18. Before sunrise
A Rope of Sand
Mirai Trunks watched in awe, the treacherous Cell Juniors long forgotten.
As Gohan stood, an unforeseen fierceness settled across his face. The aura of his power was illustrious, his energy levels were indescribable; the ground trembled in complete fear.
Trunks had never before witnessed such strength, and from the look on his father's face he was certain none of the others had either.
Yet the purveyor of such power did not surprise Trunks. Gohan had always wielded an immense force. Even in another world, another lifetime. Trunks could still recall days when his master would awaken before the call of dawn, determined and relentless in his training efforts.
The lingering glow of twilight had caught each droplet of sweat in Gohan's hair. Trunks had watched with admiration and just a little bit of fear; how would he ever match up to such effortless fortitude?
And now this same willpower washed over Trunks once again.
If anyone could defeat Cell it would be Gohan. He was a blank slate, a flawless mirror that deflected every blow that was thrown at him.
Mirai Trunks had always known that his master would save the world. Now it was finally Gohan's chance to shine.