By: Saiyan Serpent
Disclaimer: I do not own db, dbz, dbgt, or any of its characters.
Last Time:
Trunks was too tired to resist the darkness as it descended upon him. It had been a long day and he didn't feel like fighting right now. Images of the day flashed through his mind as he drifted into his world of endless torture.
Chapter Seven: Never Forget
As night surrendered to morning, the sun broke over the horizon. The warm rays swept over the land, awakening the earth from its soothing slumber. Slowly, the world gave way to the new day and life stirred in its wake.
Hidden behind a barrier of darkness, the soft breathing of a still form was heard somewhere inside the walls of Capsule Corp. Not knowing something was stalking it, the still form continued to sleep. The unknown foe seeped silently through the small opening the dark curtains allowed.
The predator spotted its prey almost immediately, wrapped in the twisted layers of sheets covering the bed. The prey settled in deep slumber would never expect the attack. The intruder grew more confident in its mission as it ran its fiery fingers down the window and settled on the floor.
Moving ever so slowly, it crept along the carpeted floor closer to its victim. It continued to stretch across the floor, rising from the bottom of the bed. Choosing to retain the element of surprise, it slid slowly towards the unsuspecting form.
Rising steadily up the side of the bed, the predator contemplated its line of attack. Which area would be the best place to strike? On the edge of the bed, it continued to watch its prey finally deciding on a course of action. The face was as good a place as any, it being the weakest point of the prey. Reaching a decision, the silent enemy moved closer to its unsuspecting victim.
Golden fingers slithered up the side of the sleeping face, before stopping altogether. They remained there, slowly burning into the victim. It would not be long now. The victim stirred restlessly under the assault, not willing to give in just yet. Moans and groans filled the room under the torturous attack, but the predator never ceased its torment.
Finally giving way to the intense heat, a pair of eyes cracked open as another moan escaped the prey's mouth. Instinctively, a hand flew up to cover the sensitive area, trying desperately to escape the agonizing assault. The scorching fingers burned more intensely, not willing to let the prey escape its strong grasp.
Sighing in defeat, Trunks rolled over to his side trying to escape his enemy. He wished to blast that damned thing to hell right now for disturbing him. He sighed as he wiped the sleep from his eyes; another battle lost.
Pushing himself up on the bed, Trunks let out a low growl. He would not get any more rest this morning, the sun had made sure of that. He cursed at the wretched light as he adjusted his eyes to the room.
Things were a bit blurry and that beam of sunlight focused on him was not making things any better. He tried not to look directly at the light as he struggled to focus on his surroundings.
Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Trunks brought a hand to his face trying to rub away the lingering effects of sleep. He yawned loudly, signaling his distaste for the rude awakening.
Sliding off the bed, his feet hit the floor with a soft thud. He stood up straight, reaching high above his head to stretch out his aching muscles.
Another yawn arose from his mouth as he padded across the soft floor to the bathroom. He opened the door and flicked on the light, squinting against the brightness of the room.
Walking across the cold tiles, he reached into the shower to turn on the water, adjusting the temperature to his taste. The fog created from the heat began to envelope the room as the water streamed forth from the metallic nozzle.
Trunks breathed in the comforting fog as he entered the warm oasis. The hot water washed over him like a purifying liquid. It soothed his muscles and numbed his senses. There were few things left in the world that he drew pleasure from, and hot showers were definitely one of them.
The soothing liquid continued to roll off his body as he stood under the showerhead. Slowly, the heat began to awaken his mind. He reached over to the soap using it to lather his body, repeating the same process with shampoo in his hair.
Trunks stood under the falling water as he washed the suds from his body. He placed his palms against the wall, holding his head under the stream of warmth. He let it flow over him, draining away the tension from his night's sleep. Time seemed to slow as the pleasurable moment enchanted his mind and body.
Trunks broke from his daze when the liquid washing over him grew cold, signaling the end of his respite. Turning off the shower, he wiped the cooling liquid from his face. Trunks reached from the warm oasis out into the chilled air, grabbing a towel from the rack.
He snatched it to his body and began to dry off. Stepping out of the shower, he wrapped the damp towel around his waist. Trunks walked across the cool tile careful not to slip on the moist surface.
