Gohan didn't sleep very well despite having the love of his life next to his side.
He had a nightmare about the androids, it just doesn't seem to stop.
Gohan got up letting the covers fall to his waist,
At times he wished he just stayed dead, at least in otherworld he was liberated from everything.
Any limits from Earth were gone, even this.
Gohan breathed out moving hair from his face, it was a little cold now that winter has broke through. He could feel the cold air nip his skin as soon as he sat up.
Its over 4 am, he should have been ready but he just feels so tired, tired of this life.
Being awaken every time from the ghastly horrors he grew up in. At times he forgets that the androids are gone only when he sees her sleep peacefully beside him he can calm down and that's it's just a dream.
-
Gohan wanted a quick bath before training but also to collect himself spiritually. There are alot of things going on in his mind, it doesn't seem to go away. No matter what he does.
The androids are gone.. so why isn't he healing? Why does he get these horrible night terrors?
When the water reached the right temperature Gohan went in just letting the towel drop to the ground nonchalantly.
The warm water touched his skin,and closed his eyes when the shower head massaged his scalp with warm water flushing down.
it didn't shush or calm the scenarios in his head when he blinked he saw it again.
Blood.. corpses piling up, a rain storm of ki blasts destroying the cities.
The steam came over the whole chamber staying in there longer than intended, he tried to think about the great memories he had, like helping Trunks take his first steps outside but close to the hideout under Goku's watchful eye when the coast was clear, All 3 of them together trying to preserve good moments so that violence and death is not the only thing Trunks will know about.
The androids terrorism over the years did change Gohan, he became hardened up and more focused. Playing and bonding became a lot less because that time could be used to become stronger But fortunately Trunks could see for himself that Gohan cares deeply.
Especially during training.
When Gohan snapped out of his thoughts he couldn't see anything, the chamber was like he flew inside of a cloud, he reached for a knob closing it. Thank goodness there is no such thing as a water bill on the lookout since he almost spend two hours in there.
Leaving the door open to clear the steam Gohan made his way to the look out,the light of dawn was seen further away in the Horizon but the faint presence of stars were still across the sky.
Defeated he stood where the time machine took off, Trunks hasn't come back yet..
Its been days..
He said he'll just make a short visit, he should have been back by now.
Gohan's eyes moved in a saddened matter almost losing his patience.. he feels so restless not knowing why Trunks hasn't come back.
Then from the sky a buzzing sound was heard and there was the time machine hovering down. He could see Trunkses silhouette in the lid of the pod.
It's about time
Gohan waited until Trunks climbed out, he was wearing a different attire. A trench coat all the way to his knees and a green sweater seen underneath. Gohan assumed he changed outfits in the past but there is something more going on.
"Trunks-kun" Gohan came to his side,
"What took you so long?" You almost had me worried there" Gohan said.
"Sorry, I didn't plan staying away this long" Trunks said.
"Also It was nice seeing everyone again" Trunks mentioned.
"Why the long face then?" Gohan wondered.
"Well..."
"Im in trouble" Trunks said.
Gohan felt uneasy when Trunks didn't say anything anymore.
"Trunks, Whatever It is you can tell me" Gohan mentioned holding onto his shoulders.
didn't mean to worry you, I just found out that time traveling is illegal" Trunks said backing away.
and I'm going to Get punished for it" Trunks said.
"Who told you that?" Gohan asked visibly startled.
"The Supreme Kai of time" Trunks said.
Gohan's heart started to pound quicker, he wouldn't allow anyone to harm him.
"What punishment? They better not put a hand on you" Gohan said.
"Wait, They won't do anything yet.." Trunks tried to calm him.
"I have to work for them as a Time patroller.. or I could risk getting deleted from this universe"
"I told them I went to the past alone and that I build the machine so that none of you will get in trouble" Trunks said.
"I knew something went wrong in the past" ever since you left my night terrors became worse" Gohan said.
"More vivid.." Gohan said.
"If I had known I would have gone to the past and left them a message for you"
"At least the kais would assume I did it" Gohan mentioned.
"It's all right" Trunks said grabbing his shoulder.
"Nothing bad will happen to me, I already agreed to work for them until I pay off my debt" Trunks tells Gohan.
"I'm not comfortable with the idea of having the kais use you, for years the kais ignored the suffering on Earth" Gohan said feeling upset.
" I know but it's better than disappear from existence, it's a crime according to the gods so it's the least I could do." Trunks said.
"Besides my time patroller mission wasn't that bad, I learned a lot " Trunks mentioned.
"Like?" Gohan wondered.
"Unfortunately I can't speak about that, only with other time patrollers" Trunks mentioned.
"I don't want to risk the chance of getting yelled at" Trunks said.
He already got on the supreme kai of time's bad side when Trunks wanted to speak to a Saiyan who happened to be Goku's father.
