.
"Don't feel bad..."
"I'm fine.." Gohan said but Trunks didn't look up nor respond, still feeling that he deserves to be scolded.
" Come here" Gohan said kneeling down, carefully Trunks turned around and to his surprise Gohan wasn't furious at all. There was nothing but gentleness in his features.
He walked a little closer with tears shimmering in his eyes,
"Why the long face Trunks-kun?" Gohan touched his shoulder, he glanced at him like Trunks is being fuzzy for no reason.
"I'm sorry you got hurt, It's all my fault" Trunks said shivering.
Gohan Brought a hand to his cheek, rubbing the tears away,
"I hope you've learned your lesson, Never face any danger alone"
"And if there is a problem you need to talk it out instead of avoiding me ".
"Deal?" Gohan said standing up.
Trunks smiled nodding, rubbing the remaining tears away.
" Thank you Gohan-kun" Trunks chirped.
"But you are still grounded" Gohan said stern.
"Oh.. " Trunks backed away, getting completely off the hook seemed a bit too good to be true.
"Well you're alive and safe, I can live with that" Trunks said,
Gohan face wrinkled in a smile, something Trunks doesn't see very often.
"Come on" Gohan said picking him up from the ground,
"I'm hungry so I'm going to prepare dinner and you can decide what you like to have for desert" Gohan said.
"Uh I can still train with you outside right?" Trunks asked holding Gohan around the shoulders.
" of course" Gohan said.
It felt like he's being carried by a giant, Gohan is almost over 6 feet despite being a teen.
His back is broad, and felt warm. If only they had moments like this more often,just being held like that.
being grounded and have his electronics taken away doesn't seem that bad. They are still friends, and the encounter with the androids sparked a fire from the inside.