Reaching the sink, he leaned forward to wipe away the fog-covered mirror. What he saw was a cold looking figure, worn with years of guilt and sorrow. The face staring back looked strange to him. Trunks hardly recognized it anymore, and maybe he didn't want to. He scowled at the figure before returning to his normal morning routine.
Several minutes later, Trunks walked out of the bathroom with a mist of warm air following behind him. He padded over to his dresser still wearing the damp towel around his waist. He opened a drawer to pull out a change of clothes when he noticed a small object staring at him.
He snatched the object from its resting place on top of the dresser and threw it in the drawer slamming it shut. He began to walk away from the dresser when he remembered he forgot his clothes. "Damn it!" he cursed to no one in particular.
He stomped back towards the dresser and opened the drawer. That stupid thing was still staring at him. He gripped the small object and held it in front of his face as he yelled at it. "What the hell have you done to me?" he shouted at the stuffed animal.
When he got no response, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and released the air from his lungs. Trunks opened his eyes, looking down at the annoying object clutched fiercely in his hand. His grip loosened on the small bear as he softly repeated the question. "What have you done to me?"
He gazed into the black eyes of the lifeless being begging for an answer. Those eyes were so familiar to him. They reminded him of the ones permanently etched into his tortured mind. Trunks closed his eyes, as he was once again flooded with guilt.
Flashback
Trunks was on his way to visit Gohan's home for the first time. He was going to meet Videl and Pan, two of the most important in Gohan's life. He was actually a bit nervous. Trunks thought it was odd, but he had a strong need to be accepted by the two.
It was getting close to sunset and Trunks was looking forward to meeting them as well as getting a hot meal. He had been training with Gohan all day and he was more than a little hungry.
As he flew through the air beside his friend, a soft glow appeared in the distance. Trunks figured it must be Gohan's home as they neared the small dwelling. The two landed on the lawn just outside the home as they heard someone yell.
"Gohan!" Videl screamed his name as she appeared in the doorway of the small house.
She rushed out to greet Gohan nearly knocking him over in the process. Trunks figured this was something that usually happened considering the way Gohan seemed to brace himself for the collision.
Videl grabbed Gohan fiercely, wrapping him in a warm hug. Immediately following the hug, she grasped his face pulling him into a passionate kiss. Trunks turned his head as he felt the blood rush to his cheeks. The crimson stain was burning into his face.
He felt awkward standing there like that. Videl had either not noticed his presence or she didn't care. Something told Trunks it might be the latter. After all, it had been a few weeks since the two lovers had seen one another.
He suddenly felt very guilty. Not only was he intruding on what was becoming an increasingly private moment, but also he felt responsible for their separation. His training was the result of Gohan's extended absence.
The couple broke the embrace breathing heavily. Trunks figured they had to come up for air or something. Gohan and Videl stood there, foreheads pressed together staring at one another.
"I missed you", sighed Videl.
"I'm sorry sweetie. I missed you too." Gohan tried to reassure Videl as he gently stroked her cheek.
Trunks realized Videl must have finally noticed him standing there, because her next words brought him out of his trance.
"Who's that?"
Trunks thought she sounded unbelievably calm considering she was staring at the source of her husband's absence. He turned to face the two, quickly trying to regain his composure. He could feel his face returning to its normal temperature hopefully hiding the blush that was there just a few minutes ago.
Gohan seemed puzzled by Videl's question at first. He was so entranced by the moment with his wife that he actually forgot Trunks was standing there.
"So, are you gonna introduce me or what?" Videl was curious to know who the strange boy was.
Snapping out of his daze, Gohan turned his head towards Trunks. He was quick to recover and provide Videl with an answer.
"Honey, this is Trunks. He's the one I was telling you about."
Trunks thought he was in for it now. They had discussed him. When had they talked about him? What did Videl think of him? Did she hate his guts?
Trunks felt his heart begin to race in anticipation of her response. He was sure he was beginning to sweat.
Videl let go of her husband and walked casually towards the young demi- saiyan. Trunks thought she might be strong enough to inflict pain if she wanted. He didn't really want to test that theory right now though.
Trunks was waiting for the slap, the punch, something painful. However, it never came. She simply extended her hand and offered him a warm greeting.
"So, you're the one I've been hearing so much about. Well, Trunks it's nice to finally meet you!"
