A Daughter's Difference Chapter 17: Welcome to the Club, a dragon ball z fanfic

Chapter 17: Welcome to the Club

AN: Its been a while. I can not express how sorry I am for the delay on this chapter. There were a couple of reasons why it took almost a year and half for this chapter. First... school, I've been busy trying to finish up. Secondly, and honestly the main reason, chapter 17 was suppose to be a big moment in the story's history. I had an outline for what I wanted to write in this chapter, but I was often discouraged from writing it because I felt it could not live up to my high expectations. So that outline waited for a long time as I tried to get the motivation to start over. After prodding from people, which I can't thank enough for PM me or adding a new review, I was able to come back and start writing this chapter but I often hit writer's block or didn't like how a scene was playing out, so I deleted a good portions just because it wasn't going to fit into the narrative in the long run. Those rewrites really brought down my flow many times and it often took a while to start over. However, chapter 17 wasn't completed, at least not like the outline stated, because it was becoming too large. I was only half way through the outline and already the chapter was about 10,000 words, so I have decided to split the original outline for chapter 17 into this part and the rest will be come chapter 18. That one is partially written so hopefully it will be uploaded relatively soon.

I can't thank you guys enough for being supportive and patient with me.

His blue eyes darted back and forth between his clipboard and the values on the screen. The lilac strands of hair rustled with each movement, yet they cause no distraction to the traveler of time. He worked tirelessly since waking as he kept comparing the values he expected with those on the screen. Penciling a few notes along the way, Trunks adjusted a few knobs on his machine to see if the small change brought the results he was hoping for. His blue jacket hanging on his chair as he had grown tired of how restrictive it could be at times.

Finally pushed all the buttons needed for a start-up, he watched as the canopy came to a close around him. The bright yellow machine began to shake as the gears within rotated and small hisses escaped the openings. The propulsion system ignited as the vessel began levitating higher and higher. The lavender man inside looked as all sort of systems came to life showing graphs which dictated how the machine was responding at the moment.

The buzzing grew intensive as he looked up where the machine was heading. A small wind force pounded the ground below as small particles of sand and grass flew in every direction. Trunks could see ahead as a tear in the space-time continuum grew. He took a deep breath, his head shifted down while his hand hovered over a button before him. Making sure his inputs were correct one last time, he nodded to himself as he closed his eyes and pressed down on the silver button.

Immediately, the time machine began to power down. Slowly the yellow aircraft began to fall until its four legs landed safely on the grounds of Capsule Corp. For a moment Trunks remained in the seat, motionless and deaf to the world around him. Blinking to allow his eyes time to adjust, Trunks looked over the system as it proceeded to shut down all lights and returned values only he, and possibly his mother could understand. The final step finished with the canopy opening allowing the warrior of the future to escape its confines.

The blue-haired fighter picked up his signature jacket as he jumped over the side of the opening, using the smallest amount of Ki to bring a controlled descent to the ground below. Already he could see his mother waiting impatiently for any word.

She tapped her foot, her nails scratched at her forearm, yet she saw no expression of the man of the future.

He walked up to her and picked her up as he smiled, "You're a genius mom!"

Visibly shaken by the sudden action Bulma shouted, "Put me down Trunks!" All she could hear were her son cheers as he twirled her in the place. It took a couple smacks to his chest before he put her down.

"It worked; there are no changes in the time and all the data seems to point that the small error on board is fixed and working perfectly. Thank you, mom!" For weeks since his arrival, Trunks had been working diligently on fixing a small time lapse between the clocks of two systems. These small components had been responsible for inaccurate arrivals. Showing up later or earlier than the set time he had input.

Trunk could see he grandfather was making his way over to them; most likely trying to determine the commotion of his time machine running a test. "I'll keep an eye on it for the next few days, but I think we may have solved it. In any case, we just need it for one more trip," he exclaimed.

Bulma's smile began to fade as she watched Trunks and her father walk over to the machine. She couldn't hear what they were saying but if she was to make a guess it was Trunks explaining the results of the trial. Her smile had disappeared as she mulled over her son's words. It dawned on her that they were one step closer to the final goodbye. A goodbye she was not ready to make.

She understood that eventually Trunks would have to go back, but the fact that the machine could make one last trip cemented the idea that this would be the last time she saw this version of her son, ever. It terrified her and brought a great sorrow to her heart.

"… Mom!" Trunks called out once again. Bulma came out of her reverie to see both her son and father staring at her with concern. "Are you okay mom?" Trunks asked.

A jolted Bulma shook her head as she tried to dispel their worry. "I'm sorry Trunks you were saying something?"

Trunks carefully eyed his mother but decided to let any further questioning go. He smiled, "Grandpa was telling me that the special order came in last night."

"Right! All of the building materials have been capsulated. I put them in a box in my office. Which reminds me, the camera you were asking for, I forgot to bring it with me. I left it on my desk if you want it you can go pick it up at any time. But tell me Trunks that was a lot of building materials you asked for. Easily you can rebuild another Capsule Corp and part of the city with it. Why so much?"

Trunks nodded, "Yeah sorry, I didn't mean to put such a heavy financial burden on you guys."

Dr. Briefs chuckled, "It's no burden m'boy, barely puts a dent in my general spending. Anything you need, you're more than welcome to ask for and we will do all we can to help, but I can't say I wasn't curious as well when I saw all the trucks that came to drop of the order."

Trunks scratched the back of his neck. "Well I do want to rebuild Capsule Corp. in my time, but I'm also taking extra supplies because at the moment building materials are treated almost like currency. There are many places that are salvaging the wreckages of destroyed buildings to find good, or at least decent looking material, for construction. I figured using this opportunity to take extra to give us a jump start in reconstruction and trading capabilities."

"I see." The old man stated while inhaling his cigarette. "That's very smart," he laughed while patting the partial Saiyan on the back. "I'll see what else I can think about and capsulate for your travel back home."

"Thank you, grandpa." Trunks really appreciated everything the people of this time had done for him and his family. He turned to his mother and asked, "Mom, how's Gohan adjusting to working with you?"

The blue haired heiress smiled, "He adjusting well. I'm glad he took me up on the offer, and I can see a bright future for him as well as the company with him on our side. That kid never seizes to amaze me; I have no doubt that he will soon be running his own projects, but for now, I'll be keeping an eye on his progress until he is ready."

