A/N: This story was started as a request, and shall hopefully be fully completed within a month or two.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE/SWEARING/DEPICTIONS OF VIOLENCE AND BLOOD

My Final Battle

The war against the Androids. The war that lasted for thirteen long and grueling years. It held the title of the most destructive and horrifying war in Earth's history. When humans fought with each other, the death toll ranged from a couple hundred thousand to a couple of dozen million human deaths. The war with the Androids… it was a terrible and destructive bloodbath that even the gods wished never took place. All of Earth's defenses fell to the Androids, all their strategies failed, and no contingency could secure their survival. When the governments of the world began to lose hope, the Z Fighters stepped forward. History had proven that they would protect their home, time and time again they prevailed. Only this time… they couldn't match their foe in power. One after another, a Z Fighter fell. One… after another… entire populations fell to the might of the Androids. After a decade only two Z Fighters remained when they used to be ten in number.

Fires raged throughout demolished cities, famine tore through villages and small towns unfortunate enough to have their fields and resources dry out. Very few cities were left untouched, those that did not were on the Androids list of destruction.

The Androids were different from previous enemies Earth has created and even those that origin did not come from Earth.

The invading Saiyan's were there for control and resources. They were there to take one of their own back and wrest control of the weak green planet for their leader. As strong as they were, Earth's defenders repelled the Saiyan's through intense training. Eventually, one of their attackers even became one of their strongest allies.

The Demon Clan before the Saiyan's were hungry for power and wanted control of the title "God" over the people. Through many struggles and harsh training, Son Goku was able to defeat the Demon Clan. Eventually bringing out another ally to join their ranks.

Even when the evil sorcerer Bidibi attempted to take total control over Earth, its defenders rose up and defeated his underlings.

Through many trials, Earth's defenders rose up and came to the challenge. Every time , every battle, they conquered and came back even stronger than before. Every time with a smile on their faces. Every time with little to no loss.

The fight against the Androids was different though. Specifically designed to kill the Z Fighters and engineered to have limitless stamina, the Earth's defenders stood little chance after Son Goku's death.

Everyone made their sacrifices, sacrifices that eventually led to their demise.

The Androids were unlike any enemy Gohan has fought, before they had great master plans that had flaws and strategic fighting styles. This was completely unlike the Androids, they were bloodthirsty and insane. No care in the world what would happen to the humans around them or their foe, as long as they stopped breathing they were content. Gohan didn't even know if they felt happiness.

In all his twenty-three years of battle, Gohan never would have thought this amount of destruction would come to his home, his planet, his people. The battle with the Androids had taken up thirteen years of his battle experience.

The war with the Androids would end soon though, for better or for worse.

"This is Blue Cap to Cyclarm, I need you to see me as soon as possible. Over."

A small screech signified the end of the transmission over a radio.

"That was qui-"

*punch*

"Ow, fuck! C'mon man, why the sucker punch?" The teenager asked while holding his nose.

"Because if you get that distracted from her calling us over then you'll end up dead fighting the Androids." An older man explained with a stern look on his face. "Prepare for the unexpected. Now clean yourself up, you don't want to look like a mess in front of your mom do you?" he chided. His stern expression quickly morphed into a playful one.

The teen scoffed, "I wouldn't look so bad if you wouldn't have beaten on me so much!" He stretched his right arm above his head and grunted in pain, "Man, I think I have a few bruised ribs now."

The young adult smirked, "You wouldn't have those bruised ribs if you paid more attention to my attacks, Trunks, keep control over your ki and you'll increase your battle sense significantly more."

A groan emanated from Trunks as he took off his training weights, "Yah yah Gohan. Ya know, you sound a lot like the man mom talks about in some of her stories. I think his name was Pictilo or something?

"Piccolo." Gohan corrected. "His name was Piccolo, you should remember your history better as well for when we gain control back from the Androids. Even though everyone else sees our fights, they may not remember those that came before us. It's up to us to keep their memory living on."

Trunks looked down dejectedly, "Yah, I understand."

