Chapter 4: Save the future, Trunks!

While Black went through his own journey, Trunks was still stuck in the past due to Black having destroyed the machine right before getting pulled away. As the flames finally went out on the ruined and partially melted husk of what used to be his mother's time machine, Trunks sighed.

"How am I ever going to stop Black now…?"

Plus, how could he ever live with himself after this? His mother had spent her life making this machine and helping Trunks as best as she could in the fight against the Androids and Cell and now Goku Black. Only for Black to not only kill her AND now destroy the machine she had built for Trunks to use to save the world.

"If all you're going to do is stand around and mope, you won't get anything done." Vegeta stated as he walked over to Trunk's side. "…Father."

"That 'Black' as you called him looks like Kakarot, sounds like him, but Kakarot's not unbeatable and neither is Black. I don't know about making time machines but all you'll be doing is wasting your time and condemning those in your future if you go back there half-cocked."

Trunks felt that his father-in his own abrasive way-giving him encouragement was such a stark difference from how they had first met with Vegeta refusing to associate with Trunks due to believing him a weakling and not being worthy enough to be his heir. It was only after Super Perfect Cell temporarily killed Trunks did Vegeta finally flaunt his fatherly instincts.

("MY BABY BOY!")

"…Right."

His dad was right, if he wanted to make sure he could defeat Black then he'd have to train and train hard! But he had to make sure that when all was said and done, he DID have a way to return back to his time. Making his way over to where his mother in this timeline stood, Trunks cleared his throat. It…was painful to say the least to see another version of his mother when the one he grew up was definitely dead.

"Can you believe that jerk!? He has the nerve to look like Goku, one of the nicest guys I know and do all this nasty stuff and on top of that he KILLS ME?! Ugh!" Folding her arms across her chest, Bulma exhaled and smiled at her future son. "I can tell by the expression on your face that you're worried about your time machine. I didn't think too hard about the schematics since the future me did such a good job there was nothing to improve on. But you listen to me, Trunks."

Placing a hand on Trunks's left shoulder, Bulma smiled and clenched her free hand into a fist. "I'm gonna get you back to the past and your Dad and Goku are gonna train you! You're gonna go back to your timeline and beat Black out of this world!" The comfort was appreciated, and a blush tinged the hybrid's cheeks. "…Heh, I'll do my best mom. Thanks. I'm planning on starting my training immediately with Goku and dad-"

Brushing past whatever her son had left to say, Bulma's expression turned dark and she turned to focus her glare at her husband. "As for you, that guy KILLED me, ME and you just watched as GOKU was the one to go up there and pick a fight with him! What happened to 'that's my Bulma' Mr. Prince!"

"Agh, Bulma, Kakarot he…I didn't…" Watching as Goku finally rejoined the others and powered down to base form as he touched down, Vegeta screamed.

"KAKAROT!"

"So? What do you think, Goku? Can you take this 'Black?' "Piccolo asked as Goku simply shrugged his shoulders much to the Namekian's surprise. "Eh, he IS pretty strong! I'll probably have to do some training of my own before I go up against him again! It's just so weird fighting someone who looks JUST like you!"

"…Yeah, I can imagine how that might be odd." Piccolo murmured, thinking back to his fight with Kami back at the World Martial Arts Tournament. Krillin however decided to ask the question that was on everybody's mind. "Is NOBODY going to wonder why he looks and sounds JUST like Goku? Like are we dealing with another Raditz here? Identical twin brother or something?"

"Oooh, that's a good question Krillin! I…have no real idea myself." Goku admitted before wincing as he heard Vegeta screaming for him. "Sorry, old buddy! Hehehehe…" "Oh no, you're not 'buddying' your way out of this Kakarot! You were just toying around and having a good time with Black and now I'M getting an earful because of it!" As the two saiyans argued, Beerus the Destroyer and his attendant Whis sat by having watched the entire Goku vs Goku fight with relative interest. But there had been something else that caught Whis's eye. "My Lord, when Black was sucked back into the tear that the other Trunks's machine left in time and space, did you notice what he was wearing?"

"Yes, it seemed to be a time ring."

"Indeed, my lord and normally only the Supreme Kais should have access to such items. Which leaves me wondering more and more about our 'Other Goku."

"The next time we confront Black, I'M getting the first swing at him and you don't have a say in the matter, Kakarot!" Vegeta screeched as Goku quickly waved his hands in front of his chest. "Whoa, okay okay! It'd be your turn anyway, Vegeta!" Wanting to break up the argument between his father and Goku, Trunks made his way over and spoke up. "Um, excuse me, Father? Goku?"

"What is it, Trunks?" "Yeah, what's up?"

"Well, I was just hoping that we could get right to training while mom works on a way of getting me back to the future. I think it'd be nice to train with you guys again. As a matter of fact, I don't think I got to train with you Goku. At least not when prepping for the big battle against Cell. It'd be an honor to do so now. I just wish the circumstances were better."

"Aw, sure Trunks! I'd be happy to train with you! But first I am famished! That fight with Black really took it out of me. Let's grab a bite to eat and we can get to training right away!" Goku exclaimed and he was off! Not really having much to eat in his timeline due to needing to conserve food for the survivors, Trunks couldn't really turn down a hearty meal.

It was nice to see the others again and with the encouragement he'd been given? He knew in his heart of hearts that he COULD defeat Black!

Hope you enjoyed this brief chapter focusing on Trunks! The main character of the story IS Black, so these chapters will be smaller than usual. But I still had a blast writing it and making it clear that the heroes aren't just sitting on their asses the whole time.

The next chapter is going to bring the focus back to Black as he and Maxi travel to town to hunt some monsters!