"Gohan has always been someone I aspire to emulate, both on the battlefield as well as behind those books. Even in my time, in those brief moments of peace, I could always count on you and him in the lab babbling about some theoretical project you would build if you had the parts," Trunks stated as one of the good memories of his childhood played out in his head. He could see the giddiness of his master and his mom as they went back and forth in front of a whiteboard. Unfortunately because of lack of resources most of the time their ideas only stayed as a series of equations on a whiteboard, but that didn't stop this two genius as they worked often times through the night on inventions. He laughed as he remembered seeing them staring at the board with a cup of coffee in hand, even at times taking a sip at the same time.

There was definitely a connection between his master and his mom. She would always smile when she saw Gohan because she knew she had a person the bounce off ideas. It was a unique smile he rarely saw her make nowadays.

With a sigh Trunks returned from his muse. "In any case, if you'll excuse me I'll go pick up that camera now. I have a couple of final errands before I leave."

A small frown formed as Bulma asked, "Are you planning on leaving soon?"

"Yeah…" Trunks could see her frown but continued anyway, "I have accomplished everything I set out for this trip. Pan is with her father, I'm taking valuable material back home, and I'm sure my mom must be worried sick I haven't returned." He dared not look her in the eyes as he said, "I was thinking about leaving this weekend."

That same sorrow gripped Bulma's heart. She bit her tongue. Bulma wanted to push for him to stay a little longer, but she knew that would only be prolonging the inevitable. She took a deep breath while mustering any resolve she still had to smile, a fake smile but the only one she could give at the moment. "I know, how about I invite all the guys; that way you can give everyone a proper goodbye without having to visit everyone individually?!"

The good doctor could see how much pain this was causing his daughter. "I think that's a brilliant idea Bulma."

"Then it's settled," Bulma said before Trunks could protest, not that he was going to.

"I like the idea mom. I want to give everyone a proper farewell and my thanks to you and everyone from here for all the help you have given me and everyone from my time." Trunks hugged Bulma knowing the internal struggle she was going through at the moment. It was the same one he was having as well, but he kept pressing that it was time for him to return and assume his responsibilities as the protector of his time. "I'll see you guys later."

The old scientist took out a small packet and lighter from his white coat. He took one cigarette out before offering the small box to his daughter. Bulma took his offering and quieted a sniffle that almost escaped her lips.

"You know one of the hardest parts of being a parent is the day when a child begins to forge their own path; when they leave the nest." He patted Bulma as they watched the time traveler walk into the house. "I know that expression you wear right now because it was the same expression I wore when I saw you off as you took off for your first trip. You were only sixteen, but you had the ambition to explore the world. All I could think were the dangers you may encounter on your trip, but something deep down told me you would be alright. You have always been a very resourceful young lady. It's the same feeling I have now, he is your son and I have no qualm about his path."

"Thank you, dad."

Trunks walked the all too familiar halls of Capsule Corp. A turn here and a quick punch of a security access code there, this was his daily routine. A natural silence befell him as he walked. This state of mind broke when he heard a loud hum coming from a hallway he was just passing. He took two steps back as he stared down the corridor.

At the end of the short hall was a metal door with a glowing red light above the doorframe. He knew that meant that the Gravity Room was currently in use, and a quick scan of the Ki inside confirmed his father was its lone occupant.

The time traveler shrugged as he diverted from the mother's lab and decided to speak with his father. Dropping off his jacket by the door, he pushed the right button to enter the chamber. Immediately Trunks felt the additional pressure to remain standing. He took a couple of minutes to adjust to the difference. On the other side of the room, Vegeta continued his training never even turning to acknowledge the presence of Trunks.

"Hey dad," Trunks gasped slowly making sure his extremities could move with as much freedom as he would have if not for the extra gravity force on him at the moment. "How long have you been in here?"

He only heard a grunt in return as Vegeta continued his training. By the looks of it, Trunks could estimate that he had been there for quite a while. His skin glistens from the sweat and that perspiration quickly formed a drop that fell immediately.

Even Trunks could feel his skin slowly gaining a wet layer from the heat inside the chamber. "Dad…" Trunks began but was cut off by the gruff voice of Vegeta.

"Unless you're here to train… get out!"

The time traveler smiled. He was glad that his father seemed back to his old self, even if that meant his curt nature came back as well. "Actually I came in here to see if you wanted to spar. It might be better than just punching air over and over again."

Vegeta rose from his horse stance and directed his gaze at his offspring. His eyes narrowed as he released a small snort; without any other indicator Vegeta bounced from his position and charged at the lilac-haired young man.

Trunks had enough foresight raise he arms in time to block Vegeta's fist. A year of training with Vegeta had taught him a lot about how he operated. The time traveler knew that snort would be his only warning and boy was he glad to have remembered that.

The veteran continued his assault as Trunks did his best to block the unrelenting jabs and kicks his father was giving him at the moment. As much as he wanted to arm his own attack, he was still having a bit of sluggishness due to the gravity setting. It would barely be noticeable to an inexperienced fighter, but Trunks knew that a small delay could give his father the opening to attack him. The young man only just brought his arm down to impede his father's foot from connecting with his side.

Trunks cringed as he felt the power behind the kick; however, this would the least of his problems as Vegeta took this moment to deliver a chop Trunks' throat. The time traveler recoiled as he tried to regain air into his lungs. This action left him completely defenseless and the prince of all Saiyans saw it. The last living full Saiyan took his opportunity and placed as hard kick Trunks abdominals making him airborne and crashing into the roof before the harsh gravity brought him back down steel plates below.

Vegeta looked down at his fallen son as he tried to get his bearing straight once again. He turned around and began walking back to the other side of the room until the voice of his son stopped him.

"Wait…" Trunks weakly said. His breathing was still slightly labored but his eyes burned with renewed vigor. "It's not going to be that easy to put me down father." He stood up and let the anger of being put down so quickly overtake him; to give himself an extra boost of energy to combat the pressures of the room.

Vegeta's head turned over his shoulder at the corner of his eye saw Trunks rising. The Saiyan's skull return to its original position as a small smile graced his feature.

"I'm not going to go easy on you boy," barked Vegeta as he twisted back to face him once again. He could see the fire in his son's eyes and a part of him was excited because that fire promised a great workout.

"Like you've ever gone easy on me," Trunks retorted as he positions himself to charge at his father.

