"Okay last one" Trunks said as they flied further into the freezing atmosphere.
Trunks looked at the dragon radar and noticed they already flew past the dragonballs location.
" It must be underwater, maybe in a cave " Trunks said.
"This is going to be tricky, Since dragon balls have no ki it's going to be a challenge to teleport in the right location" Trunks said looking at the radar.
"I have an idea, one of us will try to find the right location" Gohan said.
"I'll go" Trunks offered and left his coat behind.
"Good, After you found the closest location to the Dragonball you'll reach out to me through the mind link and I'll take If from there" Gohan said.
"Don't stay in the water too long" all right?" Gohan urged.
"Yeah I won't" Trunks and teleported into the deep water while Gohan watches over from the surface.
Gohan kept scanning his Ki, if something goes wrong he can step in,
"Don't do anything dumb" Gohan mused.
The water was freezing, he felt the painful numbing through his clothing.
Trunks looked at the dragon radar and he seems to be getting closer.
At the surface Gohan kept scanning for Trunkses ki, it seems fine for now, but he still remained restless.
Trunks could tell the Dragonball is near now, the beeping became louder and the location was at that underwater cave.
Trunks went inside and noticed an opening in the ceiling of the cave to catch some air.
"Waah" Trunks breathed out and looked around,
The cave was huge, like a chamber, dripping sounds of water were splashing on the rocks.
and Trunks made contact with Gohan concentrating.
"Gohan the Dragonball is not very far from here" Trunks said through the mind link and Gohan teleported by his side.
"You're all right?" Gohan asked to be sure.
"Yes, look " Trunks said.
He showed the dragonballs location it's close in the underwater cave they are in.
"I'll take it from here"
"Head back to the to surface" Gohan said.
"But want to make sure you'll get out of here without drowning " Trunks said.
"Trunks listen, You've been in the water longer and I, and if you keep on ignoring you'll get us both in danger" Gohan said.
And then Trunks realized doing this dilly dallying will solve nothing.
"I'm sorry, I need to trust you on this" Trunks said giving in.
"Correct," Gohan said.
"Now get going" Gohan added.
"Right I'll wait at the surface" Trunks said.
"Wear something something dry first " Gohan ordered and Trunks teleported out of the ice water.
Gohan noticed that he's very close but the Dragonball wasn't anywhere near, he swims back for air and tried again.
The dragon Radar shows that he's further away from the Dragonball again it could be somewhere underneath the soil.
There was a small treasure chest and when Gohan opened it the Dragonball was in clear sight.
Then Gohan teleported out of the ice water and Trunks got up from a rock relieved.
" I brought you a dry Gi " Trunks said.
"Thank you" Gohan said placing the Dragonball where the others are in the bag and got out of the wet gear.
"So should we summon the dragon here?" Trunks wondered.
"No, "
"we'll wait until it's night time to avoid attracting attention from possible humans nearby" Gohan said reaching for the Gi Trunks brought.
The dry and warm fabric caused mild sensation of pain over his skin when Gohan pulled his Gi shirt down but he feels better about the harsh weather.
A human would have died but a saiyan hybrid might wake up with a cold,
Gohan head throbbed a bit but his features remained satisfied, happy that they got the last one.
"I'm hungry" Trunks complained,
Then Gohan's stomach started to make sounds.
"Yeah so am I.." Gohan said craving for a large bowl of Rice.
"But I can't cook very well" Gohan admitted.
"Neither can I.. how about a take out?" Trunks suggested.
"No, let's get something from the convenient store, it's a lot cheaper and healthier too" Gohan said.
"But I want something to eat now, Im starving" Trunks started to become argumentative.
"Okay fine," Gohan said and Trunks poofed away,
Gohan shrugged slightly and seconds later Trunks poofed back.
"I forgot to ask what would you like" Trunks said.
"Chaôfan" Gohan said, but I only eat take outs from Mount Paozu"
"Why?" Trunks wondered.
"They hunt for their meat, it's better for you" Gohan added.
"Well okay," Trunks said respecting his request.
"Back in a jiffy" Trunks said.
Trunks waited for the take out to be ready, there were nice festive decorations on the ceiling, the music played a soft melody of the Christmas Carol. This will be the first holiday in the timeline he can celebrate in peace.
But he doesn't feel like celebrating at all. In fact he's a little tired of life.
Trunks poofed back in the capsule house and looked where Gohan went to, and when Trunks entered the living room Gohan was at the kotatsu table sleeping like a log.
Gohan was at the kotatsu table with his face buried in his own arm, not responding when Trunks carefully touched his shoulder.