Trunks hesitated as he took the offered hand. She seemed to notice and smiled warmly to reassure him. He took her hand in his with a gentle shake.
There, it was over with finally. It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. Videl seemed very friendly and she obviously cared for Gohan a great deal. She was a nice looking woman with long raven hair and sparkling blue eyes. Her eyes reminded him of his mother's. Videl was wearing her hair up with a few loose strands hanging down.
Trunks also noticed the apron wrapped around her waist. It looked like she had been cooking. His stomach growled at the thought. He eagerly followed behind Gohan as Videl led them inside where she had dinner waiting.
The three walked in through the doorway closing the door behind them. Overwhelmed immediately by the smells lingering throughout the house, Trunks had to suppress his urge to race to the source of the delicious scent. It only seemed to remind him how hungry he really was. He continued to follow Gohan as Videl led them down the hall to the kitchen.
Walking into the kitchen, Videl motioned the two saiyans towards the table. It was covered with enough food to feed an army, or at least a couple of hungry saiyans. Trunks felt his mouth water at the sight and smell of the enticing feast. He was sure he was beginning to drool.
Trunks was brought out of his stupor when he heard giggling. He looked at Videl and wondered why she was giggling.
"Well, it's a good thing I was expecting you Trunks. You look like you're starving." Videl was trying not to laugh at the look on his face.
"What do you mean?" Trunks wasn't sure how Videl knew they were coming. The meal looked piping hot, as if it had just been cooked.
Gohan and Videl shared a knowing glance and began to chuckle to themselves.
"What's so funny?" Trunks wasn't sure if it was something he said, but the two seemed rather amused.
"Well, I know how big saiyan appetites are, and I didn't think Gohan would want to share his food."
"Oh, so Gohan told you we were going to be here tonight." Trunks figured that must be why all that food was there, but that still did not explain why it was still so hot.
"Yes, he did actually." Videl giggled again with her response.
Trunks was trying to remember when Gohan had left to contact Videl. They were training all day, and Gohan never left his side.
Videl noticed the confused look on Trunks' face and turned to Gohan. He was grinning like a school boy. She smiled at him shaking her head from side to side. She did not want to be the one to explain saiyan bonding to Trunks, so she changed the subject.
"Go ahead guys…we already ate." Videl knew the topic of food would drown out all other rational thoughts.
The two hungry saiyans sat down at the table ready to devour the feast. Videl smiled warmly as she gave Gohan a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thanks honey." Gohan was happy to be home again. He had really missed his wife and daughter.
Trunks was about to start eating when he heard Gohan speak to Videl. He did not want to be rude, so he waited for his friend to finish the conversation.
"Videl where's Panny?" Gohan was wondering why his little girl had not been there to greet him.
"Well, dinner got a little messy." Videl smiled at the look on Gohan's face. "You saiyans sure can make a mess, you know. Anyway, I was giving her a bath when you two got here. She's upstairs drying off now. Go ahead and eat up you two. I'll have her down here by the time you're finished."
Gohan kissed his wife on the cheek before she retreated to the other room. Trunks was wondering when he was going to meet the daughter Gohan had talked about so much, but his saiyan appetite kicked in demanding that he eat first.
The two finished their meal in record time. When Videl walked back in, she saw the two sitting in comfortable silence patting their stomachs. She tried not to laugh. It was something she was accustomed to seeing Gohan do, but watching Trunks replicating this behavior was quite amusing.
Leaning over the table, Videl spoke to the content looking saiyans. "So I take it you two enjoyed dinner." She smiled already knowing the answer.
"It was delicious. Thank you." Trunks did not think he had ever had anything that tasted so good. It was even better than his mother's cooking.
Gohan didn't say a word. He pulled Videl into his lap giving her a kiss full on the lips. When he pulled back, she noticed the childish glint in his eyes.
"Uh-uh mister. You're going to help me clean up these dishes first." Videl was not going to fall for that one.
"Awwww…honey come on….please!" Gohan did not mind doing the dishes, but this was a game; one he loved playing with his wife.
"Nope sorry. Why don't you use some of that saiyan speed to clean up this mess, then you can go see Pan." Videl tried not to giggle at the puppy dog eyes he was giving her.
Gohan looked to Trunks and gave him a quick grin. "So Trunks, what do you say. Are you up for the challenge?"
