An old invisible enemy came back and this it has mutated, just now when things are about to get better this happens.
Gohan was watching the news about the new infection cases across Japan at capsule Corp.
The heart virus mutated and the government will consider having a lockdown for 3 weeks to see if the infections will lessen.
"Aww crap" Gohan groaned a bit fed up..
He's been in a depressive mood for some time now, living in the city isn't really something he'll get used to and now he's hearing the bad news that the virus became even worse.
Gohan heard foot steps and Trunks came down after a meeting, he found potential business partners to expand capsule Corps, his mother is going to be thrilled.
His kitty sat on his shoulders purring as he moved the living room.
"Hello" Trunks greeted.
"Hi" Gohan said looking at the tv.
"I just heard the news that there are new cases of the Heart virus" Gohan said.
"I still got the antidotes" Trunks said not worrying.
"It mutated, " Gohan mentioned.
"Oh.. " Trunks just shrugged, all his kittens are inside, so there is one worry less but he really hopes Japan won't go in quarantine since there are many places he wanted to visit.
"Where is Erasa?" Trunks asked after Gohan told him what's up.
"She's downstairs making dinner," Gohan smiled,
"So the antidote won't do anything?" Trunks mentioned placing a kitty down.
"I'm afraid not" Gohan said.
"Right, I'm going ring mother and tell her to avoid the cities" Trunks said leaving Gohan by himself in the living room.
Gohan walked towards a large window the weather became worse and it really started to rain, glad that his loved ones are inside and noticed people without an umbrella running for cover.
He really started to miss the forest, the solitude from other humans always felt great,
After a chat with his mother Trunks came back. His mother already heard the news and the mutated virus is still very far away from capsule city,
In the meantime she'll try and create a better antidote.
Trunks was happy to hear the good news and has faith in his mother that she'll have a better antidote in no time.
When Trunks noticed Gohan's long face he realised it's not just the mutated virus that troubles his soul so much.
Are you feeling all right? " Trunks asked.
"Yeah, I miss the forest, back in mount Paozu I would listen to rain fall on the pavement as I do assignments" Gohan said.
"But right now you're not in the mood for anything right? Trunks added.
"No, I just can't get used to anything here, like I'm thankful for everything you did but.. capsule corps is hard to settle in" Gohan said a little guilty,
"Is anything I can do?' I've tried to make life as comfortable as possible here" Trunks mentioned.
"I'm happy here Trunks-kun, it's just that I feel more at ease with remote places" Gohan mentioned.
"I miss the forest too, Mount Paozu has it's charm but I wanted to live close to mother, spend time with her.. getting to know my father but that's still rocky.." Trunks mentioned becoming disheartened when he mentions his father, even in the future he's not very welcoming.
"But If you want to go back I can always give you a capsule house," Trunks offered.
"It's okay, I can always visit Mount Paozu on my days off, or have an afternoon by myself..
"Right now Id like to finish my master degree and after a few years I'll see what I'll decide" Gohan said feeling slightly more positive about his current dilemma.
"Besides you and Erasa prefer the cities so if you're happy then so am I" Gohan added.
"But you're not, I can tell.." Trunks said.
"I don't really prefer the city, I like both besides I can always use instant transmission.
"Just say the word and we'll go" Trunks mentioned.
" I want to discuss this with the 3 of us at dinner if all of you agree to live in Mount Paozu then it's settled" Gohan said.
"Also how about we wish for an antidote from the dragon, we sell it for an affordable price, with that capsule Corps can recover financially, you'll have more time to spend with your mother" Gohan suggested.
"But those wishes are only for emergencies," Trunks said.
"Well if we die from it then we can't be wished back. So it kind of is" Gohan mentioned.
"And I don't want to waste time worrying about others when the virus becomes another epidemic" Gohan said.
"Right, I got instant transmission so we could gather them in a jiffy" Trunks said.
Trunks looked behind him when Gohan didn't seem to be responsive, Gohan flinched when Trunks touched his shoulders.
"Are you all right ?" Trunks became worried.
"No..I saw it again.. the Androids they.. they are gone but the nightmares, the trauma it's still there" Gohan said as his eyes watered.
"I'm sorry, I do not wish to burden anyone with this" Gohan said still shaking.
"Gohan, it's a good thing that you spoke about this, showing that you're vulnerable doesn't mean you are weak, seeking help is one of the highest level of strength" Trunks said making him look up.
"We can all help you," Trunks mentioned.
"I.. don't know what's going on in my head.."