Father and son jumped at one another determined to make the most of this battle. Battling in only their base state, Trunks and Vegeta locked onto one another at the center of the room before breaking up. Every punch Vegeta threw, Trunks responded with one as well; their fist colliding into each other.

The fighter from the future took his chance and attempted to deliver an uppercut, but Vegeta managed to duck under it and punish him with a devastating right hook into his rib cage. Trunks took the extended arm that missed the uppercut and drove down the elbow into the back of Vegeta's cranium. The older Saiyan lost balance and landed on the ground before quickly rolling away as Trunks slammed his foot down where he was just a second ago.

Both fighters took a moment to catch their breath. Vegeta wiped his mouth however underneath his hand a small smile broke; not enough for Trunks to see but enough to value how much the boy has improved.

This time Trunks took the offensive as he rushed his father. With their break over, father and son continued their battle throughout the gravity room. The room had begun to show signs of wear from the battle as the walls, roof, and floors had dents where one had slammed the other. However, throughout this whole ordeal, it appeared that both combatants had an unspoken rule against using Ki blast. As the time passed the harsh conditions of the room began to weigh on them. The damage they had inflicted on each other made it harder for them to remain standing, yet their pride refused to let them transform into Super Saiyans; as that could be seen as taking the easy way out.

Vegeta used the stronger gravity to drive both of his feet into the recovering Trunks' back. The time traveler's face slid across the metal floor. He rubbed his jaw as he stood up. Already Vegeta was upon him and just as Vegeta's fist was about to hit its mark, Trunks managed to catch it and right after he caught the other. Both were heavily panting, their bodies were littered with bruises and were bleeding in multiple areas.

Neither one was giving an inch as they remained in that position, so Trunks pulled his head back and connected with his father's cranium. The momentarily lapse in attention gave Trunks the time to jump and rain down a strong punch which impacted with a thunderclap of force.

Vegeta didn't even have time to react before his whole body was driven into the ground. He coughed when he was beginning to get his bearing but those coughs slowly were mixed with a growing laughter. "That one was good." A rare compliment, Vegeta barely muttered out yet Trunks could hear it perfectly.

The prince's dried voice continued, "Alright…how about we increase the gravity and see how much more you can take." The fire that burned in Trunks' eyes earlier now reflected with the same intensity in Vegeta's as he looked up at his offspring.

Trunks chuckled as he plopped on the ground in front of his father. "I yield," he said. "I put all of my strength behind that attack because I thought I could knock you out with that last hit."

"It's going to take a lot more than that if you ever plan on defeating me," the full Saiyan smirked.

Trunks allowed his head to drop but his smile never faltered. "I guess so…"

Now that both were seated, Trunks' breathing began to soothe over. The smile slowly faded as he realized this was probably one of the last times he was going to be able to interact with his father. "Dad…" he began, "I'll be leaving for my time this weekend. The machine is fixed and I have done everything I was supposed to, so I think it's about time I returned."

Vegeta slowly got up from his seated position and walked over to the terminal to shut off the artificial gravity. A sigh of relief came as he felt the pressure no longer on his wounds. He nodded as he listened to his son's remarks. "I see… you better not make me come over there and save your sorry ass."

"No… I think I'll be fine."

Vegeta grabbed two small water bottles before throwing one to Trunks. After disposing of the empty bottle, he cleared his throat and began stretching, "Alright, if you're not training anymore then get out. I still have a lot of training to do."

After a shake of his head Trunks got up holding his shoulder as he slowly made his way to the exit. Before he could leave he was stopped by his father's voice.

"Do you have control over that new Super Saiyan transformation?"

"Which?" Trunks asked slightly confused.

"Don't play dumb, I felt it when you were at that pathetic human tournament." Vegeta wasn't even stopping his training while speaking to Trunks.

"Oh…that one… I don't know what that was, but it wasn't like the one Gohan did against Cell. At least that's what Piccolo told me."

Vegeta stayed quiet for a moment before responding, "Well it seems to me that you're the closest to accessing that same new transformation."

Trunks mulled his words before speaking up, "I was thinking about asking Gohan to coach me since he has already gone through that transformation."

Vegeta stopped while standing up straight. "No full-blooded Saiyan would stoop so low to ask for help. We make it or fail through our own wits, not from finding shortcuts. However, as that woman keeps nagging me, you and Kakarot's brat aren't full-blooded Saiyans. Do what you must. Now get out I still have to train."

As harsh as Vegeta's words sounded to anyone else, Trunks understood that while his father would have liked him to find the answers on his own, he does understand that, as half-Saiyans, they will be different from previous generations; a sort of 'accepting the new' even if it goes against Vegeta's upbringing.

Trunks bobbed his head before leaving the room. Once outside he could hear as the artificial gravity was starting up. "Thanks, dad," Trunks whispered to the closed door. He picked up his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. He heard something fall out and bounce on the ground, so he bent down to pick it up and realized it was one ofsenzu beans. "What great luck," he said as he plopped it into his mouth. He chewed on the tasteless bean as he got back on track. After all, he still needed to reach his mother's office and pick up the camera.

After leaving the Capsule Corp. compound, Trunks decided to fly towards where Gohan and Pan had been training. It had been a weird couple of days since Gohan exit from the Son household. He and Pan had been playing around when suddenly he felt a spike Gohan's energy followed by him flying right over them. Pan didn't think twice and took off after him, while Trunks exchanged some pleasantries with the Ox-King before following the duo.

He had been trying to have a private moment with Gohan but that proved to be quite difficult. Gohan immediately returned to Capsule Corp. and announced his intention to accept Bulma's offer. From there Gohan began to work under the tutelage of his mother and any free time Gohan did have, it was certain that Pan would always be around. Whether they were training or watching a movie or simply just flying around the world; Trunks hadn't had a chance to ask what happened back in that household.

Trunks even asked his mother to intervene, yet she chose to step aside and only allow Gohan some time. All she said was that this was a matter that only Gohan and Chichi could fix and that trying to push them together was like pushing two magnets of the same polarity towards each other.

Miles away from West City the young man saw two specks on the horizon as they zoomed from one location to another. As far as he could feel; there were no other living being for miles beside the normal creatures that inhabit the grassy plains. He came for a landing away from where father and daughter were currently training.

There was a real difference when Gohan was around Pan. Trunks could see how the young father's whole demeanor changed in an instant when she was around. He smiled more and never resisted when she wanted something. Maybe he was spoiling her, but at the moment he was getting used to his role as a father. Trunks had full confidence that he would make a great father as his master had once upon a time been for him.