Trunks looked at the pile of dishes before him then back up at Gohan. He knew it would take only a few minutes, maybe less with their combined efforts. He smiled back at Gohan. This would be fun. "Sure, let's do it" he said enthusiastically.
Gohan gave Videl a quick peck on the lips before lifting her off his lap. He stood her up and motioned her to step back and give them some space.
"Alright Trunks, let's see how fast you are." Gohan gave Videl a backward glance before turning back to the table.
"Gohan, you better not break anything" dared Videl.
Gohan did not reply. The next thing seen was a blur of colors and movement. Videl stared in wonder as the mass of dishes on the tabled dwindled and then disappeared altogether. Water splashed around the sink while cabinets and drawers opened and closed.
Minutes after the task began, it was finished. Videl stared in awe as the two demi-saiyans came to an abrupt stop in front of her. They were wearing huge grins with their arms folded in front of them.
"Done," they both replied simultaneously as if they had rehearsed the timing on that line.
Videl just looked at the two and shook her head before turning towards the living room. "Come on guys, Pan's in the other room."
Trunks was excited about seeing the little saiyan. Gohan talked about her as much as he did Videl. Trunks could tell how much Gohan loved his family, and he desperately wanted to be a part of that love.
He followed Gohan as they retreated to the living room. As they entered the cozy room, Trunks saw her. Pan was sitting on the floor surrounded by an endless supply of toys. She was a tiny thing about two or three years old, he guessed.
She had short black hair with dark eyes. Pan greatly resembled Videl, but she had her father's eyes. He also noticed something brown and furry lying on the floor behind her. It was a tail! Trunks remembered Gohan mentioning the furry appendage that all saiyans were born with.
When Trunks had asked why they did not have one, Gohan explained about the effect tails had on a saiyan's powers. Because of the dangerous consequences, Gohan had his tail removed as a child. It would keep him from transforming into the dreaded Oozaru.
Gohan told Trunks that his tail had been cut off at birth, not out of necessity but because Bulma feared the transformation she had witnessed many times before.
Trunks figured that Gohan did not think it was necessary to remove Pan's tail. He knew it was an important part of their saiyan heritage and without the moon to worry about the Oozaru transformation was no longer a threat. He knew Gohan missed his tail, and Trunks often wondered what it would feel like to have one.
Trunks watched as Gohan rushed to the small child and scooped her up in his arms. She squealed with delight as her father spun her around in circles. Giggling and screaming was all that anyone heard for the next few minutes. Videl was sitting in a chair near the sofa, while Trunks just stood in the doorway taking in the father daughter scene.
Trunks felt a sudden wave of remorse wash over him as he watched Gohan embrace his young daughter. How he had wished to be with his own father in such a way. Trunks knew it wasn't possible though. Still, it did not stop him from dreaming. Gohan was the closest thing to a father he ever had. Trunks was not sure what he would do if ever lost Gohan.
After about ten minutes, Gohan set Pan back on the floor with her toys. He sat on the floor behind the little girl as he watched her play.
Videl noticed that Trunks was still standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame. She saw his reluctance to intrude upon the family moment and decided to take action.
Videl looked at her daughter who had resumed playing with her toys, holding up a few every now and then to show her parents. She realized that in all the excitement of seeing Gohan again, Pan had not seen the newcomer standing off to the side.
Videl caught her daughter's eye and pointed to the doorway before speaking. "Pan we have a visitor."
This caught the little girl's attention immediately. Pan followed her mother's finger to the direction it was pointing. She turned her body, facing the object of her mother's attention. There stood Trunks with a nervous look on his face.
Pan gazed at the stranger before her. Trunks swallowed a lump in his throat as the child looked at him. For some reason, he was anxious. He was scared that the daughter of Gohan would not like him.
Trunks decided it was time to face his fear. He looked down at Pan meeting her gaze. Their eyes locked and her face lit up with child like wonder. Her lips curled up into their natural position cementing themselves in her expression.
She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She was so innocent and pure. Trunks thought it a miracle to see that such a being could exist in this dark plane of reality.
He figured she would probably stare at him for a few more seconds before continuing with her playtime. Trunks was shocked to see the little saiyan still staring at him after a few minutes. She did not say a word; she just continued to stare, making him grow uneasy under the strain of her gleaming eyes.