"Those horrible nightmares weren't present in other world" Gohan said defeated.
"Because Time doesn't exist in otherworld, as a spirit you don't get fatigued nor get any nightmares" I learned about that on my first time patrol mission" Trunks explained.
"But You no longer have to suffer, the Earth is safe" Trunks mentioned sitting next to him.
Gohan pushed Trunkses scalp against his shoulder hugging Trunks back briefly before moving away.
"Being wished back was all I ever wanted and reclaim the Earth the androids unfairly took from us but.. at times I just wished I stayed dead" Gohan said.
"My mind was at peace," Gohan mentioned, at first he only used to get these images flashing before his eyes when he's falling asleep but it's happening more frequently more vivid, reliving that hell hole again.
"At times I wonder if it's a mistake to come back to the living" Gohan said.
" Well I have night terrors too," Trunks said. " a lot of them"
"But I don't wish to remain dead because of it," Trunks said.
"Death is such an easy cop out" Trunks said.
"Since when?" Gohan asked.
"Since I could remember.. " Trunks said. "They have always been a part of my life"
"You didn't tell me.." Gohan said "Why didn't you?"
"I didn't want you to worry,the androids were a bigger problem" Trunks said.
"Besides I didn't know how you would react.. maybe you'd think I'm a weakling" Trunks said.
"I would never say that to you, I would have helped you.." And I told you about mine, I trusted you with that..
"But you don't seem to trust me.." Gohan said calm but was clearly disappointed.
"I do Trust you, with my life" Trunks admitted.
"You kept quiet about this for years, that doesn't sound like you do" Gohan said.
"I know but I also wanted to be strong for you, you've lost so much.. "
"saddling you up with my problems too could make it even worse.. I wanted my progress as a fighter to noticed by you, admired.. but also create good memories between us, when times are getting worse we at least have great moments to look back to" Trunks said.
"Trunks-kun, You know I've always been proud of you.. I do admire you as a warrior, You're stronger than I was mentally and at times I even wondered how you do it" Gohan said.
Trunks smiled his eyes watered a little,
"Thank you, I wished we were born in better times
"But I need a reason to keep going, to train as hard as I can.. the night terrors are awful but I use it as fuel to never forget my mission as Earth defender" Trunks said.
"But since your condition gets in the way to live maybe you should make a wish to wipe those memories out" Trunks suggested.
"I don't want to waste wishes for things that isn't urgent" Gohan said.
"Would you rather go to a shrink for years?" Trunks said.
"Think about it, this could put strains on your marriage in the long run, It's okay if you might lose motivation to train, you also have a right to live like any other Earthling" Trunks said.
"But you do decide to swipe your memory away I won't mention anything about what happened" Trunks said assuring.
"And I'll keep quiet about my reasons to keep going" Trunks added.
"Trunks-kun.. I don't want you to struggle alone, or hide your PTSD " Gohan said.
" Right now Im not sure If I should do it, I need to think about it" Gohan said.
"Whatever you decide, I'll respect it" Trunks said.
Gohan didn't want lose his will to fight either, but can't live with this forever. Time might not heal everything.
Tomorrow after training he'll decide what he'll do next.
-/-
Dinner was ready all three were sitting close to the Kotatsu table.
"Itadakimasu" All of them said in union.
And Erasa let them pick what they want to have on their plate before she did.
Trunks was already splurging and gohan brought his plate closer. Trying to find the right words to explain what he wants to say.
Erasa eyed Trunks using chopsticks with ease while she still uses a spoon and fork, maybe one day she can like that too.
"Honey, " Gohan began.
"Yeah?" Erasa said trying to grab a chunk of rice.
" I miss Mount Paozu and I find it hard to adapt to the city so I was wondering if you want to come with me " Gohan said.
"Oh.. " Erasa said ceasing with what she was doing.
"But only if you want to.. If you rather stay here I understand" Gohan mentioned.
"Well I like it here, and luxury capsule city provides.
" But I don't want us to live apart even if you teleport here anytime, so I'll come with you" Erasa mentioned.
"But will you be happy in Mount Paozu?" Gohan asked.
"When I'm with you then yes" Erasa mentioned.
"Can I have this?" Trunks asked
"Yeah sure" Gohan said without paying attention to Trunks was doing.
" I will join you but only on one condition " Erasa said.
"What's that?" Gohan wondered.
"I want to get married in Tokyo even if the ceremony is simple"
"It's always been my dream city..it's something I always wanted " Erasa said.
