Author's Notes: Ah, more DRAMA. Don't you just love it? ^.^ I hate to give anything away, so I'll just let you folks read.
Again, thanks to Shin (my too kind Beta ^. ^). Nora J. and Lisalu they're wonderful writing set a standard that I could only hope to achieve and lastly, Vegetababe. The FIRST person to review BOTH Part One and Part Two of Generations and show such an enthusiasm for this story that I can't possibly let her down (She left THREE reviews of part one! That's very flattering) this one goes out to you girl! ^.^ And thanks again to all of you who read and reviewed!
Warnings: Minor tissue alert.
Disclaimer: Need I go through this again? I don't own them. Please, don't sue. Just a poor lowly college student in MAJOR debt getting her kicks out of some writing.
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Generations Come and Gone
Part Three
By Insane Dragon
"I think I can feel Gumo's ki over that way," said Trunks.
"Hai," said Gohan. "Gumo is a lot like me when I was his age. His ki is barely perceptible unless it's triggered my intense emotion."
"I wonder why he didn't react when the monster…killed Videl," wondered Bra out loud from her perch on her brother's back. "I---I'm not sure, but I think he might have seen what happened to Videl-san."
"Possibly," said Gohan. "But the trauma may have been to much for him to process or even react. He barely turned three a couple of months ago. He's still so innocent. Videl and I didn't want him to grow up the way Goten and I did. Always battling, always on guard.
Gohan laughed bitterly. "I now understand what 'Kasan went through all those years worrying over me, over Goten, and especially 'Tosan."
~I understand 'Kasan. I'm sorry. I'm sorry we were never considerate of your feelings, that we took your love for granted. Please forgive me. Forgive us~
"Maybe so," said Trunks quietly. "But you can't deny him his inheritance."
Bra looked down at her brother curiously, one eyebrow cocked.
Gohan mulled over Trunks statement for a moment. The younger demi-Saiya-jin did have a point. Though Goku had tried to deny his true origin after the initial arrival of the Saiya-jin's, he had come to reconcile both his Chikyuuan and Saiya-jin heritage. He embraced his awesome Saiya-jin power and used it to defend Chikyuu for all he was worth.
But for all his good intentions, he never put the same effort towards his family. Oh, there was no doubt about his love for them, but over the years Gohan, as he became older, began to question some of his fathers decisions concerning his family.
No. He wouldn't deny Gumo the Son Saiya-jin legacy, but he would definitely go about it much differently.
"Hai," Gohan said, keeping his eyes straight ahead. "Sa, ikimasho," and increased his speed just a little more.
******
"'Basan…iie…" murmured Gumo as he tossed and fidgeted in his sleep. One little fist hit the ground beside him and he suddenly jerked awake. "'Bochan…?" Wide eyes stared in horror and disbelief at the empty space beside him.
Gumo scrambled to his knees, feeling the ground all around him. "'Bochan…?" But she had been there right beside him before. Where could she have gone? She couldn't walk. The little boys eyes welled up with tears, lip trembling and he could no longer hold back the sobs and whimpers that wracked him.
Soon his vision blurred and he gave up on turning over the surrounding debris in search of the baby.
He was alone again.
Curling himself into a little ball on the ground Gumo cried his little heart out. "I---I want 'Bochan. Where 'Bochan go?" He hiccupped.
"I WANT 'Bochan!" He yelled out loud, a faint glow suddenly emanating around his small form.
"I WANT 'Bochan! 'Bochan! I WANT 'Bochan! AND…AND (hiccup) 'NIICHAN (hiccup) AND 'BASAN!!" The louder he yelled the brighter the glow around him became.
Gumo began to pound his fists and kick his feet against the ground, not realizing that he caused the earth to shake violently, dust billowing like a cloud all around enclosing him.
*******
Startled, the woman almost dropped Sarada from her arms. "Iie…the monster must have returned! And I left that little boy all alone. What have I done?" She sobbed clutching Sarada closer to her bosom. "But I couldn't leave this poor helpless akanbochan…" She looked down at Sarada who slept fitfully amongst her warm fresh blankets.
"I didn't mean to leave your little 'Niichan precious one." The woman whispered against Sarada's forehead, planting a soft kiss. "Please, forgive me?"