Trunks took his camera and zoomed as much as the camera could and snapped a couple photos of the duo in the sky. He watched as Gohan had his arms behind his back as he dodges the onslaught Pan was throwing. He continued to advise her the entire time as he did his best to miss every single punch she threw. Trunks could see Pan was getting agitated and that was causing her to lose any finesse in exchange for more attacks.

With a scream, she threw body weight behind her fist. Her efforts, however, were in vain as she passed with through an afterimage of her father. Her eyes widen in disbelief when she felt a shove from behind. Gohan had jumped over her punch, and when she passed the image, he placed a small amount of Ki on her back to launch her towards the ground below.

Pan dropped from the sky with no signs of stopping. Gohan shouted, "Come on Pan reduce your speed! Concentrate on your Ki!" Gohan continued to clench his fist as he did everything in his power to not rush after her.

The small girl couldn't even blink as she watched her body approaching the ground. She listened to her father's words, but at the moment the fact that she had no control over her trajectory as well as the speed that she was traveling was causing her to remain unresponsive. Finally she was able to shake out of her stupor; however, all the time wasted had caught up with her and even as she pushed her Ki under herself like her father had taught her it was too late.

Gohan eyes glowed as he watched the scene unfold before him. He shook in place as he waited to see if she could pull up from her collision course. Eventually, a small smile replaced his frown when he noticed that her descent began to slow, yet the smile disappeared just as quickly as he saw she wouldn't be able to stop in time. Seeing this, he made a mad dash and within a second he was wrapping her waist to his body as they tumbled onto the ground. Gohan shielded her from any damage until they came to a stop.

"Hey, you okay?" Gohan sat up while he brushed a few strands of her hair out of sight. Her lip quivered as she looked up at her father from her seated position on his lap. "Panny, are you hurt anywhere?" Fear began to seep into his eyes as he looked for any injuries.

She buried her face in his Gi as the tears began to fall. "I just kept going …"

"Hey hey," he said as he pulled her face away from his Gi. He cupped her face as his thumbs brushed the tears away; because they had been fighting all day, her tears mixed with the dirt particles to create two streaks on her cheeks. A tiny chuckle escaped Gohan's mouth as he looked down at her face. "Listen I told you combat flying is always harder than just simply flying, and don't think I didn't notice that you were able to slow down your fall, so in my book that's a victory. We just got to keep practicing but I'm sooo proud of you Pan!"

Pan's lips may have stopped quivering but a frown had taken its place. Even with her father's positive reinforcement, it still weighed on her mind that she wasn't even able to land one single hit and in the weeks of training the best she could claim is that she was able to slow down. She was the daughter of Gohan and the best she could is that she can slow down.

Every time Gohan looked into the eyes of Pan he could see himself in her. That frown and her body language told him that she was berating herself for not doing better, but Gohan wouldn't let her go down the path he went down where he questioned every action he took. He would make sure she didn't suffer from a lack of self-confidence like he had. "Come on Pan show me that smile," he coaxed but Pan wasn't cooperating, so Gohan had to do something drastic.

"Okay, Pan you leave me no choice." His gleamed with mischief his fingers dug into her sides and began to tickle her.

"No papa! Stop! Stoppp!" Pan cried as her frown disappeared. She couldn't stop herself as she succumbed to her father's will and began to laugh uncontrollably.

Trunks walked over the hill and watched the interaction between the two. Their Gi showed signs that they had been here for a while. While there were no large bruises or puncture wounds, they were both covered in dirt from their dive. He was the lone witness as they laughed. Trunks, remembering what was hanging around his neck, pulled up the camera and snapped a couple pictures of the father and daughter as they shared a laugh.

"Hey guys," Trunks announced as he walked over to them. "Mom told me that you guys hadn't been home since breakfast. I figured I would come out and join you guys."

"Trunks!" Gohan gleefully acknowledges as he stood up. "I was just training with Pan, isn't that right Panny."

She bobbed her head in agreement.

"I noticed," responded Trunks as he laughed at their appearance. "I'm supposed to bring you back for dinner, but that won't be for a few hours. I was wondering if you can help with something Gohan."

The young demi-Saiyan raised an eyebrow. "Sure, what can I help you with?"

"I want you to help me reach the next ascension as a Super Saiyan, the one that you reached when you fought Cell." Trunks requested.

Gohan's joyful demeanor ended abruptly. He narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Are you sure you want to go through with that transformation?" It still unnerved him a bit how much of a personality switch comes from just going through the transformation.

Trunks immediate response was, "Yes. Back in the tournament, I felt the barrier, I know I'm ready."

"Yeah… Piccolo told me you went through some transformation, but he said that it wasn't quite like mine. He said that the only time he has seen something similar was when my father was fighting Lord Slug before he had become a proper Super Saiyan, he went through something we refer to as Pseudo Super Saiyan. Pseudos are usually slightly weaker than the proper form, but a defining feature is that they don't have any pupils. Maybe you went through something similar but instead, it was a Pseudo Ascended Super Saiyan. At least that is my theory on what Piccolo told me." Gohan weighted his options and figured that a pseudo would be an indicator that Trunks is almost ready for the transformation, so it should be his duty to oversee the transition and give any pointers. Plus he would be the only one that could fight Trunks when he crosses that barrier and momentarily loses his sanity.

"I've never heard of a Pseudo Super Saiyan," admitted Trunks as he scratched the back of his neck. "All I remember is the anger I felt at that moment and the next thing I knew I felt a surge of power, the likes I had never felt before.

Gohan chuckled, "They aren't very common. In fact, you may be the second time I've heard of someone doing that type of transformation." He turned to Pan and crouched down to be at her level. "Pan, I'm going to train with Trunks for a bit, is that okay?"

The little girl could be a little possessive of her father but in the end, she sighed and relented, "Okay papa."

"Okay… but Pan, DO…NOT…COME …NEAR …US!" he was very pointed as he gave her this warning. "No matter what happens, promise me you will not come near us."

The young girl felt as she grew smaller under the gaze of her father; still, she nodded her head.

"Alright Trunks… follow me." Gohan floated before taking off at a great speed high above the ground.

The lilac-haired warrior patted Pan's head before taking off after Gohan. When he finally stopped he could barely see Pan from their position.