Gohan turned to his student and rapped him on the shoulder as they walked, "Hey, it's okay. I know there's a lot going on right now, just keep your head up."

Trunks nodded his head, a small smile returning to the teens lips.

Gohan smiled, "Now, let's get washed up and see what your mother wants."

As if on cue, Trunks' small smile transformed into a wide grin, "Yah! I can't wait to show her how strong I've gotten with you." He quickly got in front of Gohan and bowed, "Thank you for everything you've taught me, Master."

Gohan chuckled and placed a hand on the top of Trunks head, "Never going to be a problem, you're a great student."

With that compliment, Trunks stood back up straight beaming.

Gohan shook his head amused, very little would the two find time to be this cheerful. "C'mon, let's hit the waterfall and get in the sky.

After the duo cleaned up from their training excursion and took flight in search of Trunks' mother. As they did, the young teen spared a final glance at his previous temporary home.

"Ya know, I'm going to miss this place. It always had a nice view during the evening."

"Me too, but you know as well as I do that we can't stay in one place for very long. Especially while training. As long as we focus on keeping our ki in check then the most we can stay is three months tops."

Trunks sighed, "Yah, I can't wait until this is over with. I heard that mom was working on something really big back at the lab, hopefully it's a weapon that can kill the Androids."

Gohan grunted , agreeing with his students' wishes. He had heard whispers right before the duo left their main operation command center. Many of the scientists held a varying degree of opinions about the project. It was something that commonly entered his thoughts while not training, but he couldn't worry about that now. All he had to worry about is making it back without any confrontation.

The two continued their flight with the sun setting behind them that created a glow across the lake they just left.

Trunk's bright blue hair flew wildly behind him, the length just barely passing his ears, much like his mothers. He wore a navy blue jacket that cut off at his midsection that also bore cuts along the sleeves. The left shoulder held the insignia for the Capsule Corp., a company that his mother had ran for decades. Similarly, he wore loose dark blue sweats that came from the Capsule Corp. as well. The clothing was specifically designed for training and combat.

Gohan was almost a mirror copy of his father, Trunks mother often stated this even though he didn't need to be reminded. The man always carried a picture of his father, and mother in a chest pocket, something he always took care not to get damaged.

Gohan's hair was as black as his fathers, unruly too. During one of their fights with the Androids he got hit in the face by an attack that left him permanently scarred. Most of the fighters called it the scar of a warrior. The tile never bothered him, but the memory of what almost happened would haunt him forever.

Two and a half years before

Heavy rain was pouring down in a destroyed city as the two forces fought for life. Fires bellowed through the street and citizens ran screaming from the death and destruction.

Rubble and dirt flew left and right as Gohan flew back from a punch that was delivered by Android 17. For a brief moment Gohan thought the Android picked up a sledgehammer and hit him with it.

Gohan shook the cobwebs from his vision and quickly looked up to keep his eyes on his foe.

"My my, and here I thought you were the son of the strongest man on Earth. How pitiful. Goku must not have been as strong as we were told." Android 17 said in a mocking tone.

Anger rose up in the man, "Don't you dare talk about my father! You don't have that right to utter his name!"

Gohan quickly flew forwards while gathering a ball of energy in his right palm with his left extended forward.

The increased speed threw off Android 17, but he regained his composure after hearing a voice in his ear. He smiled and caught Gohan's left fist, "Oohh, just now powering up huh. Let's see how long you keep this up for!" he yelled with a maniac grin on his face.

Gohan drove his right hand forward, hoping to cause a diversion.

Android 17 used his left hand to grab Gohan's right wrist, "Now, what were you going to do with this?" He quickly snapped his foe's wrist forcing Gohan to grunt in pain.

Gohan looked the Android in the eyes, a new fire burning behind them. "This."

Quickly and without hesitation, Gohan leaned forward while using Android 17 as a pillar and swung his left foot straight into the Androids side while also letting loose a large ki blast that sent him flying into a concrete wall.

Lots of debris was sent up from the impact which obscured Gohan's vision, but that didn't matter with the attack he was about to use.

