Ch 89
The sun rose over the Briefs house as hurried footsteps came to one of the bedroom doors and knocked. Standing back, she came to face to face with a tired Bulma.
"What is it Chichi?"
"Trunks passed away in his sleep some time last night."
Bulma wiped the tears from her eyes. "We'll be in to see him as soon as we get dressed. Please let my son, Goten, and Gohan know," she said as Chichi nodded and left.
Bulma turned away from the door and looked to her husband who got up from the bed, walked towards her, and held her in his arms as she cried. "O—oh Vegeta, he—he's gone."
"I know. I felt his energy fade and then disappear. It was at peace Bulma."
"We—well I guess that's good news. We should get dressed and seem him before we go back home."
Bulma and Vegeta entered Future Trunks' room to see his body. They noticed Future Goten was still at his side holding his cold, limp hand. Future Goten looked up from his dying friend's body when Trunks, Goten, and Gohan came into the room.
"I—I couldn't believe it," said Future Goten. "Last night he told me he was in love with me."
"It's true," said Trunks. "He was afraid to lose your friendship, but I guess he couldn't leave this world without telling you how he felt."
"Well," Future Goten smiled, "I hope I'll see him again someday. I just—I wish I could have told him that I loved him to. He made living bearable for me," he said as he felt his mother's hand on his shoulder. "Mom?"
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"It's not just mine," said Future Goten as he looked at Bulma, Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, and Goten, "it's their loss as well."
Bulma came up and kissed Future Trunks' forehead. "Good—goodbye," she said as she left his side.
Gohan took Future Trunks' hand. "It was good to know you my friend."
Vegeta's hand rested on Future Trunks' cheek. You made me proud so rest now in peace."
"Thank you for saving our world. You were loved and admired by all who knew you," said Goten.
It felt uneasy to see his future counterpart in this state, but he pushed that aside. "I'm sorry things had to end this way for you. May you find peace in the next life."
The funeral had been short and simple. Future Trunks was buried in the backyard of his home. Bulma watched as Vegeta and Future Goten had covered the casket with dirt until it became a grave. "Rest in peace Trunks," Future Goten smiled. He looked to his guests. "Well I think it's time for you all to go home. There's nothing more that can be done."
"What about you? Are you going to be—?" asked Goten.
"I'll be fine Goten. My mother's here," he smiled. "I haven't met my grandfather the Ox King yet, but she says he'll be here tonight," he sighed. "I miss him. I love him, but I must go on. My time is up soon anyway. I wish you all happy and healthy lives."
"Well you know now you sound like my Goten," said Trunks as he smiled at his mate. "It was nice to meet you Future Goten."
"You to Trunks," said Future Goten as he threw the capsule for the time machine onto the grass.
Trunks and Goten made their way to the time machine as everyone else said their goodbyes.
"Take care of yourself," smiled Bulma. "Enjoy the time you have with your mother. I'm—I'm glad my future son had you in his life to watch over him."
"Thank you Bulma," he said as she hugged him.
"I know something about coming from a troubled past," said Vegeta. "You're time is ending on this earth, but you have a chance to leave it more happier then when you came into this world. Make every minute count. Do the things you wish you've could have done."
"I will. Thank you Vegeta. Your words were very inspiring."
"You're welcome," said Vegeta before going his wife, son, and Goten at the time machine.
"Well I'm not sure I can top Vegeta's speech," said Gohan as they both laughed. "I wish you the best before your time comes. I'm positive your dad would have loved to be in your life. He would have loved to meet you. He would be proud of you right now."
"I would have loved to meet him to Gohan but you're the next best thing."
"Take care of yourself and your mom. You'll need each other."
"I will. I promise," he said as his mother stood beside him. "You take care of yourself to Gohan. Goten told me about your family, never take them for granted."
"I won't."
Future Goten and his mom stood back, watching as the time machine rose up from the ground and into the clear, blue sky. They waved back at their guests as their guests waved back at them with smiles on their faces. When it disappeared from site, mother and son walked inside the house, hoping that their last moments together would be happy. Future Goten thought of Future Trunks and wished that they had more time together.