Gohan remained stoic as he looked in every direction. "I want you to know that this won't be an easy process, and I'm basing a lot of what I will impart from my own experience. There may be other ways to achieve an Ascended Super Saiyan but this is the way I did it.

He continued, "My father once told me that a Super Saiyan state comes in response to a need, not a desire. We can argue the merits of that statement all day and I don't think we would reach a conclusion because Super Saiyan transformations are uncharted territory, but overall it sort of makes sense. You can't just wish to transform, it is something deeper. An Ascended Super Saiyan is something different altogether. It is a transformation not based on need but rather based almost entirely on emotion."

"And not just any emotion, you have to let the darkness within you almost consume you. It is based on rage, betrayal, and complete and utter anguish." Gohan began to power up. "Trunks, you and I will have a fight. I'm not saying a spar; I'm saying a full-fledged fight. It is the only way to get you to transform. Don't hold back because I won't." A gold aura burst around Gohan. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry for what you're going to experience."

Trunks transition to his Super Saiyan state in time to see Gohan strike him. He wasn't kidding, the time traveler could feel the force behind that attack and Gohan was not holding back. Trunks flew back in order to regroup, as Gohan rained down a barrage of Ki blasts. He did his best fly in between them before one caught him and soon after much more hit their mark.

From the dust cloud, the older Saiyan exploded out of it. His fist glowed from the infusion of Ki he added to it as he struck Gohan before he could block it. As Gohan flipped uncontrollably back in the air, Trunks flew around him and met him before slamming both fists down. Trunks once again flew around Gohan, but this time just as he was about to strike the younger Saiyan was waiting for him with a large energy orb.

Trunks wasn't able to do anything as the ball of Ki hurled him through the sky. Gohan took this moment to catch his breath as he heard the screams of Trunks slowly fading as he disappeared into the horizon. The aura around him intensified as he pushed the boundaries of his current power level. He needed Trunks to use more of his power, to access more, and the only way Gohan speculated he could do this is if he is facing an opponent that has a power level that is always slightly above Trunks'. In order words; the more Gohan powered up, the more likely Trunks was to increase his power to catch up to Gohan's.

Up until now, Gohan could see that his plan was working as already Trunks' power was reaching the upper limits between a Super Saiyan and an Ascended Super Saiyan. 'He has the power…now all we need is the anger…'

With a war cry, the warrior from the future charged back into the battle. Trunks put all his power behind his strikes, yet Gohan would always dodge the hit with the smallest of margins. It infuriated him that no matter how much force he placed, it was just brushed off. His mind began to wander for a moment as their current position reminded him of when he used to train with his Master.

Master Gohan always trained him the same way. The goal was to land a single strike, and when he was given this task Trunks thought it was far too easy. Boy was he wrong, Gohan always countered every single one of his jabs; even when he added Ki blast and kick, they were nothing more than another obstacle his Master easily overcame.

Gohan noticed the glazed eyes of Trunks, so he decided to wake him up the way Piccolo would when he became distracted. Gohan gripped his shirt and the other hand grabbed his arm when he was pulled in closer. He rotated in place as Trunks spun around before being let go down to the rock formations in the distance.

The lilac-haired fighter finally came out of his memory as his body crashed into the pillars of rocks, and the rubble came down on him. Pinned underneath the earth, Trunks looked down at the damage this battle had already inflicted on his body. In the distance, he could feel as Gohan was using this opportunity to raise his power level. Not wanting to be left behind, Trunks pushed harder to catch up. In fact, he noticed that he was channeling more power than he had ever before. It was then that he felt it, deep down he sensed something else within him.

It was an untapped power that was slowly siphoning bit and pieces. However, it remained elusive and untouchable at the moment. Now that he had a chance to catch his breath, it was time to return to the battle. He inhaled before releasing a powerful scream; simultaneously his Ki blew the rubble on top of him in all directions.

Gohan watched as Trunks jetted out of the flying debris. He stopped right in front of him as their individual aura pulsated against one another. Their charged auras formed sparks in the middle. Trunks rushed while bringing his fist forward, yet Gohan stopped it before it had a chance to hit its intended target. "Before we continue; tell me Trunks what you were thinking about when you transformed on the island?!" the half-Saiyan questioned, half of his face covered from when he blocked Trunks' attack. "I want you to imagine everything that happened that day!"

The time traveler narrowed his eyes as his mind raced back to him lying on the ground of the Intergalactic Tournament. His eyes could still see as Gohan's mutilated body floated back, held up only by the beams Bojack and his goons had shot him through. He could even remember the white of Gohan's wide eyes.

The helpless feeling as he watched from afar. The feeling of a failure as Gohan had once again sacrificed himself to protect them because he was too weak to help. He remembered imagining as Pan would blame him for the death of another one of her parents.

In the real world, the young world savior watched as Trunks slowly floated back and his breathing became heavy and uncontrollable. The anger in Trunks open eyes told the stormy recollection he was going through, and his power level continued to spike with each passing minute. His aura became erratic and grew with each minute passed.

Trunks croaked, "That I was too weak once again!" As if that thought was the prelude to the dam breaking in his mind, the memories he had so desperately tried to suppress began to bubble up. He closed his eyes as the memory he so desperately tried to hold back played out.

The time traveler felt as his conscious mind descended into the darkest recess. Paralyzed, his open eyes watched as small fleeting memories played with no particular order, but as he fell deeper the memories had a stronger negative emotion attached. A memory passed through his body and suddenly he was watching from a third person perspective that recollection.

Trunks vividly remembered the ruined city showered by torrential rain. He flew as lighting brightened the dark clouds overhead. He recalled the moment he found him, the last person he wanted to find in that position. Each step he took felt like an eternity and for a brief moment disconnected him from the reality his mind knew was waiting for him when Trunks would reach his destination. The young boy felt when his legs gave out under him and he landed on his knees.

Through his tear-filled eyes, he curled the head of his master into his chest. This person had been his teacher, his father-figure, and the only constant person in his life besides his mother. Every memory he could recall had Gohan in some capacity. He could see himself as a boy walking by the hand alongside Gohan through the ruins of their world. He was so young and all around him the air was filled death and despair, yet as he looked up to Gohan, the older Gohan would spare a glance and give him a smile of reassurance. It was comforting even if their surrounding proved otherwise.

He cried into the rainy night as his hands clutched onto the head of Gohan. The rage he felt at the android, but more so at himself and his own weakness, was indescribable. He screamed and screamed to the high heavens at how unjust this world could be.