" well maybe next week all 3 of us can go on a trip to Tokyo, you can decide if you can settle there" Gohan said.
"Trunks can teleport us within a second" Gohan smiled glancing over to his best friend but then his face wrinkled in fury.
"Trunks!" You ate all the spring rolls!" Gohan scolded.
"You said I could have all of them, besides it was getting cold" Trunks argued back.
" For that you'll be doing the dishes," Gohan said getting up to get new ones.
Then Trunks started to complain that Gohan gave him permission but Gohan wouldn't budge.
Erasa smiled amused, Trunks hates doing the dishes and both of them resembled a married couple when they bicker.
It's so cute.
-/-
When morning came, Gohan wrapped up his training a bit early, he planned to find the dragonballs next week but another night terror shocked him, they become even more disturbing than last night.
Gohan left a sticky note on the fridge for his wife to read, mentioning that he'll be back before dinner, He didn't want to say much even though he believes he should always discuss his plans.
But this condition only affects him, and wants to attent to this personal matter alone.
Gohan stepped outside, it chilly and an owl was on a branch watching anything passing by in silence, Gohan assumes he's hunting for mice and when he grabbed the dragon radar a hand tap his shoulder.
Gohan flinched at the touch but turned around to confront anyone who dares to sneak from behind.
"Trunks.." Gohan said annoyed, "Don't do that I could have harmed you"
"I'm sorry, so what are you doing outside so early?" Trunks wondered.
"There is a change of plans, I want to gather the dragonballs now.." Gohan said.
"Another night terror?" Trunks assumed.
"Well you guessed it" Gohan said defeated.
"Anyway what are you doing out of bed?" Gohan wondered.
"I came to give you this"
" I got a good capsule house, this is a gift from mother" Trunks said.
"Since you'll be getting married soon I'd suppose you could use this" Trunks said.
Gohan caught capsule in his palm, by the logo it seems like a luxurious apartment.
"Thanks Trunks-kun" Gohan said happy that there is one worry less.
"I hope you'll live move in with us still" Gohan said.
"Yeah, or I could get my own house and live next to you" Trunks added.
"That's fine, as long we stick together" Gohan mentioned.
"Can I have a look?" Gohan asked to be sure it's not a surprise.
"Of course," Trunks said and the capsule poofed, the house looks great form the outside and Gohan opened the door, it's more spacious inside and there were large bedrooms each had their own bathroom and even shower cabin is bigger than his own room at Mount Paozu, it's amazing.
Gohan noticed a closet in the bedroom the glass door was slightly open and when he opened it further he noticed a Gi on a hanger,
Gohan eyed the emblem and closed the door, this time he wasn't sad being reminded by his father, in fact it felt great, maybe it's a sign that it will be long until he returns.
"There is even a sauna" Gohan said amazed,
"There is more, Mother installed a gravity chamber so that you'll never have to be far from home when it comes to training" Trunks said.
"That's so thoughtful.. I really have no idea what to do without you all " Gohan said grateful.
" You're always worried leaving home behind to train so this is the right way to combat that." Trunks said.
"this gift means a lot,"
"Id love to stay longer and see the rest of the house but I'd like to be back for dinner" Gohan said not liking the idea that his wife is by herself in the middle of the night.
And Trunks agreed.
-/-
Trunks looked at the dragon radar, it beeped and Trunks could see the location.
"I think I know where it is" Trunks said and both teleported, Trunks looked at the dragon radar again and it looks like they poofed into the right area.
" Here is the next one" Trunks said, and showed Gohan the 4 star Dragonball he found in a small cave near a creek.
"This one is dads favourite" Gohan said looking at the stars,
"Well mother says that you look just like him, at times you freak her out especially wearing your Gi" Trunks mentioned.
"Heh, I take it as a compliment" Gohan said.
"Lets rest for a moment here, after that we'll fetch the rest" Gohan said hoping they'll be done before dinner.
They were on a mountain and a small town of east mount Paozu was seen.
Gohan laid on the ground watching over, everything is fine, there is no trail left of the androids domination but he couldn't let go, the destruction and death of millions still haunts him.
Trunks came closer and curled up against Gohan joining in for a nap like a child.
he flinched snapping out of his thoughts, and looked over to Trunks.
"Say, aren't you too old for this?" Gohan asked.
"Nah" Trunks nonchalantly responded. He'll never be too old behaving as his little brother.
Gohan breathed out and caressed Trunkses head.
Trunks had to grow up without Gohan in the past, so he just want to stay his little brothers bit longer.