Gohan flew up a few feet, still keeping his eyes on the cloud in case the Android got up. "It doesn't matter that you and your partner are Androids because you see… Us living beings are able to adapt to any situation and you're about to die."

The man slowly cock backed his injured right arm and brought his left arm back as well in a signature form, "This will be the end of you!"

"Ka! Me! Ha! Me! -"

"Now!" Android 17 yelled.

"HAAA!"

Before Gohan could react, he saw a blur thrown into the cloud where Android 17 was and another jump out.

No! I can't cancel this, It's too late!

A bright beam of blue energy flew from Gohan's hands and straight into the cloud. Every drop of rain and dirt burnt at the touch of energy. The ground shook at the impact but the beam didn't last as long as it usually did.

Gohan had to shut off the flow of ki just to stop the attack from hitting full force. "What did you do!"

Upon the impact the dust had cleared revealing a heavily cut up and bleeding Trunks.

Gohan's eyes widened as he flew to his student. He knelt next to the boy and checked for a pulse.

Trunks' breathing was ragged and his pulse was weaker than it should have been. He was bleeding from many places on his body both from cuts and his mouth.

"No, please. Please don't die!" he cried.

Both Android 17 and 18 flew nearby, Android 17 held Trunks sword in his hands while Android 18 had her arms crossed.

Android 17 smirked, "What was that about this being our end? I thought you were going to kill us?"

Android 18 had a look of disgust on her face, "Pfft, typical humans. You think you're all better than us because you were birthed. News flash, you can't kill us and will never kill us, just give up ape."

Gohan growled, "Shut up."

Android 17 cupped his hand around his ear in a mocking way, "What was that, I couldn't hear you over the screams of these humans."

"I said, SHUT UP! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Gohan dropped the injured Trunks to the ground and stood up, his energy flaring higher than before.

Android 17 smirked, "This will be your end."

Android 18 uncrossed her arms and flew forward, body checking Gohan but was surprised when he didn't get thrown back but only pushed back almost a foot.

Gohan looked down as the yellow energy of a Super Saiyan raged around him. He quickly grabbed onto her throat and slammed her into the ground and delivered another punch into her stomach. Blood and spittle flying out of her mouth from the impact.

Gohan returned his angry gaze to Android 17, annoyed that the man still had a smirk on his face but was surprised when he couldn't lift his left arm. He quickly looked down upon his stuck appendage and saw 18 holding tightly to his arm with a smile on her face.

"Take this you bastard."

Gohan's eyes widened when he heard 17's voice behind him. With a grunt, he launched 18 with a swing of his arm and turned around to face his other opponent.

Both Gohan and Android 17's eyes met, Gohan's had a look of surprise while 17's held a look of victory. Gohan had completely forgotten Android 17 had Trunks Brave sword and he was about to pay for it.

With a mighty heft, Android 17 swung the sword in an upwards fashion planning on separating Gohan's arm from his body along with his head.

Gohan quickly let loose energy blasts from both his hands in an effort to dodge the incoming attack.

The blade flew through the air with blood stained along the edge and a cry of pain following.

Once the blade completed its motion Android 17 let it rest on his shoulder, his smirk still covering his face.

"Ha! The great Gohan, son of Goku, student of the fearsome Piccolo, injured by his own student's sword. Pathetic."

Gohan jumped backwards near a downed Trunks while holding his bleeding face, "Don't say their names, you don't have the right." He breathed heavily and looked down at his student. I don't know how we're going to get out of this one. We're going to need a miracle or something!

Android 18 returned to her brother's side, dirt and debris stained her clothing and hair. "Great, now I need a shower and new clothes. Thanks asshole."

Gohan spat some blood from his mouth, his hand wiping any that was left. All the strategies, all the techniques he learned, none of it would help him now due to how low his ki was. He just needed to buy some time, "Maybe I can do something about your face while I'm at it." The young man hoped that would be enough to bait her.

Android 18 growled and took a step forward, "I'd like to see you try human!"