'What are you afraid of?' a voice asked.

With tears in his eyes, Trunks responded, "That I will never able to live up to the potential Gohan saw in me. That I am a fraud that should have died that day… not him."

As one memory faded into the darkness another took its place. He was in the Son household now. A teen who sat uselessly in their kitchen as Chichi fretted with Videl and she spoke the words that haunted him to this very day. 'I'm pregnant Gohan.' She said as he placed a kiss on his lips.

From the darkness an echo could be heard, 'How many more people have to die before you are strong enough?'

His mind continued going through memory lane as he sat outside of the room of the recently born Pan. Her cries filled their living quarters, yet all he could think about is the death of Videl as another victim to be added to his list of transgression.

He stood in the void as those memories blanketed around him. They past through him faster and faster as he watched his biggest mistakes replay over and over. Laying on the ground as Gohan was dying at the hands of Bojack, holding the head of his deceased father-figure in the rain, resting against the wall in the kitchen as Videl cried out for her lover, Videl's hand as she weakly touched her daughter's head before it falling limply to her side as she died, and sitting in the corner at night as Pan cried herself to sleep.

Over and over the memories looped and he continued to watch them helplessly.

'Stop… stop… stop,' Trunks begged but he felt as those images only sped up.

He screamed in horror, in agony, in hatred as the echoes called out once again, 'How many more people have to die before you are strong enough?' He watched as the darkness began to consume him. Similar to when he transformed into a Super Saiyan for the first time, he felt a click as his body surged with more energy than he had ever felt before. The lightning danced in his mindscape, though his body was pinned by the darkness that didn't want to let go.

Krillin was out of breath as he came to a skidding stop. The energy output was so high he thought there was another attack on the earth. He could feel the Ki of an Ascended Gohan in the clouds above, and more surprisingly was Trunks' Ki who was nearing Gohan's in power. He could hear the screams of Trunks while his Ki had exploded around him.

The earth shook and cracks began to form in response to the energy output.

"What are those two doing up there," screamed an annoyed Tien.

So busy trying to figure out that question for himself, Krillin hadn't even noticed that Tien's arrival.

"I don't know. Do you think they are fighting someone or something up there?" asked the bewildered monk. Not wanting to be spooked again, Krillin took a moment to see if there was any other new arrival; however, instead of finding Yamcha, he saw a frightened little girl looking up.

Instantly it clicked when he saw her Gi that this girl was Gohan's daughter from the future. They hadn't had much of an opportunity to talk since that day in the intergalactic tournament. He felt silly he hadn't realized her presence sooner. Nudging Tien, the pair walked over to her to figure out what was happening.

The monk was trying to remember her name when Tien beat him to the punch. "Pan, what is going on?"

The girl jolted when she heard her name. "Mr. Shinhan, what are you doing here?" She struggled to keep her bearing as another earthquake rocked the very soil they were standing on.

"Mr. Shinhan?" joked Krillin before being elbowed by the embarrassed triclops.

"Gohan and I have been training her in combat flying," Tien quickly explained. Changing the subject he proceeded to ask Pan what was on their mind, "What is going on up there?"

After the shakes stop once again Pan responded, "Papa and Trunks are training."

A shocked Krillin shouted, "Training?! Kami those Saiyan, have they ever heard the word restraint." He let out a sigh of relief, "Here I thought it was another global emergency. They could have warned us though."

Tien's third eye narrowed. "I don't think it's just any training. Look closely, I think Trunks is about to transform like Gohan did against Cell. If he goes out of control, like Gohan did, then we might have to step in."

An alarmed Pan waved her hands shook her head. "No! Papa said to not leave this place. He said to stay here."

Krillin patted her head. "It's okay. We only said we might have to, and in any case, I think your papa only meant you," he laughed.

Tien, however, continued to watch the progress and prepared himself for either scenario.

"Yamcha! The players are already hitting the field… let's go!" The former desert bandit finished tying his shoes as he waved off another manager looking for him. He sat on the bench of the locker room. He should be happy, why wouldn't he after all he was playing the game he loved. He was their star player and he had millions of adoring fans, yet deep down it felt a bit hollow.

Since rejoining the Taitan, it had been one press conference to another. Most of the questions were about his hiatus and the reason for his sudden return. Yamcha, to his credit, did his best to avoid the questions or give as little information as possible about what he was doing during his leave.

The fans, on the other hand, were just thrilled to have him back and didn't question it; especially since the team had been going through a winning streak since his return.

His head perked up as he felt the presence of two highly charged Ki almost halfway around the world. He stood up as he began to unbutton his shirt and head out to investigate, but as he got down to the last button he looked down at the team name sewn on to his jersey.

His lips formed a thin line as continued his staring contest with his jersey. His shoulders slumped as he slowly buttoned up the baseball jersey once again. As much as it killed him to not go and investigate, he was serious about leaving that chapter behind as he told Tien.

He dragged his feet towards the door just in time to catch the same manager barging in to call him. "Yamcha!" he barked before jumping back when he saw the man in question right in front of him.

"Yeah I'm going," grunted the scar-faced baseball player. 'After all, we have Gohan and Trunks there anyways. I would just be an eyesore or just a spectator.'

Gohan had already ascended to the next level just to remain in place as Trunks' aura blasted any clouds back. The body signs of the transformation were all there as Trunks' muscles bulked up before compressing to slightly smaller form. With one mighty yell, the time traveler let the energy around him explode.

The young demi-Saiyan covered his eyes. When he finally opened them, he was greeted with the sight of small lightning bolts in the smoke. His own lightning bolts clashed with the ones in the smoke as it slowly dissipated, leaving a newly Ascended Trunks in its center. The lilac-haired warrior's eyes appeared wild and his gaze fixed directly on Gohan. The young world savior knew this could happen since the transformation shows you the worst memories and feeds of rage and agony, so when a fighter comes out of the transformation it is only natural to lose a bit of sanity. For all Gohan knew, Trunks might not even see him but rather an enemy.

Vegeta walked past the kitchen where he was greeted with the sight of his mother-in-law feeding his son. Without breaking his path, he went directly towards the refrigerator to pull out a bottle of water, since he had finished all the ones in the gravity room.

"Hi Vegeta," his mother-in-law bubbled address his entrance. "Dinner will be done soon. I'm just taking care of little Trunks-y. Here comes the airship," she laughed as Trunks took the spoonful of food being offered.