Trunks just shrugged and got him ready for bed rest, after that he made Sure Gohan was tucked in properly and then cleared out leaving something warm to drink in case he wakes up soon.
the food he brought for Gohan will be stored in the fridge.
His Ki was fine so it's probably just exhaustion.
-
Gohan was on his stomach and opened one heavy eye, he didn't even remember falling in such a deep slumber, he was reading digital science book waiting for Trunks and minutes later he was out cold.
Gohan was groggy rubbing his eyes to get rid of the blur and went for a cold shower, when grogginess was gone he let the temperature rise enjoying a warm bath.
Gohan arrived downstairs and looked the table or door to see if Trunks maybe left a note.
Nothing was there, his boots and coat were gone, if only Trunks would at least let him know where he's going. At times it's frustrating.
"Oh well" Gohan said. " I assume he's having a stroll"
and noticed the whole window was covered in ice.
Gohan opened the door and heard the breeze of the snow blizzard roaring.
"Wow" Gohan said stepping outside,
Huge packs of snow covered the grass, the lanterns were lit leaving a golden glow over the snow.
He could hardly see the sky, there were so many flakes obscuring the atmosphere. They fell on his face and even made his hair white.
Gohan felt euphoria like he was a child again walking hand in hand with his parents, Goku was always hungry and his mother would scold him for trying to eat the snow.
Feeling a spark of interest in celebrating the holidays,
It's going to be all right.
Trunks was having a walk, the snow was so thick that it came to his knees, it hasn't snowed this much in years, Gohan appeared not too far away and sensed his ki.
"Gohan" Trunks said happy coming over to his side all covered in snow.
"Hi, slept well?" Trunks said.
"Yeah, where did you go to?" Gohan asked nonchalant.
"Nowhere,
"I noticed it started snowing, there were huge flakes falling down so I couldn't resist going out and just dive in" Trunks said.
"Why didn't you wake me?" Gohan said amazed that the Earth turned into a huge winter wonderful in such a short amount of time.
"I tried but you were out cold, you just turned around in response" Trunks said.
"Yeah, I did gravity training before we left so I'm a bit more tired than usual" Gohan said
"Did you ate the food I left you?"Trunks asked feeling his stomach growl again.
"Sorry, I didn't left anything for you" Gohan said,
"But listen it's getting Dark so let's do this and we can head home right before dinner" Gohan said glancing at the time.
"Oh great," Trunks said.
Trunks let the dragonballs roll out of the bag, They glowed but the dragon didn't come yet.
"Okay now we need to say the Namekian password" Trunks said looking at his digital notebook. He still finds it hard to pronounce it.
"So what do you want to wish for?" Gohan asked.
"Eh" Trunks said thinking
"Well.. I want my power to stay in its prime forever" Trunks said.
"At times I want to rest without worrying that I'll lose my powers, at least when I remain in my prime when it comes to strength I can protect the Earth and make my dreams come true" Trunks added.
"I understand, I suppose we could wish that for all 4 of us," Gohan said.
"Yeah, and when Goku returns he'll be happy with that too" Trunks added.
Erasa is terrified of getting old and dependent and Dad wants to train until death, and Gohan wants to be Capable of defending his own home.
It's probably the best wish they can make.
"And speaking of training
"I would like to fight you in your new form" Trunks said.
"Hm?" Gohan responded.
"You know, what grand kai unlocked" Trunks said.
"Heh" Well I rather use that power against the upcoming threat" Gohan said.
"Come on just once, I always learn for sparring especially facing a stronger opponent" Trunks asked.
"Sure Trunks-kun" Gohan smiled,
Gohan will just have to hold back without Trunks knowing. Telling him that he could get hurt won't make Trunks back off, he hardly listens but Gohan couldn't imagine not having Trunks with by his side.
" Tomorrow morning?" Trunks challenged him.
"Deal"
After wishing for enteral health and have their power in their prime forever Trunks left Gohan by himself to make a wish that he felt was best for of wishing a clean memory from the androids reign he wished that the night terrors will cease, Trunks was right, he should never forget what happened on Earth.
Those horrible memories are a reminder why he needs to keep going.
Gohan landed on the grass and Erasa stepped out
Happy that they just arrived for dinner,
"Where have you been?" Erasa wondered, she wasn't annoyed like heaps of spouses do, she just welcomed them home nonchalant like they just walked around the block.
"We just came from a great adventure" Trunks. said,
"It's a shame I have a test coming up for college tomorrow, but next time you better take me with you" Erasa said looking forward to see more of the world.
"Are you hungry?" Erasa wondered when Gohan seems happier than a moment ago.