Android 17 held out an arm to stop his sister, "Hold on sis, he laid out multiple energy bombs hidden underneath the rubble. You don't want any more of your clothes to be destroyed now do you?"

Android 18's surprised expression was quickly replaced with a roll of her eyes as she tried to play off her ignorance, "Oh what a dotting brother you are, I knew about those."

"Hmph, sure you did. Now, let's take our time with him. I'm sure his precious student won't be waking up any time soon now."

Gohan got ready for battle but paused when he felt more life signatures enter the vicinity. "Well, it looks like it's time to end this little scuffle. How 'bout we meet up some other time? I have a little business to take care of."

Android 17 tilted his head, "You really think we'll let you leave today? No, Saiyan, this is going to be your last fight!"

Both 17 and 18 flew at Gohan, 17 brandishing his sword and 18 with glowing fists.

Gohan quickly picked up the unconscious Trunks and covered his eyes.

"Ha, looking away from your own death! How cowardly!" 17 yelled.

The Androids had made it about halfway in the span of a seconds, in that span they neglected to realize the Human resistance closed in on their position and was about to attack.

A rocket was fired and before they knew it. The projectile hit its mark at the feet of the Androids, launching the two assailants back by the explosion. Neither had expected backup, and neither had expected this much firepower.

Both Androids were blasted into a nearby building that was barely standing, but with their intrusion it was no longer stable enough to continue its own structural integrity and crumbled inward on top of the two Androids.

Gohan took this time to take a small breather, he looked where the Androids were just about to attack him from and saw Trunks' sword laying in the battlefield. One of the soldiers ran to it and picked it up, quickly bringing it over to Gohan.

"Here you go sir, I believe the kid would be missing this." He handed Gohan the sword.

Gohan dipped his head in acknowledgement, "Thanks, I wasn't expecting backup here. I thought they wiped everyone out."

The soldier shook his head as more began to get closer, "We had a small base here that was untouched by the Androids and once we heard you guys were out here fighting, all of us got together what we could to help out."

Another soldier joined them, "You two need to get out of here while you still can, I've seen your father fight before so I know the deal. The kid's not strong enough to take one of them on his own and you look worn out. Don't worry about us, we'll lay down some traps that way they won't follow us."

Gohan shook his head, "I don't like the idea of leaving you guys here by yourself. If they actually found where you were hidden there's nothing you can do about it!"

The soldier smiled, "Son, if both of you fall we don't stand a chance. We've been doing a good job keeping low so don't worry about us. We laced that rocket with a lot of gas that would incapacitate a dozen normal people so they should be a bit slow for a while. We'll be fine, now go!"

Gohan nodded his head and turned to leave with Trunks in his arms, "You be careful out here, don't get yourselves killed trying to be a hero." He crouched down and jumped, fleeing the area to rest and heal Trunks.

A gust of wind blew past the two soldiers, the higher rank soldier smiled at the departing Saiyan. "I'll leave the heroing to you lot."

He turned and ordered his men to retreat back to base while the Androids were still recovering.

In the air, Gohan turned his head to look down upon the battlefield. One day, one day we'll be strong enough to end this horror. Just you wait. He turned his head back to the sky and flew off to fight another day.

Present

A few days had passed while both student and master made their way to the main base to regroup with Trunks' mother. It had been almost a whole year since they had seen each other, something that Gohan had felt bad for but it was needed to get Trunks strong enough to fight the Androids in a fair fight.

The duo were resting in a forest with a lit campfire, Gohan had taught Trunks how to hunt without the use of his KI so they were roasting two bunnies over the fire. Neither one of them had said anything during the trip, not much conversation to strike up since both had spent the past two and a half years together.

Gohan had taken off his rabbit once the meat was well and cooked, he blew on it to cool down lest he burn his tongue. After taking a few small bites he noticed that Trunks was looking at him weird.

Jet black eyebrows scrunched together in a confused manner, "Wats da matter?" he said with a full mouth.

A small smile graced Trunks lips, "You know that wasn't cooked all the way right?"