"Do you want to help Vegeta?" she offered but the flame-haired prince a chance to help with Trunks but he only snorted in return.

He settled for watching from afar, but as he was bringing the bottle to his lips, he lost any grip over it. The water fell to the ground as Vegeta's eyes widen in the direction of the two demi-Saiyan fighting.

"Oh no Vegeta!" Mrs. Briefs gasped while getting up, "I'll get a towel."

The prince had been keeping track of spar for some time, but at this moment he sensed that his offspring had just surpassed him as well. It was an odd feeling, pride with a side of anger, as his fist curled to his side. He was proud that his offspring was able to reach the level beyond a Super Saiyan, but it slightly pissed him off that it wasn't him.

His eyes shifted from the battle to the son in the room. Young Trunks was taking the distraction of his grandmother to eat the food left on his little table. It gave him hope that this son could also one day reach the level demonstrated by the young man from the future. With another snort, Vegeta walked out of the kitchen and head straight back to the gravity chamber; with a renewed fire to train harder.

Trunks' stormy azure eyes bore into Gohan. He tilted his head as he examined his current position and opponent. Before allowing Gohan to defend himself, Trunks cut the distance between them and struck his sternum.

The young Saiyan's aura burned as he streaked down to the ground below. Gohan's back impacted the dirt creating a channel as he slid back, yet Gohan bounced from his trail and landed on his two feet. The upper part of his Gi fell revealing his torso.

Trunks landed in front of the panting Gohan. He continued his assault as Gohan did his best to parry any hits and returned a few of his own.

All this while, Gohan continued to reason with the wild Saiyan from the future, "Trunks! Listen to me!"

"I know you're in there…I know you're confused and angry but I need you stop!"

"Stop Trunks!"

Inside his mind, Trunks gripped his head as the cries of his past haunted his soul. Every regret in his life played before him. Every memory cycled through him and all he could do was watch. The electricity intensifying with each minute passing.

Far in the distance, a small voice spoke, but Trunks was too preoccupied with the darkest recollection to hear that voice; the voice of Gohan.

Trunks screamed in rage as he kicked Gohan through multiple rock pillars. He prepared a Buster Cannon with two bright blue balls of Ki at each side of him, yet due to his angered form, the balls showed signs of instability. One mighty yell later, he brought both balls forward and concentrated beam burrowed down the desert valley.

Gohan only had enough time to put both hands in front when he saw the untamed beams coming for him. He gritted his teeth as he dug his feet into the ground. "Trunks…" he groaned. Gohan didn't blame Trunks for attacking him; he knew first hand that the initial transformation makes the wielder susceptible to an uncontrollable rage. All he had to do was snap him out of it. However, in order to do that he needed to do something about this beam. Pushing his Ki, Gohan was able to redirect the destructive ray into space.

The Buster Cannon hadn't even finished but already Trunks was on the attack once again. Gohan allowed his aura to spike and blow the time traveler back; giving himself precious seconds to regroup. Each hit had a response; Trunks landed a jab across his jaw, well Gohan responded with a precise blow to his gut. Eventually, Gohan and Trunks collided in the middle with each glaring at one another; their hands interlocking above their head.

"Trunks!" Gohan called out to his friend. This time Gohan noticed Trunk's grip lessened for a second. As if he actually heard him, but any note disappeared and Trunks continued his attack. Both fighters released each other and took a step back before charging in striking each other at the same time.

A new shockwave thundered the desolated canyon with each hit that met its mark. The human fighter that bared witness to these two titans clashing and as much as they wanted to intervene in the beginning, it was now clear that getting in between them would only spell certain doom for them. Nevertheless, it appeared that Gohan was holding his own, so for the time being they waited.

Both Ascended Super Saiyan permitted their respective aura burst pushing each other back. "Wake up Trunks!"

Yet the seething time traveler didn't respond. He let another growl out as a small ball of Ki formed in each of his hands. Gohan initiated collecting Ki at the palm of his hand to meet Trunks' readying attack. The world savior looked down at the ever-growing ball between his hands and decided a new tactic.

He cast aside whatever he had at the moment. The sphere flew until it bumped into a cliff. He took a deep breath and shouted, "I'm done Trunks! The more I fight you, the more you're getting angrier!" Gohan stopped to inhale some badly needed air to continue, "I know the memories are hard to relive, and I know at times it seems better to wallow in that despair, to let it consume you, but take it from someone that knows a thing or two about wallowing in despair! The only one you're hurting is yourself. I'm trying to let go of my past mistakes and forgive myself, and I think you should too!

"Don't let your dark memories define you! Don't let your darkness consume you!" Gohan extended both hands out as he waited for the feral time traveler to attack him.

Trunks looked down at the large sphere ready to be released. He shook his head a few times before his sight went back to the young Saiyan ahead. At the moment he didn't recognize the person in front of him, but something was tugging in the back of his mind. He blinked harshly before he noticed his hands moving forward. Time slowed as his eyes followed the beam departing from the sphere and heading directly at the person in front.

"Papa!" both Saiyan heard. Trunks eyesight went to the side where he noticed a small fearful girl watching from a cliff above. Both of the adults had leaped from the cliff side and were flying towards them.

Almost like he was doused with a bucket of cold water, Trunks widen when he realized it was Pan that screamed. His head jerked back as he now knew who he was about to vaporize. "Gohan…" Trunks cut off the source of the beam and used what control he had over his Ki to stop it from hitting Gohan and redirecting it up instead.

When it was finally over, Trunks landed on his knees as the sweat fell from his forehead. It was then that he noticed the bioelectric field around him. Those blue sparks sporadically danced around him.

A pair of shoes came into his eyesight and once he looked up he saw Gohan with an extended hand. A dry smile graced his feature as he took his hand to stand up.

"You did it Trunks." Gohan related as Krillin and Tien landed next to them.

Immediately the two Z-fighter started grilling Gohan as the young demi-Saiyan laughed over their fretting. "Sorry guys, I should have warned you that we would be training all out," he said as he scratched the back of his neck. Gohan had decided to go with the story that they had been training all out and that it was all part of the spar, but the two veterans could see right through his lie. The two nevertheless decided to drop the subject as they commended Trunks on ascending.

Even Pan, now that she knew the battle was over, came over to hug her father.