And she resumed her journey northward towards the northern mountains of Honshu.
*******
"Did you feel that Gohan?" Gasped Trunks. "That couldn't possibly be---"
"It's Gumo! We must hurry. He can't control his power." Cried Gohan.
"Hang on sis!" Yelled Trunks over his shoulder.
"Nani? EEEEEKKKKKK!!" Yelped Bra, grabbing on to Trunks shoulders more tightly. I definitely need to learn how to fly.
*******
"WAAAAAAAAAAA!! 'BASAAANNN!!! 'NIICHAAANNN!!! 'BOCHAAANNN!!!"
"Oh my!" Exclaimed Bra. "Trunks. Gohan. Look! That cloud of smoke…"
"Hai Bra. That's Gumo all right." Shouted Trunks and sped up towards the haze of debris that the boy created.
Another power surge and a faint golden glow made him gasp. "Gohan! Gumo---he's gone Super Saiya-jin! But he's only three years old!" Exclaimed Trunks in complete awe.
"He's just a little boy," cried Bra. "Surely he wouldn't be able to handle such an increase in power for the first time."
"NO, he wouldn't," said Gohan through clenched teeth. "I have to help him control his ki before he…he…shimatta…not like this…not now." Gohan what little energy he had on reserve and powered up.
"GUMO! I'm coming little brother!"
"Gohan wait!" Trunks flew after him.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! WAAAAAAAAAAAA!!" Gumo cried, continuing to pound the ground into a pulp all around him not noticing Gohan approach.
"GUMO! GUMO! It's 'Niichan," Gohan made a grab for the flailing boy through the heavy smoke. "Hey…hey…calm down little bro. I'm here," Gohan spoke in soothing tones, "It's your 'Niichan Gumo. I'm here now."
"N-n-niichan?" Gumo said with quavering lips finally quieting his screams and shouts. "G-Gohan?" He hiccupped, biting his lip. "GOHAN!" Gumo yelled excitedly and with relief throwing himself against Gohan wrapping short pudgy arms around his neck in a choking lock.
Not caring and able to withstand the boy's hold around him, Gohan hugged his little brother tightly against him. He thanked Dende that his baby brother was spared from this awful tragedy.
Gohan couldn't seem to get enough of Gumo's warmth and smell and buried his face in his brothers thick unruly hair. "I'll never let anything happen to you again Gumo," Gohan murmured against the ebony locks.
In response Gumo tightened his hold even more around his brother's neck. He was safe now. As long as his 'Niichan was around everything would be all right.
"Gohan, thank Dende, you didn't have to transfer any ki to help him power down," said Trunks landing softly beside the embracing pair.
"Yes, thank Dende." Whispered Bra in agreement. Looking on at the finally reunited brothers. Though relieved that the little boy had finally been found and was now safe in his brother's arms, Bra couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and hated herself for it.
She was happy for Gumo and Gohan. Truly she was, but where was Sarada? Her baby sister was now her main concern. Barley seven months old, Saiya-jin or not, she was still vulnerable and helpless.
"Trunks," Bra tugged at her brother's arm. "Can you feel Sarada's ki?" She looked at him hopefully. "I mean if Gumo had a ki, surely Sarada would have one, right? That would enable us to locate her amongst this mess…wouldn't it?"
Trunks swallowed hard. "Um, well, yes…" Bra's blue eyes brightened even more and her lips spread in a wide smile.
"So! What are you waiting for Trunks? We can find Sarada like we did Gumo-chan!"
"……"
"Trunks?" Bra's smile shrank a few notches and fresh tears threatened once again. "Trunks? W-what's wrong?"
He hated to disappoint his sister, but the sad truth was he couldn't feel Sarada's small ki. He had before his father's…before the explosion. Afterwards, out of habit really, he made an automatic check for Sarada's and Bra's ki's and even Vegeta's.
Trunks had known that his father was gone, though remnants of his energy were still in the air. Bra's much smaller ki was strong, considering her minor injuries. However, Sarada…there seemed to be something odd about Sarada's ki.
His baby sister had been born with a strong level of energy, but it dwindled soon after her birth. Trunks had attributed the death of Bulma as a type of shock to the infant.