"I'm starving but that's not the only reason I'm thrilled to be back,
Trunks went inside when he smelled the aroma letting them chat . Trying not to splurge the whole table.
"I.. made a wish to get rid of the night terrors, It's finally over now" Gohan mentioned.
"So.. we no longer sleep on separate beds?" Erasa asked.
"Never" Gohan said assuring and his orbs sparked with gentleness.
"I just didn't want to wake you, " I've lost a lot of sleep I can't let that happen to you" Gohan said.
Erasa smiled relieved, and came closer, Gohan looked down when he felt her wrap around his waist.
"I was worried about you Gohan, I'm so glad you don't have to suffer anymore" Erasa said hugging him with her eyes closed.
Gohan held onto her scalp in response.
"I'm fine now, Gohan said.
" When we hit the sack Can I use you as a pillow?" Erasa asked holding his hand guiding him inside.
"Pillow?.. Sure" Gohan responded to her unusual request.
"And sexy time?" Erasa asked.
"Shh not so loud" Gohan said and Erasa responded leaning against his shoulder.
Things couldn't get any better.
Trunks was almost done eating a large bowl.
"Have you said your blessing Trunks-kun?" Erasa said
" I forgot" " Itadakimasu" Trunks quickly said and continued.
"Erasa, I should have told you what I was doing but I needed to do this part alone and make sure I did what's best for my mental being" Gohan said after taking a seat beside her.
"It's okay" Erasa said understanding, "Aslong you don't give me grief When I do the same" Erasa said.
"Do what?" Gohan wondered.
"Attend personal matter first and tell you later when it's solved" Erasa said.
"Of course, I wouldn't mind.. Father always used to say that you should be considerate towards other like you want them to be considerate towards you" Gohan said.
"Hey," Erasa grasped at his hands.
"Goku Will come back, it might seem like it's endless, but it will happen" Erasa mentioned.
"I know, but I've learned to cope with it a little, during my first time patroller mission I found out that there are different universes and in plenty of universes where my father is alive, I met him and my paternal grand parents at the time nest,
"It's the only thing that keeps me from falling apart." Gohan said.
When Dad arrived at the battle field, I used to get tears in my eyes" Gohan mentioned.
"Dad is here and it's going to be all right"
"I want the people I care about feel the same about me, they'll be fine as long as I'm here" Gohan mentioned.
"Well If you keep on training you will" Erasa said.
"I believe in you in Gohan-kun" Erasa said.
And that means so much to him right now, at times having people by his side who believe in him seems more sincere than love,
Gohan felt his eyes water squeezed them away.
"Thank you" Gohan said gentle and squeezed her hands in return, Gohan looked up when Erasa leaned forward and let it happen.
The gang said goodnight Trunks was the first to hit the sack since he overate, and wants to get up early for training and for a good spar.
Erasa came in the bathroom while Gohan was showering by himself she dropped her nightwear on the ground and stepped in, showering together before bed is what could keep their marriage passionate.
Erasa's grandmother who is still married until this day gave her an advise that you should have a night routine together, when you clocked off from work, the children are asleep you need to become unavailable to the world and just cater to each other. Keep the bedroom unavailable for children, that's your private space you share with the husband.
Feeling at ease following the advise of people who already achieved what she wants.
-
Gohan already finished his assignment but double checked for any errors before he sends it in, having class online is going well, capsule Corps stays up and running doing more negotiations online so thankfully he can still get his degree during the Pandemic.
Night" Erasa chirped leaning forward for a heartfelt smooch, Gohan then held on her hand guiding her to the kingsize bed,
When Gohan lied down she did the same.
"Come closer". Gohan said when Erasa nestled herself at her side of the bed.
She did so and leaned against his shoulder.
"Closer" Gohan said placing a hand around her hip.
Erasa then moved towards his chest and rested there.
"That's better" Gohan thought and held on to her hand that laid between his chest, holding her like his own father holds his wife. In his heart she's already his wife and now that he's been liberated from the night terrors he'll be her devoted husband from now on, closing his eyes, finally he could be at peace.
-/-
Few days have passed Christmas tunes were played in central city, people are doing their business like nothing ever happened, It's kind of scary being overwhelmed with so much peace, he embraced it in the the other time line because the androids never had the chance to touch that world.People were skating nearby and wild pine trees were decorated by the local villages.
Every member of the Z squad has been invited to celebrate with a huge feast prepared.
but still it felt like a puzzle piece is missing.
Trunks walked in with wrapped packages for the fest tree and was greeted by Gohan.
"It's about time you came back" Gohan said as he just finished his paper for class.