"Pan, say hello to the nice young man." Videl was trying to initiate contact between the two.
Trunks heard Videl's comment to the girl, but Pan did not say a word. She seemed to ignore her mother as she sat there grinning wildly at him. He thought for a minute that she might have frozen that way.
"Pan…" Videl encouraged her again.
Pan responded only by throwing her arms out in front of her tiny body. Trunks was not sure what to do. He had not really shown any sign of emotion since he first glanced at the child. How could she be so trusting of a complete stranger?
"It's alright Trunks. Go ahead…pick her up." Videl was encouraging him to respond to the child's innocent greeting.
Trunks hesitated as he watched the pint-sized saiyan sitting there, grinning like there was no tomorrow, and reaching desperately for his embrace. Videl must have sensed the hesitation, because she prompted him again.
"Go ahead Trunks…I promise she won't break." Videl giggled at the look on his face when she said that. Trunks thought she must have been reading his mind or something.
Finally, he bent down to reach the little girl. She pounced on him much the same way Videl had done with Gohan earlier. Trunks obviously wasn't expecting this because he fell over backwards with one tiny saiyan wrapped firmly around his neck.
He quickly recovered as he heard the laughter fill the room. Gohan and Videl had seemingly expected this kind of reaction from the tiny tot. Trunks sat up on the floor taking Pan with him. It felt like she was cutting off his air supply.
Trunks tried to remove her, but Pan refused to let go. It seemed every time he tried to pull her off, she only tightened her hold. He knew he could grab her tail, but Trunks did not want to hurt her. It was ironic really.
Trunks' gasps for air signaled Gohan's attention to the situation.
"Doesn't know her own strength I guess", replied Gohan.
"Yeah. I wonder where she gets that from," added Videl thoughtfully. Gohan just responded with his inherited hand behind the head expression as he chuckled softly.
Trunks interrupted the two waving his hands as he struggled to breathe. He felt sure he was turning blue at that very moment. "Hey……guys……can……I……get……a ……little ……help ……here." Trunks was barely able to spit the plea out as the girl clung to his neck.
"Heh…Sorry about that." Gohan crawled over to the pair trying to separate them.
"Pan honey…Let go of Trunks before you hurt him." She apparently didn't like the request because she squeezed tighter.
"Gohan…" Trunks was getting desperate as waves of dizziness began to wash over him. Gohan caught on to this and wrestled Pan from her captive.
With a quick tug, Gohan removed the little saiyan from Trunks' neck. Trunks inhaled deeply and then started coughing violently.
"Hey buddy, you okay?" Gohan was trying to stifle a laugh.
Trunks caught this but somehow he could not see the humor in the matter.
Pan was sitting across from him now with her little hands pulling and tugging on the carpet beneath her. Gohan sat behind her gently reassuring her.
"Shhhhhh…Panny, it's okay." Gohan was stroking the girl's hair as she sat there threatening to break down at any moment. She was holding the end of her tail against her face stroking it gently across her cheek.
Trunks could hear the soft whimpers as she did this and he knew something was wrong. The poor thing looked heart broken.
"What's wrong with her?" Trunks was obviously concerned by her behavior though he tried not to let it show too much.
"Awwwww…sweetie he didn't mean it." Trunks was confused now. What did he do to cause such a scene with the little semi-saiyan?
The soft whimpers turned into sobs as Gohan tried to calm his daughter down. Videl was still sitting in the chair opposite them, taking in the entire scene. Something was holding her back. She didn't feel the need to go to her daughter just yet. She was waiting for something; she just wasn't sure what. Besides, Gohan was with her.
Trunks looked on as Pan persisted with the emotional display. He was starting to feel uneasy about the whole situation. This is not how he had planned to meet Gohan's family. He really didn't want to mess things up, and by the looks Gohan and Videl were giving him, he was doing just that.
Gohan knew exactly what was going on and he was curious to see how Trunks would react. Though it was not something he had planned, he knew it was a perfect test for his young student.
Gohan knew that Trunks had the potential to ascend to the super saiyan level, but something was holding him back. Gohan had his suspicions, but he wasn't sure just yet. This simple scene unfolding before him would tell him all he needed to know.