Trunks was certainly no expert, but he was well aware of the importance of bonding between infant and mother, which was evident in his own relationship with his mother and was glad that his father had realized this after Sarada had been born.
"Trunks---"
"Bra," Trunks sighed. "I haven't been able to feel Sarada's ki since before the explosion. "But," he persisted before she could interrupt. "That doesn't mean that she's hurt or dead Bra. Sarada's ki has always been…well, irregular, for lack of a better word. She's alive. I know it. We'll find her Bra. I promise."
"H-hai." She sobbed. "I just want to go home. I want us to find Sarada and just move on…"
"I know Bra. I know." He whispered against her forehead hugging her close.
"So what now? I know we still have to find the other's, but we need to find Sarada as soon as possible."
"Gumo and I will be fine. You two go and look for Sarada," insisted Gohan quietly.
"But Gohan…"
"It's all right Trunks. The sooner you look for Sarada, the sooner you'll find her." He persisted.
"Gohan, I appreciate your concern, but you're in no condition to care for Gumo and yourself, as well as gathering up the others at this moment." Reasoned Bra.
"Kuso, what are we going to do?" Trunks spat, completely confounded by their situation.
Bra's eyes brightened with an idea. "I have a suggestion!" Bra said eagerly. "Gohan," she turned to the older demi-Saiya-jin. "We have a regeneration tank back at Cap Corp. The place didn't suffer too much damage. Papa did a good job of luring the monster away. Trunks could in search of Sarada while you rest up for little bit in the tank. I'll keep an eye on Gumo for you in the mean time. The little guy could use some attention. Afterwards, Trunks and I can help you find Pan, Goten, and Videl."
Gohan thought about it. He hated to delay his business, but she made a valid point. He was in no condition to do all that by himself. Let alone with poor Gumo clinging on to him for dear life. The poor boy didn't want to seem to ever let go of Gohan.
"Hai. You are right Bra-chan." He conceded. "I'll do as you suggest."
"Great." Bra smiled widely then turned to her brother. "Trunks please hurry and find Sarada as quickly as you can!"
Grateful to see his sister functioning under the circumstances with a quick nod he left the trio and flew off in search of his baby sister.
******
"So where are you headed exactly?"
"Nagano."
"Nagano? Don't know too many folks that travel there this time of year."
The woman smiled politely not really in a mood to make conversation, but obliged the man anyway. After all, he had been kind enough to give her and the baby a lift as far North as he was going. "I grew up there. My family ran a ski resort, but my Otosan sold it to a North American businessman many years ago. But we still have a winter cabin up in the mountains that my father bequeathed to me after he died."
The man nodded.
"Is that your baby?" He gestured towards the bundle in the woman's arms.
"She is now." Replied the woman, snuggling the freshly cleaned and fed Sarada closer to her bosom.
The man cocked a brow.
"I adopted her today," was all the woman said for explanation.
"An orphan from the disaster down in the southern region?"
"Hai."
"She's cute."
"Hai." The woman smiled in agreement lightly stroking the soft whips of hair along the little girl's forehead with a finger.
"By the way, my name is Nidai." Offered the driver.
"I'm Hiriashi. Hiriahsi Hakikko." She smiled.
They drove over a pothole causing the vehicle and it's occupants to jump violently. Sensitive to the movement, Sarada cried out.
"Aw, shh, shh, Midori-chan." The woman quickly rocked the baby quieting her. Immediately, Sarada calmed and resumed her fitful slumber.
******
"Huh?" Trunks started. There, he thought he'd felt Sarada's ki again, but then it quickly disappeared. "Sarada, where the hell are you squirt?" He squeezed his temples and sighed. "Papa will have my ass if I don't find you little 'Neechan." He chuckled humorlessly.
He flew over more ruined homes and businesses and spotted a soft yellow hued cloth on top of a hood of a smashed car. He flew flower for a better look. Landing softly on the ground he reached for the material.
It was one of Sarada's baby blankets Trunks recognized, but how did it get this far out unless…Trunks eyes widened his fingers clutching at the soft cotton material. Iie.
Someone had her, or…or even worse…something took her. Dende only knew what kind of animals ran around loose in search for food. The forest wasn't far from here and surely the zoo was destroyed.