Gohan swallowed the rest of his food and took a sip from his canteen, "Yah, a little bit of pink never hurt anyone. That's how my father ate his food anyway."

Trunks giggled, "Father would never take a bite of mothers food until it was cooked all the way. He always said," In a mocking tone of Vegeta, "A Prince always takes care to eat fully cooked food. I'll never get any of that food poisoning that Kakarot always seems to get." He chuckled, "Things were always a competition between the two it seemed like."

Gohan smiled, it was rare to be able and relax like this. Even rarer to see a smile on his students face. "You know, I remember this one time that mother and Bulma thought it was a good idea to take both our families out camping. Man, "Gohan shook his head and leaned back, "I couldn't eat all the fish that father and Vegeta caught. They caught enough to feed ten whole families and then some! The last day we were out, father challenged Vegeta to a swimming contest. I never knew that Vegeta couldn't swim until that day.

Gohan's smile grew as he recounted the past, " Heh, he got so mad at the idea of losing to father that he used his ki to fly through the water and won. Neither could get over it and almost always brought it up when we went over to eat."

While Gohan was telling his story, Trunks had taken his rabbit and was eating it. Smiling the entire time it was told.

Gohan smiled at a memory, "You know, as much as those two competed they were the closest friends I've seen. Your father, Vegeta, took fathers death pretty hard. He wouldn't come out of the gravity chamber for weeks at a time and for five days he kept going in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Mister Popo had to ban him so that he would stop. I think it took him two months until he was semi normal. After fathers death all anyone would do was train or go off to desolate locations to mourn. It took mother a while but within a month she began to go out again, mostly to your parents house, and mingle. I think once she was better I went off with Piccolo to train for half a year. Once I came back I saw Vegeta and asked him to help me achieve Super Saiyan. Heh, it didn't take much convincing for him though. He always wanted to get stronger."

Things never really stayed upbeat when the two began reminiscing. It always went one way or another, talking about the death of Goku or about the deaths of their friends.

Gohan began eating at his rabbit once more while Trunks stared into the fire with his rabbit in his hands.

"Do… do you think I'm ready?" There was a short pause, "Do you think my father would be proud of me?" Trunks asked hesitantly.

Gohan thought for a while, "Yes… to both."

The corner of Trunks' lip turned upward in a small smile.

"Your father would be greatly proud at how strong you've become and how great of a young man you are." Gohan started, "Heh, Bulma used to tell me that Vegeta had always wished for a son. I know that he would be proud of you. He would have his own way of showing it." he finished with a small smile.

Gohan looked over at Trunks to see a tear going down his face, he chose not to say anything else and waited for the young teen to continue the conversation.

As the seconds droned on, Gohan thought Trunks wasn't going to say anything, but the students' next words surprised the master.

"Do you think that in another life we would have been able to befriend the Androids?"

Gohan raised his eyebrows at the question. It was something so abnormal to consider that the man never thought to think about. He's been fighting the Androids for so long now that he didn't even think it was possible for them to ever be good in another universe.

That led to a question that didn't have a good answer. Why did the Androids do what they did? Why cause so much suffering and destruction? This is what the Z Fighters had asked themselves when the Androids began their fight against Earth's defenders. They were given an answer, just not a good one.

Because they were bored.

None of the Z Fighters could accept that, so they searched and searched, hoping for an alternative one that wasn't so asinine. Not even Bulma or King Kai could find reason behind their actions.

Because of those thoughts, Gohan found it difficult to answer Trunks' question.

Gohan returned his gaze to Trunks to answer, or at least try to answer. "I'm… I don't know, Trunks. I'm sure in a different life things would have been different, but I don't know."

He turned his eyes back to the small campfire that previously cooked the food they ate, now it was just providing heat from the cold northern wind. The dancing flames reflected in his eyes as he watched them lick at the blades of grass and wood, the edges singing from the heat.

Gohan sighed, the weariness of his battles began to wear on his psyche and show on his face. "The only thing I've really been thinking about is survival. How to beat the Androids and keep the two of us alive has been my only objective for the past thirteen years."