After this Gohan would know what it would take to break Trunks through the barrier. Not wanting to appear too obvious, Gohan sat there comforting his daughter as best as he could without totally giving in to her subtle pleas.
Trunks was sitting on his knees now with his legs tucked comfortably behind him. He watched the girl while she continued to sob and play with her tail. He still had no idea what was going on so he repeated his question again. This time he was looking directly into Gohan's eyes as he spoke.
"Gohan…what's wrong with her?" He was getting a bit upset now. He felt like there was some big secret here that he wasn't allowed in on at that moment.
Gohan answered this time with a single word.
"You."
Trunks was shocked. Why was she putting on such a display because of him? He didn't get it at all, so he pushed for more information.
"Me? What did I do?" Trunks had no idea what was going on with Pan, and Gohan was being so vague he couldn't figure it out.
Gohan hid a smile as he bent down to place a kiss on top of Pan's head. When he looked up again, he met Trunks' gaze and figured he'd tortured the boy long enough. He sighed trying to make it sound like he was upset.
"You rejected her." It was simple. Maybe now Trunks would understand.
'What in Kami's name is Gohan talking about!' Trunks was trying to process the information without success. He was as lost as ever.
"What are you talking about?" Trunks felt like an animal caught in headlights.
Gohan answered again not wanting to scare the boy…too much. He already looked dreadful as it was.
"She thinks you don't like her."
Trunks could not contemplate the reason he was at fault for Pan's behavior. How could he be responsible for this? He didn't do anything wrong. She was the one that nearly choked him to death! His mental walls went up immediately upon realization of the emotional threat.
For some reason, Trunks felt the anger rise up in him. He did not understand what was happening, but being blamed for Pan's condition was infuriating.
"Gohan, I don't even know her. Why the hell is she so upset about it!"
Gohan winced slightly at the harsh words. Maybe this wasn't going to work.
"Trunks…Pan has a big heart."
Trunks was not understanding the relevance at all. He was wishing that Gohan would stop being so vague and just get to the damn point already!
"So!"
'That doesn't sound too good,' thought Gohan. Things were going down hill fast.
"What I mean is…Pan loves everyone she meets…without hesitation."
"And this is my fault how?" Trunks was definitely not getting this, any of this. Quite frankly, he was ready to take off and never come back. The scene was becoming too much for him. Gohan and Pan it seemed were blaming him for something he didn't even do!
Gohan noticed the way Trunks kept glancing at the door and he thought for sure Trunks would bolt at any moment. Trunks was going to fail the test and miserably at that.
"Trunks, she thinks you don't like her because you didn't want to hug her."
"What do you mean? I did hug her!" Trunks ran his hand over his throat and winced slightly as he did. He had proof of that hug, so he knew he had not imagined it.
"Yes…but you tried to make her stop hugging you." Gohan was trying his best to make the youth understand, but Trunks' emotions were getting in the way of reason. This was not a good thing.
"Of course I did!…I couldn't breathe!" Trunks was shouting now. He was beyond agitation and he felt like he was going to explode.
Gohan did his best to remain calm, not wanting to add fuel the fire raging within Trunks' mind.
"Trunks, she doesn't understand that. Look at her and tell me she does." It was now or never.
Trunks looked at Gohan as if he had lost his mind. He could not believe they were holding him responsible for the kid's temper tantrum! It was clear that Gohan and Videl had spoiled the brat. How the hell could a kid her age get so upset about a stupid hug!
Pan was obviously playing off her parents' emotions. She wasn't getting her way and now she was upset about it. He could not believe her innocent appearance had fooled him.
Trunks let out an exasperated breath as he tried to calm his nerves. Finally placing his hands on his knees, he looked down at the girl who was still sobbing and stroking her tail.
She looked up at him catching the agitation in his eyes immediately. Suddenly, their eyes locked and time seemed to stand still.
Her dark tear-filled eyes were pleading with him, begging for forgiveness. It felt like they were ripping down all his defenses and grabbing his very soul. She was in pain and he had caused it.
A strange sensation washed over him as her penetrating gaze continued its assault. He felt his heart ache and at that moment, he knew he would love her forever. He would do anything to protect her, even if it meant sacrificing his own life.