Well, there wasn't any evidence blood or other bodily harm, but still…Iie. He couldn't think that way. The fact that had felt her ki moments ago was proof of that. Someone had her and he wasn't going to give up until he tracked them down.
*******
"Aw, Gumo, come on. It's ok. Bra-chan is a nice girl." Gohan tried convincing the still clinging Gumo around from around his neck. His efforts, though, were in vain.
"IIE! Want to stay with you 'Niichan!" The boy cried, tightening his grip around his older brother.
Gohan choked, "Gumo, you're going to suffocate your 'Niichan!" He said attempting to pull the boys arms from around his neck.
Bra laid a small hand on Gumo's back and rubbed soothingly. "Hey there little guy." She spoke softly. "Remember me? I'm so sorry I dropped you Gumo-chan. I didn't mean to, it was an accident."
Though his frantic cries subsided to soft whimpers, he still clung to Gohan and wouldn't turn to face Bra.
"You must be hungry Gumo-chan." Bra tried another tactic, winking at Gohan. "You're 'Niichan needs to go into the tank so he can get better. You want him to get better don't you? Why don't we get you some food and clean clothes? While your 'Niichan heals up in the tank? Would you like that?"
Food? Gumo's stomach growled loudly at the mentioning of the word. He was hungry, but he didn't want to be away from his 'Niichan. What if he went away again? The blue haired girl, Bra, seemed nice enough, but…
"Go ahead Gumo," Gohan encouraged smiling down at him. "It's all right. Bra-chan will take care of you while I heal up in the big tank here. I won't be long. I promise."
Gumo finally pulled his face away from Gohan's neck and looked around at a smiling Bra. Then he looked back at Gohan. Well, if his 'Niichan trusted her, then he could too.
Slowly, Gumo pulled away from Gohan and turned with open arms towards Bra.
Gohan exhaled a sigh of relief and handed the little boy over to Bra and quickly began to remove his tattered dress shirt, shoes, socks and slacks, remaining in his white boxers unembarrassed, as he waited while Bra configured the regeneration tank to fit his needs.
With Gumo at her hip, Bra helped Gohan put on the oxygen mask then shut the door as he went in and activated the tank, also unaffected by Gohan's lack of address. Gohan and Videl had been like a third set of parents to her. The last thing on her mind was admiring Gohan's physique.
She gave the regeneration tank control panel and Gohan one last look see then left with Gumo for a bath and some food.
*******
"Hey!" Bra giggled. "Stop splashing me!" She splashed back at Gumo. The little boy giggled with hysterics. Bra smiled. It was good to see the little guy happy and laughing for a change, she mused.
"Ok, bath time is over. Now let's get you dressed up and get you something good to eat!"
"Yeah!" Splashed Gumo excitedly.
"Silly boy," said Bra wrapping a thick terry cloth towel around him. She ruffled his unruly hair with one end of it the material. "All right kiddo. Now you need something to wear." She said as she picked up the bundle.
"Where we going?" He asked wonderingly, his little face peaking from the space around his towel wrapped face.
"We're going to my 'Niichan Trunk's room. I think he still has some of his old baby clothes stored somewhere."
"Hai!" He smiled cutely in agreement.
*******
"Wow! You sure are packing those down Gumo-kun!" Marveled Bra as she watched Gumo devoured peanut butter and jelly sandwich after peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Gumo paused only for a sec from his feast and gave Bra a peanut butter and jelly tooth filled grin.
Bra ruffled his hair playfully and presumed to lean on one well elbow at the table and continued to watch Gumo. "Want some m--" She was cut off by the sound a distinct beeping. "Gumo! Your 'Niichan's ready!"
The little boy's eyes widened excitedly and he started clapping his hands. "'Niichan, 'Niichan, 'Niichan," he chanted around a mouthful of PB & J.
"Here, drink this before we go," said Bra handing him a glass of cold chocolate milk. Gumo took it obediently and gulped the glass down without once taking a breath. Bra shook her head; the Saiya-jin stomach was something else. She quickly wiped Gumo's mouth with a damp napkin and carried him down to the lab.