Trunks nodded solemnly, looking into the small campfire with his sensei he replied, "I know, it's just... you've gotta wonder, could they be good? Or were they created evil?" His head slowly turned to look back at his master, his friend. "If every living being has the ability to be good, then why did they choose to be bad? Why couldn't we have just been friends ya know?"

The innocence in those words shocked Gohan. Fighting in this war that took just about every person he cared about, witnessing death and violence since he was only five, and now he was twenty three years old. It had been a very long time since he had seen it.

Maybe I can save just a little bit of it, keep that spark alive for just a little bit longer. Then maybe there's still hope for him to live a happy life once this is all over.

Gohan returned his students' gaze, "Sometimes people don't know the difference, maybe they weren't taught what good and bad is. Unlike you, they did not have people to guide them through this world. They didn't have friends, just each other." he explained with a sad understanding. As if he knew the consequences first hand of such circumstances.

Trunks' eyebrows bunched in confusion, "That… that sounds sad."

Gohan nodded, "That's because it is."

"Sh… shouldn't I hate them, why would I feel sad for people like them? They kill people without a second thought, hurt others with a smile on their faces. They… they took so much from us. They…" he trailed off, his eyes trailing back to the fire.

Gohan smiled. He reached over to his student and placed a comforting hand on Trunks shoulder, "It's called having a good heart."

Trunks' light blue eyes looked into Gohans' black eyes, his confused expression still splayed over his young, almost unscarred, face.

Gohans' hand moved from the young boy's shoulder to the back of his head, "A good heart will always see the good in people. It will try to make reason of things that have none. Hold onto that because it is a precious trait that many lose and few are able to hold onto."

The last Z Fighter stood and walked to his sleeping bag, "A good heart will always come out on top."

Gohan looked behind him at Trunks, "Go to sleep now, we're not going to have much opportunity to do so once we get back to your mom."

Trunks nodded, "Okay. Thank you, Gohan."

Gohan nodded, his smile still in place.

And like that, silence fell over the campsite as Gohan laid down. Trunks continued to sit in his spot for a few more minutes until he retired to his sleeping bag. Thoughts still swimming in the young fighter's mind; questions, doubt, fear, anxiety. All of these thoughts continued until the weariness overtook his mind, and thus he slept.

Good people still remained on this war scarred earth, good people still fought for peace.

Hidden Lab

Lights dimmed as power was directed to the laboratories machines and tools. Two of the smartest people in the world stood facing a screen that flashed information as their test finally completed.

One of them held a look of grim satisfaction across their face. The other… they looked afraid.

A short thin man looked nervously to his female partner, his shoulders held stiffly as the dirtied lab coat covered them. His short brown hair usually complemented his soft features, now it clashed with his worried ones.

"Ma'am, I… I don't think we should use this. It's too powerful and unstable, we don't even know exactly what will happen if it-"

"We don't have a choice."

The short man felt exasperated. They had worked on this for the better part of three years off and on in hopes of creating a weapon strong enough to kill the Androids. And now that they were at the end, he didn't even know if they could use it… should use it.

"I understand that, but if we just had more time…" he pleaded.

The woman shook her head. Her hair waved at the motion. Something that used to be a bright blue, but over the years it had dulled to a dark blue mixed with gray strands of hair.

"We don't have time. Based on our intel, the Androids have gotten word of our general location."

A mirthful laugh broke itself out from her lips, "And after almost a decade, they're looking to finish us off. Just our luck I suppose."

"Then… is this our last chance?"

The blue haired woman sighed, "It appears so. Our final chance, the last fight, the last battle."

The complete human annihilation, or continuation. The coming days would decide their fate.

Chapter 2: Calm Before The Storm next.

Gohan reminisces about the past while a raging river threatens to take the lives of two elders. The two act, racing to save them. Meanwhile, they are being watched by someone, or someones.

A/N: Next chapter should be out within two weeks... hopefully. I've been putting this off for way to long. Anyway,

Ja Ne!