Once everything was over, the two human Z-fighters took their leave and promised to come to Bulma's that weekend. As for the three Saiyans, they made their way home since they had built quite the appetite.

AN: So as I said before, this is only half of the original chapter 17. I know it seems like filler but it was because I was trying to tie up any loose ends. I'm sure most of you guys can guess what will the next chapter be about. Hopefully I can get that one out in a month or two.

That being said there are a couple of things I do want to address from this chapter. First... Super Saiyan Two. I know, due in part to Dragon Ball Super, the definition of a Super Saiyan Two has been expanded and the ways to transform have increased; however, I chose to ignore what Super has been doing all together. Personally I have not been a fan of how Super explains certain mythos of the Dragon Ball universe as I feel that they have cheapened the monumental effort it took to reach a Super Saiyan two originally for the sake that the new characters can 'play catch up' to the Saiyan's of Universe 7 and be formidable opponents to them.

Second... Ascended Super Saiyan. The name Super Saiyan 2 didn't come in-universe until almost the Majin-buu saga, and originally it was referred as Ascended Super Saiyan. Don't worry I'll be fazing out Ascended Super Saiyan soon.

Third... Trunks' insanity. I know some might not agree with my logic on this, but this is the reason I wrote Trunks' transformation the way that I did. Gohan based his teaching on his own transformation. My spin on the transformation is that it brings out the character's darkness to the forefront. In Gohan's case, he has always been known to be meek at times, so when he transformed his rage made him blind with power and he became sadistic in his process but he kept some control over himself. (And this coming from a person that has lived in relative peace in comparison to his future counter-part.) Trunks' comes from a world where he has had to push down a lot of darkness so when he transformed his rage took him over completely. (He didn't recognize anyone and he wallowed in his despair as his body ran amok.) If it makes sense ...great, if it doesn't then feel free to contact me.

Lastly, I'm still working on getting better at fight scenes. Sorry if they were always cut short.

Dear Ace Son,

It's been a long time. I hope you're doing well ol' friend. I hope to see you back someday as well.

Dear Aaron Leach, Lorein Legacy, ohitsthatguyagain7, Akashi dragneel, Ignis Draconem, Masquer Q, Perlen297, Aeroza, victor0606, Pancilla,

Thank you so much. Thank you all for always reviewing.

Dear sanyantandas001,

Sorry for the long wait.

Dear Shigure Toshiro,

The interaction between Pan and the Ox-king is one I hope to expand at a later time.

Dear The Fantastic Altruist,

Yeah I know, I also debated for a while with Gohan working with Bulma, but in the end I figured he would need to work to provide as a father. Plus Gohan is incredible bright so I can see Bulma biding her time for a long time to recruit Gohan. In this timeline though, the opportunity presented itself for Bulma to make the offer and be beneficial to both.

Dear pir84lyf,

Yeah... Chichi can sometimes be one-track mind.

Dear Iwik,

I think the relation between Chichi and Gohan for now will be strained, but I do not doubt for a second that time will heal their wounds. The question is who and how will they break the ice wall that has formed between them. They are just very stubborn people.

Hm... it seems like Trunks is going back...

Dear Tellemicus Sundance,

Hey I wanted to thank you for pushing through the initial chapter with Gohan's insanity issues. I've been told I went full dark in some of those chapters. In all honesty I had never planned to go that dark, but my fingers were writing faster and by the time I realized my mistake I saw that it was too late. I thank you because I've heard some people quit the story over those chapters, but I'm glad there are some that were able to get through them.

I think you're right. Chichi seems to shrug off the latest crisis because nothing came out of it. She doesn't see her son's actions as a sacrifice of a hero but rather she sees his actions as suicidal. It was the lesson that Future Chichi learned the hard way; she had to see everyone she cared for die for her to realize that the path of a fighter is just a noble as a scholar. Unfortunately Present Chichi hasn't learned this lesson and let's hope she doesn't learn that lesson the way her future counter-part did.

Dear ThatCrazyBrit94,

I wish I had uploaded this a long time.

Dear Teen Gohan fan,

There will be a timeskip but it won't be 6 years.

Dear Andrey258,

Thank you so much!. There is a lot of things I don't see a reason in the canon universe. You hit on a couple of them but that is why we have this space to reform it in our image.

Dear Johnny Hendo,

I have no clue on how to deal with the meeting of Vegeta and Pan. They haven't met officially but you are right in that he probably already sensed her. I'll see how I bring those two together. Videl will be appearing on and off for the first few years until she is brought into the story proper.

Dear Anon,

Videl will be appearing on and off, like cameos until the High School era. Yeah... I don't think Gohan is going to take well the threat Chichi sent out. It's definitely not going to help heal their strained relation. But I do think that Chichi will be coming to a realization of what Gohan has been talking about. I do believe she will slowly make a change in her attitude.

She was a bit abusive in the beginning. I wrote her in a way to push Gohan away and I felt that a grief-stricken pregnant widow would probably have a chip on her shoulder. Plus seeing Gohan go out, not fully understanding the reasons, probably pushed her over the edge. She became over-protective in her own way.

I don't think initially Gohan will be letting Pan train with Vegeta. I think once Vegeta can prove his leadership might change the way Gohan sees Vegeta, but at the moment he still sees the same guy they met in Planet Namek. Piccolo and Pan are going to be fun scenes to write because he is essentially an uncle to this little girl, and she already somewhat worships him because of what her Grandmother Chichi told her about the Piccolo of their time.

The future is still not set in stone. I have yet to decided on the High School era, and I can see that you were able to spot my misdirection of High School Sage for Era. Meaning I'm referring to the time and not the fact that Gohan will be going to High School. I still haven't decided if I do send him to school as I don't see a point to it. Still I will see what I do with that. Thank you for the long review.

Dear Sonic the Saiyan,

You know writing the future scenes were one of my favorite parts in the first few chapters. I actually didn't like dealing with the present at much, well until Pan came back to the past. Her meeting a new person always made me think and I tried to make them as unique as possible.

I have never been good at writing battle scenes. I'll admit that I copied a couple of scenes exactly like the movie. My hope was that they could help me practice writing and eventually do my own. I even started a whole other story just so I could practice writing those scenes out.

It was a call back to the Pseudo Super Saiyan ;)

Dear Ziltoid,

I'm sorry it took me this long to add the next part.

Thank you all for reviewing! I'm always happy to interact with those that took their time to read my story. Please let me know what you think.