"I understand" Gohan said not minding it. He's not even tempted to be a time patroller since most of the Kais lost his respect.
-/-
Its finally set, Dende hurried towards them with the good news that the dragon is finished.
And they didn't have to gather any dragonballs because they were created on the lookout as well.
This was amazing, now everything can be like it used to, a future they always dreamed of.
First the Earth got restored, then Trunkses mother was wished back. They looked at the dragonballs who scattered around the globe in yellow lights after the dragon disappeared.
Dende wishes to stay on the lookout as the new guardian of Earth, at first Gohan didn't want to leave him all alone on the lookout, but maybe some Z fighters who have been living in solitude without a home could stay here.
Trunks wanted to head to capsule Corps to meet his mother, Gohan let him go alone to give him a moment with his mother.
Trunks didn't mind them coming with him but decided to leave it at that.
"Make sure you guys will join me later" Trunks mentioned.
"Sure, I'll meet you soon" Gohan promised.
And They watched Trunks fly away towards capsule city, when Trunks sensed her ki he faded from their sight.
Pride mixed with sadness overtook Gohan, proud of Trunks but also sad that he wasn't there to look after him in the past.. but at least now he can be there for a brighter future.
Gohan placed an arm around Erasa,
"So, shall we meet your parents?" Gohan asked.
Erasa looked up.. " but what about your friends?"
"I'll meet your parents first, for their blessing and then I'll meet my friends" Gohan mentioned.
Eventhough he wished he could split himself in two.
"No," Erasa said touching his heart.
"You've missed them dearly.. so take all the time you need and you can meet my parents another day" Erasa mentioned.
"The Earth is safe, we have all the time in the world now"
They levitated from the ground, "be careful now" Gohan said moving her hair for a kiss on the forehead.
"Always" Erasa said.
When Gohan flew close to the city there were so many people compared to the time he grew up in.
They noticed Gohan fly above them, they all jumped and cheered,
"Look a golden angel!" They all pointed and cheered.
Whole planet Earth believes that the angels were kind hearted cosmic beings who heard their plea and came to save them.
They know who they can trust when there is danger.
It feels heart warming that humans aren't a bit wary.
-/-
Almost a week has passed despite enjoying having his mother around Trunks still want to live at the with the others until he found the right capsule house for himself. There was plenty to choose from but still there weren't any that he prefers.
Gohan went to the city to collect the mail at the local post office.
Gohan looked at the letter that was in the mailbox.
It was a letter for him and opened. His eyes soften a little with glee reading through it.
This could be a start of a bright future,
-
Moments later the door opened and Gohan came in while Trunks was writing things down on his digital note pad.
"I got everyone breakfast" Gohan said placing it down. The things Gohan brought doesn't even resemble breakfast, more like dinner for 10 guests.
Trunks got up and helped him place the grocery bags down, to his surprise behind him there was a cart full of bags.
"Dude we already went to the super markets last week" Trunks said amused. They could feed a village with this.
"You know I get very hungry after training" Gohan said. "So is will just do"
Trunks shrugged closing the door of the Living room.
"You seem happy" Trunks smiled noticing Gohan ooze joy from head to toe. It's very rare to see him this way so there has to be great news.
"Ive applied for the hardest University and I'm accepted" Gohan said.
"Really?"
"How did you do that?" Trunks wondered.
"Because I didn't have any papers or a high school diploma I had to make a test first and I passed" Gohan said.
"That's great news!" Trunks went up to him for a hug. "I knew you could do it" Trunks said.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Trunks wondered backing away.
"The test was hard, I wanted to pass first before I discuss any future plans with anybody." Gohan mentioned.
"Oh I understand, I'm glad that despite everything that happened nothing has stopped you, you've opened a door to a good future" Trunks said.
"I wouldn't be able to do it without any of you though" Gohan mentioned.
"Will you leave to campus?" Trunks wondered.
"No, I rather remain in the forest.. but all I need to do now is find employment before class starts " Gohan said.
"I still need to pay for entrance fees" Gohan said sighed a bit in defeat.
"Oh I know, How about I pay for it?" Trunks said chipper. "And you can do paid internship at Capsule Corp"
"You're quite skilled, and highly intelligent the staff could use your help" Trunks said.
"I..
"Can I think about it?" Gohan asked. He prefers to achieve his goals alone but he doesn't want to upset Trunks.
Despite being a resilient warrior Trunks gets offended very quick.
"I don't want to be in your debt" Gohan said. " I just hate that feeling."
"You don't have to pay me back, besides If there is anyone in your debt it's me" Trunks said.
"I had the privilege to have two father figures in my life, the best mentors I could have, despite being born in a nightmare I was happy, because I had you and Goku" Trunks mentioned.
"And I feel the time is right to repay you" Trunks said.