He wondered if this is how it felt to be a father, to love your child. He didn't really put too much thought into the question as he found himself reaching out to her. He just wanted to hold her tight and kiss away her tears, and that's exactly what he did.
Gohan watched the scene unfold and a small smile crept up on his lips. It was working. Trunks was letting down his defenses and embracing another's pain. If he did this, if he opened his heart to Pan, it meant that he had the power to break the barrier and ascend to the level of the legendary super saiyan. However, if Trunks lost his courage and ran, the power would never come to him.
Pan saw the arms inviting her into their warmth and she walk towards them like a moth to a flame. Her tail dragged behind as she crossed the short distance from her father to Trunks.
As soon as she got in arm's reach, she paused looking at his hands as if they might bite or something. Tears fell down her eyes, as Pan stood there unsure of what she should do.
Trunks saw the tears, and it was more than his heart could bear. He scooped the girl up in a warm embrace and held her tightly. She leaned into his shoulder and wrapped her arms gently around his neck.
Trunks had his chin on top of her head when he felt the small gesture. It shocked him a little, but he didn't let it show; at least that's what he thought.
Gohan noticed though. He continued to smile as he realized what Pan had done. She understood somehow.
Trunks was confused. He didn't know what to make of the small gesture. He wasn't sure if she understood what she had done earlier or if she was still uncertain of his intentions.
Trunks reassured Pan by tightening his hold on her. He whispered soft assurances in her ear, telling her everything was okay now.
How many times had he done the same thing in his mother's arms? Trunks wasn't sure, but it felt different somehow. Maybe being the protector instead of the protected was the reason. He didn't know. He didn't care. All he wanted was to take away her pain. He sat there on his knees gently rocking her as an overwhelming sense of protectiveness rose up in him.
Gohan turned to his wife and noticed her satisfaction with the outcome. Turning back to Trunks, Gohan let his smile grow with his sense of pride. Trunks was more than a student to Gohan, more than a friend. As far as Gohan was concerned, Trunks had long ago become a member of his family. He considered Trunks the little brother, the son he never had. He was all that wrapped into one.
Looking at Trunks, Gohan felt a sense of accomplishment, for having broken through the young warrior's defenses and teaching him to embrace his emotions. Trunks had passed the test. There was no turning back now.
Looking at his wife, Gohan nodded in the direction of the kitchen. Understanding completely, Videl stood up and began to walk in that direction.
Gohan glanced at the pair once more before pushing himself up off the floor and following Videl into the kitchen. Meanwhile, the two on the floor remained oblivious to the sudden decrease of warm bodies in the room.
Pan was the only thing Trunks could concentrate on now. The rest of the world faded into nothingness. Something about this felt so good, so right.
Trunks wasn't sure how long they stayed that way, but he knew it must have been quite a while for the sobbing angel had fallen asleep in his arms still hugging his neck. He continued to rock her small form in a soothing motion. He was so caught up in the effort, that he never noticed Videl and Gohan had left the room some time ago.
Everything seemed to make sense at that moment and he knew why the androids had to be defeated. Something this pure and innocent could not survive in their world of chaos and terror. A light as bright as hers would surely be snuffed out left to face the darkness alone.
His thoughts began to drift as horrible images of their destructive power flashed through his mind. Unconsciously, he squeezed the girl tighter, as he was bombarded by the appalling images. He didn't want her to grow up in a world like that. He wanted to protect her, shield her from such sickening sights.
Trunks wanted to defeat them now, but he knew he was not yet strong enough. He didn't care about that anymore. He let all of his fears and doubts wash through him as he held the small bundle of innocence in his protective grasp.
He allowed it to happen and in the process stopped struggling with himself. In that instant, he knew. The power would come; it had to. He would not stand by anymore and let such innocence be devoured by the power-hungry beasts.
Trunks felt his body sway slightly as he fought off a yawn. He too was becoming sleepy. He didn't realize the toll the emotional episode had taken on his body. However, the effects were becoming more than obvious with each passing moment.
He stood up and tried to remove the sleeping child from his neck. Pan let out a small whimper and tightened her hold. Even sleeping she would not let go.
Trunks didn't have the heart to wake Pan and upset her again, so he padded softly over to the couch and sat down. He turned his back towards one end as he reclined on the couch careful not to disturb the sleeping angel.