"Why?" Trunks wondered.
"We'll be having dinner in Tokyo remember?" Gohan said.
"It slipped my mind" Trunks said and crawled under the kotatsu table.
"Aren't you hungry?" Gohan wondered, even the mention of food makes Trunks feel better but not this time.
"I'm just not really in the mood for the holidays" Trunks said.
Gohan came to his side sitting down in a meditation position in front of Trunks head.
Nonchalantly giving his nose a poke, Trunks looked up seeing Gohan hover over him
they looked at each other in silence large onyx eyes became bigger when Gohan leaned in closer and Trunks snorted when he tried to contain his laugher and that made Gohan smile too.
"You weirdo" Trunks said sitting up.
"No you" Gohan said childish.
"But seriously, why don't you?" Gohan asked.
"Well, Its the first holiday season without Dad" Trunks said.
"I hope there will be a time patroller mission available soon" Trunks said. "At least seeing time patroller Goku assisting us during missions I feel better"
"I find it hard too, getting married soon without having him there, but I want to create the best moments I can get in this life, you never know when danger strikes the Earth" Gohan said.
"Father wouldn't want me to sit around and wait for him, he wants me to continue moving forward with him in spirit" Gohan mentioned.
"Besides..
"I was wondering when you want to take over?" Gohan asked,
"I could use a break, I always wanted to visit certain places of the world" Gohan mentioned.
"Well Im not ready to be a leader yet even if it's temporarily" Trunks said.
really.. I almost ruined everything in the past" Trunks said.
"How so?" Gohan asked.
"Well everything we do there will have a negative effect and I ignored Goku's orders"
"Because I was frightened that the timeline will be doomed also I killed Cell and the androids before Gero could unleash them" Trunks said.
"It caused more harm than good.. what If I do something stupid like that again?" Trunks shrugged.
"Trunks.. just being there in the past alone creates a negative energy, so it doesn't matter if you stepped in or not" Gohan said.
"But glad you did step in, it shows that you are willing to do everything to save the Earth no matter the cost" Gohan said.
"Cut yourself some slack Trunks-kun, you're a better leader than you think" Gohan said.
Trunks thought about what Gohan said,
he did everything in his power to save the Earth, he didn't let anything or anyone get in his way.
Trunks glanced outside seeing more snow falling down and leaned against Gohan's shoulder.
-
After they celebrated Christmas it was time to get married, December is a special month for Gohan, not only do humans celebrate the best holiday around winter but in December his fathers space ship crashed on Earth, in early December he asked his beloved to marry him and now they are getting married, it's the most wonderful month ever.
And it's also a great month he always buys presents during this time and takes his loved ones out for dinner so in case he forgets their wedding anniversary he can always bounce back since he has dinner and presents ready.
It also gives him one worry less,
At the alter Gohan stood there stretching out his hand and a slender one took it.
It was the moment to do their vows,
"My Gohan, before we seal our vows with a kiss I want to tell you how stunning you look, I need you like the Ocean needs the moon, Erasa mentioned.
Gohan had his grip on her hands tighten, as she started to tear up.
" I might seem perfectly capable standing alone but I need that magnetic force you provide so that I'll never get lost" Erasa expressed.
"Spiritually and emotionally I don't ever want you far away"
" I love you better with every moment that passes, every second I feel that love shift into something more beautiful , I honour you as my beloved husband" Erasa said and briefly moved her hand away to wipe a tear falling down.
" I believe in you, I trust you.. you bring out the best in me, You taught me to be brave and to never fear injustice.. "
"And If I have to part ways from you its because my time on Earth is up"
"Please don't go anywhere without taking me with you, because with you I'm home"
"I am grounded" Erasa finished her sentence.
Gohan felt more than just flattered, hopefully this message makes his love for her be known.
"Dear Erasa, "
"The first time we met it wasn't love at first sight, I
"it took time to realise you were born for me"
I would give up my life to save you because a life without you is a life not worth living"
"Without you I wouldn't never have come this far, you made my short comings my strength, you were always the voice of reason within my heart"
"Whenever im hurt, angry or saddened you never treated me different or try to fix me, instead you kept staying by my side, you've been my torch in my darkest hour" Gohan said.
He thought about the androids how she keeps him lifted when they seemed undefeated, she saved Goku and all of them by created a better serum and shut down device.
Her bravery made him fall for her.
"And I couldn't thank you enough for saying yes"
"I'll be with you always if you'll have me" Gohan said,After making a tearful vow they became husband and wife.
7 years later
A lot has happened in 7 years, new villains were drawn to the Earth, but also met new allies Gohan got his PHD, Trunks is president of Capsule corps for a while, he is currently dating Chronoa and by her side he's training new future Time patrollers and so far life has been going back to normal.