*******
Trunks was able to follow Sarada's trail as far as Satan City before it stopped cold. For all he knew the person or people who had his baby sister could well be out of the country or up in the northern island and they were moving pretty fast.
With a resigned sigh, he lifted once more into the air and headed back to Capsule Corp. He and Bra would continue their search later. As much as he hated to postpone the investigation, Gohan needed their help right now.
*******
It was late by the time Gohan and Trunks had gathered together their loved one's bodies. Bra stood aside with Gumo in her arms while Trunks and Gohan finished with Goten's grave.
"It is done." Said Gohan softly as he knelt on one knee in front of the grave. Beside him was a small ivory box containing his beloved wife's ashes. Gohan slowly got up, box in hand and stepped back. After a few more moments he turned towards Bra and reached out his arms out for Gumo.
The boy readily went to him, wrapping arms and legs around his older brother. Bra reluctantly let go of the little boy.
"Domo arigato Trunks-chan, Bra-chan," Gohan nodded to the two other demi-Saiya-jins. "Gumo and I will leave now. Take care you two."
"Hai Gohan-chan," Said Trunks.
"Don't ever forget us Gohan-san," said Bra softly.
"Hai," he nodded. "Take care," and flew away with Gumo, the little boy waived good-bye.
Bra watched the pair disappear in to sky then turned to her brother. She looked at the bundle wrapped in linen beside her brother. Vegeta's remains lying inside the wrap waiting to be buried along side his beloved wife Bulma behind Capsule Corp grounds.
"We should go too," she whispered hoarsely.
"Hai," nodded Trunks in agreement still looking in the direction of Gohan's flight. What are you up to Gohan? That's the way to Karen's Tower.
Trunks reluctantly dismissed his suspicions and turned his attentions back to his sister. He flung his father's body over one shoulder and wrapped his free arm around Bra's waist.
"Sa, ikimasho," he said soberly.
*******
Gohan stepped down quietly on the ivory marble floor; he looked around familiarizing himself once again with the surroundings of 'Kame's Place', now Dende's for about the past thirty years. With Gumo in tow, Gohan approached the center of the holy temple. From the shadows appeared a short green antennae figure, beside him a slightly taller, ebon, portly figure. Gohan acknowledged the two with a nod.
"Dende, Mr. Popo, it's been some time." Gohan said softly.
Gumo looked on at the pair with wide eyes.
"Hai Gohan-san," replied the Namekian Guardian in that soft gentle voice of his. He acknowledged Gumo with a friendly smile.
"It is a pleasure to see you again Gohan," said Mr. Popo.
Dende new why and Gohan had come to the temple and he also knew that Gohan struggled with what he wanted to ask. Sadly, it was out of Dende's power.
Finally, having chosen his words carefully Gohan said, "Dende…I need to know, can you create new Dragon Balls?"
The look of hope and desperation on his best friends face broke Dende's heart. He wanted to help, but the matter was out of his hands. A guardian could only do so much.
"Gomen…Gohan-san, but that is not possible," replied Dende sadly in that soft gentle voice.
Gohan clenched his eyes. He'd hoped against hope, but the outcome was as before.
"Doushite?" Gohan muttered through clenched teeth, utterly frustrated.
"Gomen nasai, Gohan-san, truly I am, but after Goku-san left with Shenlon, so too did the Dragon Balls I created when I became Chikyuu's Guardian after Kame-sama joined with Piccolo. To create new Dragon Balls, a new guardian must be put in place and frankly Gohan; there isn't anyone that would want to become a Guardian of Chikyuu. As I recall, your father had a tough time convincing any of the other Nameks to assume the role." Dende sighed. "I just happened to be your friend."
Gohan nodded resignedly. "You're right Dende. I- I just wish things could have been different." He said with an ironic smile. "I will go now Dende. It was good to see you again my friend and you too Mr. Popo."
"Hai, it was good seeing you again Gohan and your brother too." Dende looked at Gumo curiously and the look hadn't escaped Gohan. He pondered over it for a moment but quickly dismissed it.
Mr. Popo nodded. "Please stop by again soon Gohan. We've missed you!"
With one final nod, Gohan levitated to the sky with Gumo and flew off to his home.
Mr. Popo turned to Dende, "Do you think the other's know?"