Gohan inhaled, part of him didn't want to do it but he was certain that refusing the offer might make Trunks take it the wrong way, Gohan doesn't want to waste time making amends for things that can easily be avoided, a rift between them is the last thing he can deal with.
and the money creates security since he has one financial problem less.
"You win Trunks-kun, But not a penny more all right?" Gohan said.
"Yeah, Thank you for help shaping your future you deserve all life has to offer" Trunks said.
"It would also be nice if we could run a business together.. all 3 of us.. so at least we'll never truly grow apart" Gohan mentioned.
"I've been thinking about that.. I can't take over my mothers company yet and I don't want to rely on capsule Corps forever" Trunks mentioned.
"I've always wanted to open my own dojo for sword fighting" Trunks mentioned.
"That's a great idea Trunks-kun" Gohan said.
"I always wanted to publish a book about Ki, and how to control it.. humans should learn to rely on themselves" Gohan said placing a news paper away. There is an article about them being addressed as the golden angels.
The government wants to hire them as protectors of Japan as a super soldiers in their army.
"Well Im happy they don't see us as monsters, besides I don't mind working for a government who values their people." Trunks mentioned.
"After my time patroller duties are over I'll think about it" Trunks said.
"About that, How was your patroller mission?" Gohan asked.
"It was Nice, Ive learned a lot about universes and different timelines" Trunks said.
"Its hard work restoring the damage the time machine caused but I'm looking forward to another mission" Trunks mentioned.
"The Supreme Kai of time is a little hot head" Trunks said blushing a little, he kind of likes the feistiness.
Gohan smiled, assuming Trunks fancies someone finally.
"It would be great if the whole Z gang gets involved with time patrolling,"
"If we keep the time stream safe then we'll guard the Earth automatically.." Trunks said.
"I suppose so.." Gohan said.
"I just wished father could see our Earth, during moments like this we always sat down and talk" Gohan said.
"If only I could tell him I'm going to University, not having him around gets harder by the day" Gohan mentioned.
"I find it hard too, but there are many universes where Goku is still alive, in fact Chronoa created Goku from my memory to assist me during my time patroller missions" Trunks said.
"Wait.. created?" Gohan said puzzled.
"He's not the real Goku, but it really helps coping with his absence" Trunks said.
"Im not supposed to talk about my missions to non time patrollers but if we could work together there will be so many thing we could find out" Trunks said.
"I hate keeping all these awesome adventures to myself, so will you do it?" Trunks added.
Gohan took a moment to think and made eye contact with Trunks.
"I despise most of the kais" Gohan said.
"But Why?" Trunks asked.
"You know why.. they refused to help you when I asked them in otherworld"
"Cell almost got you, they didn't care if you'll make it or not"
"And that's unforgivable" Gohan said feeling his anger stir.
Trunks just swallowed, hoping that Gohan can let go one day.
" Second I don't want to stay away from home too long.." Gohan said.
"But University won't start until 2 months" Trunks said.
"I know but I don't want to leave Erasa behind like that, she deserves a husband "
"And I got my training" Gohan mentioned.
"Well I don't know when I'll be back though.." Trunks said.
"I don't want to leave, I'm so happy that I've met my mother, im back here with all of you and now I have to be apart again .." Trunks said.
"I just want to be with my group, like we always were" Trunks added.
Gohan felt for him, at first he didn't know how to solve this but then his fathers technique came into mind.
"Say Trunks you know instant transmission right ?" Gohan asked.
"Y..yeah" Trunks answered.
"How about you show me ? It doesn't need to be perfect but with that I can visit you " Gohan mentioned.
"Sure.. maybe the progress may go quicker in Kais world, I'll take you there and we'll be back before dinner" Trunks mentioned.
"Deal" Gohan shrugged.. at least he can ask elder kai if Supreme Kai is all right, wherever he is.
"I will speak to Erasa about this.. maybe she's willing to join" Gohan said. Despite the Earth being safe again he doesn't want her out of his sight for long due to the night terrors.
"Thank you.. " Trunks said sincerely.
"I feel a bit better about leaving soon though,
"only with you and Goku Im certain that everything will be all right" Trunks said.
"Even without us you'll do great Trunks-kun," Gohan assuring.
"Heh" Right now I'm not so sure.." Trunks said.
"I screwed up so much.. time travelling brought a lot of negativity, having universes altered did more harm than solved anything" Trunks said.
"Trunks..You did it to save us, without it all of us would have been dead, and If the Kais didn't turn their backs on humanity time traveling wouldn't be needed in the first place" Gohan said, refusing to leave its their fault.
Trunks nodded, not wanting to tell what he did in the past that caught the attention of the supreme Kai of time. Time traveling is not illegal, altering things that are meant to happen is.
But pretended he's fine now by changing the subject.