His head hit the soft pillow and his mind began to lull him to sleep. Trunks held on to Pan with one arm as she laid snuggly across his chest. He used the other to stroke her soft ebony locks. Several minutes passed before he submitted to the darkness as well, drifting into a world of infinite possibilities.
Gohan and Videl walked back in the room moments later and took in the entire scene. Tears were brimming in cerulean eyes while pride was shining from their obsidian counterparts. The two shared a loving embrace before Videl turned away. Padding softly over to the couch, she removed a throw and placed it gently over the sleeping pair.
She paused shortly when Pan began to move. Afraid to wake them, Videl waited a moment before pulling the blanket up higher.
Trunks' arm had slipped to his side, but when he felt the movement, his arm returned to its former position, wrapped snuggly around Pan's tiny waist. Pan's tail, which had been dangling lifelessly off the edge of the couch, stirred briefly to wrap itself around the arm.
Videl brought her hand to her mouth suppressing a gasp as she witnessed the small gesture. It was beautiful. Suddenly, she felt a weight on her shoulder as two arms snaked their way around her waist. Gohan was holding her protectively as he rested his head on her shoulder.
She turned her head losing herself in the dark pools that greeted her. Gohan squeezed her gently and smiled at her lovingly. Breaking the embrace, Videl turned back to the two sleeping children and finished pulling the blanket over them. As she stood up, she felt that familiar warmth envelope her again.
The couple stood there for a moment staring at the intimate moment of innocence shared between two souls. The soft breathing of the younger pair slowed considerably becoming synchronized in effort.
Gohan gave his wife a light squeeze before turning her around to face him. He bent over meeting her gaze and placed a soft kiss upon her warm lips. It was brief but filled with an amazing amount of love and compassion.
Breaking the kiss, Gohan reached down taking Videl's hand in his. He brought it to his face and kissed the palm. She smiled warmly at him. Tonight was a good night.
Returning the hand to her side, Gohan turned towards the stairs. He entwined his fingers in hers, slowly leading them upstairs to the bedroom. Gohan hit the light switch as they passed, sending the downstairs room into complete darkness.
After they left, silence once again enveloped the room save a single repetitive sound. It was the sound of two beings breathing as one. They seemed to complete each other in a way none could yet comprehend. Two halves had become whole as the wavering day succumbed to the mistress of the night. Yes, tonight was a good night, and for a single moment in time, everything seemed right.
Trunks let out a heavy sigh as the memory retreated to the depths of his mind. He stood there staring at the bear and answered his own question. "You've ruined me, you know that."
Trunks sighed again and returned the bear to the top of the dresser. He grabbed some clothes out of the drawer and walked over to his bed laying them out on the soft mattress. He looked back at the bear as he discarded his towel and put the clothes on.
The bear was old and tattered but Trunks knew he would never part with it. His first encounter with Pan had been an emotional one to say the least. Trunks could not bear to hurt anything as innocent as she and he vowed to make it up to her. The next time he visited the little saiyan, he brought along a peace offering.
Trunks brought his teddy bear, Binkie, with him on his next visit. It had been his as a child, and he remembered finding comfort in its soft form. Trunks had no further use for the discarded object of his childhood, so he decided to give it to Pan.
Pan had taken the gift just as he predicted and fell in love with the bear at first sight, or grab rather. Trunks was happy that something that had been apart of his childhood could give her such happiness. He never wanted to see her sad again and he secretly hoped the brown stuffed animal would always give her comfort, the way it had for him as a child.
Pulling his shirt over his head, Trunks looked at the bear again and frowned. Wherever Pan was, she no longer had Binkie to watch over her.
Trunks often wondered if she thought about him. He knew Videl would remember him, but he wasn't so sure about Pan. She was so young when Gohan died and Trunks had failed to be there for her. Binkie was the only other thing Pan had of Trunks besides her memories. Now that Binkie was no longer with her, she may have forgotten him completely.
Trunks turned away from the bear and headed out of the room. There was no sense standing around his bedroom reminiscing all day. He had not trained in a few days, and he figured it was time to make a trip down to the gravity room, after breakfast of course.
Trunks stopped by his mother's room to check on her. He slowly opened the door and saw she was still sleeping comfortably in her bed. He smiled to himself as he quietly closed the door. He would let her sleep. There was no need to wake her this morning.