"Hai," said Dende. "Trunks is smart like his mother Bulma-san and clever like Vegeta-san. He would know that new Dragon Balls are not a realistic remedy."
"And if he comes here for answers about his sister?" Mr. Popo persisted.
"Then I would have to be frank and tell him that it is not within my jurisdiction to disclose that information. Such is the way of Guardians. I cannot change it or make concessions," replied Dende somberly.
"Hai, Dende-sama. Let us hope that they find their way."
"Hai."
*******
The ceremony was quiet and short. Trunks and Bra buried their father along side their mother Bulma. They bowed their heads in a moment of silence then returned to Capsule Corp.
Brother and sister discussed their other sibling in the kitchen over dinner.
"I can't eat Trunks. I'm sick with worry." Bra choked.
"I know Bra, but making yourself ill, isn't going to bring her back sooner," He gently chided. "And if I'm going to train you, you need to be fit and healthy, Hai?"
"Hai," she agreed.
"All right then." He sat back in his chair, pushing back a stray lock of lavender hair behind his ear. "I have a plan to find Sarada."
"YOU DO?!" Bra's blue eyes brightened. She dropped her fork as she nearly jumped over the table.
Trunks flinched back fearfully. "H-Hai Bra-chan." He chuckled nervously. "I think that we need to go about this very differently from our…usual escapades," Trunks said seriously. "I mean, we're so used to the Dragon Balls fixing everything, it's not like that anymore."
Bra sat back in her seat. "Hai, Trunks-kun. What do you propose we do?" The fifteen year old looked up with old weary eyes.
"Do this the old fashion way. Offer a reward." He said matter of fact.
"A reward?" Bra looked skeptical.
"Hai. Someone has Sarada in their possession and we are the richest family on all of Chikyuu, if we offered a reward to anyone who steps forward with information on her whereabouts, I am certain that we will have a large turn out." Trunks said confidently.
Bra still seemed unconvinced. "But with people try to fraud us Trunks?"
"I won't let that happen!" Trunks scowled looking a lot like his father.
Bra sighed, too tired to argue with her brother. All she cared about was finding her sister. "Oi, fine trunks. We'll do this as you say."
Trunks reached out for his sister's hand. "We'll find her Bra. We will."
*******
Up in heaven, two figures looked down on the pair.
"Do you think they will be all right?" The woman asked the other beside her.
"Hai onna," the male said gruffly yet with tenderness and pulled her close. "They are our children. They carry our blood. They are strong. Of course they will get through this." He said gently against her blue crown of hair and planted a soft kiss.
The woman hugged the man closer and closed her eyes and prayed to the powers that be that her children be safe.
*******
The trucker whistled to himself as he drove along the highway. He briefly thought about the woman and the baby he had dropped off not too long ago.
~Ski resort, Nagano, that woman must come from old money~ he thought dismissively.
Bored and not wanting to be alone with his thoughts, the man tuned on the radio…
"We bring you this special report. Trunks Briefs and Bra Briefs of Capsule Corporation located in West Capital City and recognized all over the world are offering a reward for any information or leadings to the whereabouts of their seven month old sister Sarada Briefs, who yesterday was lost in the chaos that ensued during Godzilla's reign of terror this past week. Here is a brief description of the baby…"
The trucker's eyes widened with recognition.
It couldn't be… Images of the women he'd given a ride and the baby with her flashed in his mind.
Is that you're baby?
She is now.
"…Please citizens of Nihon, if you have any information contact Trunks or Bra Briefs at the Capsule Corporation in West Capital City…"
The trucker quickly swerved his vehicle around. If he'd hurried, he might be able to… "AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
So preoccupied with his thoughts, Nidai failed to see the other Truck coming in the opposite direction as he turned.
END PART THREE
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End Notes: How bad was that? You can berate me through email if you'd like? Next time in Generations Come and Gone, we move forward 17 yrs.
Once again, all questions and comments (NO Flames please) can be sent to insane_dragon00@hotmail.com
Please R/R ^_^
Second Disclaimer: I don not own or create the name Godzilla. Someone else does. Please don't sue!
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Japanese Terms:
Doushite: Why
Sa, ikimasho: Let's go
Akanbochan ('Bochan): Baby