Gohan's love life has been incredible, he kept on finding more reasons to love his wife and everyday he's falling in love with her all over again.
Despite being inseparable both felt it would be great to have another wedding ceremony to redo their vows to each other. Nothing will ever come between them when their daughter is born they'll pick a date.
Gohan wanted to ask Trunks if he wants to join them to order take out at the restaurant but he was behind with paperwork so he'll meet up with them later.
As they waited for the food being prepared Erasa told Gohan that she wants Gine to be a Z fighter.
Gohan was surprised to hear that but agreed, She has his blood and Saiyans always desire pushing their own limits to be great.
It felt so wonderful having a wife who wants her children to train, Gohan favours warriors and hard workers when it comes to his friends group. It's also the reason why he fell for his beloved and still does.
They joined hands looking at each other lovingly.
A bell sounded and looked up, their food was ready and Erasa got up.
"I'll get it" Erasa said and leaned forward.
Gohan watched her leave, knowing that her and the baby will be fine.
His day couldn't get any better, he's granted permission to travel through time as a reward for his contribution as time patroller. Maybe after his daughter is born he can travel to the past and meet his father, and maybe he could go further in time to learn more about his Saiyan heritage.
"Gohan" Trunks beamed.
Gohan looked up assuming Trunks couldn't wait until they get home with the food.
Gohan smiled amused but then he became chalk white,
Trunks was standing there in a short distance with his father.
"Look who I brought" Trunks said and Goku smiled at his son with nonchalant but his eyes sparked feeling proud of him.
"Dad.." Gohan said shocked, his eyes tears up breaking into a sob as he ran up to him.
"Father!" Gohan glops him, and cried, he cried more than when he got wished back, when he returned from Namek and even when he heard the bad news that he died..
Happiness and pain felt present in his heart, he trembled in Goku's hold. And he held Gohan's scalp like he's still a boy of 9 years of age.
"Gohan.. Im happy to see you too, " Goku said.
Goku held him and Trunks came closer too holding them both around the shoulder.
Erasa felt goosebumps all over her she wished she could run but walked up to him as fast as she could.
Only when Erasa came to their side Gohan let go of his father, his eyes were red but Erasa never seen her husband so happy.
Erasa was emotional wiping her face, but waiting until Gohan regained his composure.
Goku eyed surprised when he saw Erasa with such a large tummy, and rubbed it in awe. Greeting is granddaughter and felt a kick.
Erasa chuckled and held her arms open for a tight hug of her own. Finally her friend group and family is complete.
Gohan loves his father even more now, his wish has been granted, His father returned just in time to be there on the due date.
Goku has a protective hand on Erasa's shoulder, And Erasa held on to his Gi. Still finding it hard to to believe he's here.
"You're all right?" Goku asked when Erasa's hiccups didn't cease.
"Yeah" Erasa cried and rested a hand on his chest.
"Gohan look after Erasa, a girl like her you can only find once in a lifetime." Goku said.
"I know" Gohan said acknowledging
" But will you be leaving?" Gohan wondered.
"For now I'll stay on Earth don't worry but after the baby is born I need to train hard" Goku mentioned.
"But.. where will you go?" Gohan said not ready to part ways so soon after they are reunited.
"To world of the Kais, there is a level beyond the Supersaiyan strength.. it's called the God Ki" Goku said,
"In order to keep this world safe from future harm I have to " Goku said regretful. Wishing he could just retire and be at peace but this Universe will never be out of danger.
Everyone had a saddened look on their faces, and it made it even harder for Goku.
"Do you want to come with me then?" Goku asked. Gohan thought about it and looked at his wife.
"I don't mind Gohan.. "
besides I can come too since I'll be on Maternity leave" Erasa mentioned.
"you'll be there too right Trunks-kun?" Erasa asked.
"Yeah, and if you ever need to go back I'll just use instant transmission" Trunks said.
The gang came to a mutual agreement, they prepare for the arrival of the baby and after that they stay on the planet where Goku will be training
Together always.
-
A/N: For now this will be my last dbz story, simply because I ran out of ideas, I always wanted to do my version of the Buu saga but there isn't much I would change except Gohan being the saviour or Goku and Gohan fusing like the anime originally planned.
If I do come up with new ideas I want Goku to be married to Suno post Saiyan saga and Lime to be Gohan's main squeeze and future wife, I like having my stories take place in alternate universes so that I don't have to keep previous stories in mind.
Until next time
Take care,
Merry Christmas
Light Gaia