A Chance of a Lifetime – Chapter 18
They all gathered in Bulma's living room, talking amongst themselves until Goku stood up, crossing his arms and waiting for everyone to quiet down. The talking slowly filtered down, until the only one that was speaking was Bulma, arguing about something with Yamcha.
"Shut up Blue! Or I'll make something that will mute you!"
Everyone chuckled as Bulma glared at Trista, watching the younger woman smirk before turning her attention to Goku. Trunks sat on her left, while Vegeta sat on her right. The fighters were a little surprised he was actually sitting, all except Piccolo. He was smirking.
"Okay," Goku said loudly, "A year is almost up, and according to Trunks," he gestured to the young man, "we have only one more year until the androids show up. So! What I was thinking is that we take turns going into the hyperbolic time chamber. Two at a time, so that we can get enough complete training." He paused for a moment, chewing on a thumbnail. "I know it's a little hard to take in," he said softly, "what we saw on that tape." Everyone's eyes went to mother and son on the couch. "But like the future Trista said," they watched the woman sitting on the couch look away, studying the floor. "We saw that as a warning to try to keep the same thing from happening. And hopefully...Trunks won't grow up without a father," Everyone watched him swallow. "And we all won't perish at the hands of those monsters! And some of us," he paused, looking towards Yamcha, "won't become one," he finished softly, studying the man before raking his gaze over the occupants of the room.
"I've decided that me and Vegeta will go in first. Then Yamcha and Tien. And Piccolo, you said you would go in with Gohan," he waited for the namekian to nod before continuing. "So that leaves Krillin and Trunks. I guess you two will go in-"
"No," Trunks said, cutting the older saiyan off. He studied Goku for a moment, ignoring everyone looking at him.
"I'm going in with my mother," he stated, his gaze steady on Goku. She shot him a surprised look.
"Trunks," she said softly. "I'm not fighting. You would get better results training with one of the warriors."
They all watched the young man's eyes narrow as he turned towards her, his jaw clenching. He studied her for a moment before speaking. "Do you know who trained me in the future!?" he said loudly. Everyone watched as she slowly shook her head.
"You!" he watched her eyes widen. "So don't sit there and tell me I'll get better results with one of them. I'm training with you or no one at all!"
It was quiet in the room. They looked between mother and son, until Goku spoke up, his voice gentle.
"Trista," he waited for her to face him before continuing. "It's up to you."
They all watched her glance at Trunks, studying the boy for a moment before sighing. "I guess," she said, looking down at the floor.
"I still don't see how me going in will help you more than someone stronger than I am," she stated, crossing her arms.
Trunks grunted, not saying anything. Everyone watched Vegeta smirk, glancing at them before looking forward again.
"Well," Goku said loudly, "I guess I'll go in with Krillin-"
"No Goku," the short man said quietly. Goku shot him a surprised look. Everyone watched as he sent his friend a small smile. "I'll let someone else have my turn who could actually use it. I'll be there when we fight the androids, but I think you or Vegeta will benefit more with the extra training." He paused for a moment. "I'll stay here and keep an eye on the compound."
They watched the tall saiyan study him, before slowly nodding. "Okay, Krillin. That's your choice."
No one said anything as the group fell into a compatible silence, until Bulma sighed, clearing her throat.
"Well," she put her hands on her hips. "I'll go make some lunch before you leave. Trista, do you want to help me?" she asked, turning towards the kitchen.
"No."
They watched Bulma look at the woman in surprise. But Trista had her brows narrowed, studying the carpet. She suddenly got up, grabbing Trunks arm.
"I've got to talk to this boy. I'll see you later," she stated, dragging Trunks out of the living room.
They all heard Vegeta snort, looking over at him to see a smirk on his face, laughter in his eyes as he watched the taller saiyan being dragged from the room by his shorter mother. He looked back, noticing everyone studying him. He scowled.
"What are you all staring at," Vegeta snapped, his cheeks flushing slightly, "Don't you have better things to do!?"
Some snickers rose from the group, earning a growl from the prince. Goku laughed, slapping him on the back. Vegeta shrugged him off, stomping out the front door.
About an half hour later, after eating lunch, everyone started leaving, until all that were left were Krillin, Bulma, Trunks, and Trista.
"Are you sure?" Trista murmured, watching the others fly off. Trunks looked over at her.
"Yes," he stated firmly.
She finally looked over at him, studying him for a moment before sighing. She looked back up at the sky.
"Okay," she said softly, blasting off.
"Hey Trunks!"
The young man paused in following his mother, looking behind him. He watched Bulma slowly walk towards him. She had her arms folded, a worried look in her eyes.
"Watch over the woman, okay?" she asked softly.
Trunks softly smiled. "Don't worry," he said, "I won't let anything happen to my mom."
He blasted off, leaving a very worried scientist behind.
Trunks and his mother caught up with the rest of the fighters, landing on the lookout in time to see Goku and Vegeta enter the time chamber. His mother looked over at him, sending him a soft smile. Ruffling his black hair, she walked over towards Gohan, sitting down with him on the steps to the Guardian's chamber, not saying anything. He watched Yamcha and Tien start a little sparring match, before sitting down where he was, gazing out over the lookout. He studied the clouds for awhile, thinking about his mother. And his father...and the fact that he doesn't exist yet. Trunks looked over at his mother, knowing that her and Vegeta were still just...friends. He sighed, returning his gaze to the clouds. He furrowed his brows as something occurred to him. Is it possible that this is why she's older when she has me!? But she would only be twenty-one after our turn is up, not twenty-three! We couldn't possibly go in two more times before having to stop. I don't know much about this place. He looked around. It was destroyed before I was old enough to even talk! Along with the guardian. But I would imagine the chamber needing time to reset itself. After all! There's four groups going in, back to back. Me and mom are last, so I guess we could talk a little while we wait. Trunks looked over at his younger mother, noticing the peaceful look on her face as she kept her eyes closed, face turned up to the sky. No. I won't bother her. I'll just wait, I guess. We'll have plenty of time while we're training. I don't think she believed me when I said that she trained me. But she was the only one that knew how to fight, and she learned from my father. He thought about that, a small smile appearing. I guess it's me teaching her in this time line, even though I've seen Vegeta training with her from time to time. I just pray that she doesn't end up having to use any techniques we've taught her. He swallowed, looking at Trista again. I'm not letting my mother die again!
They all waited as the hours ticked by, Gohan falling asleep on Trista's shoulder. She laied him down, letting his head rest in her lap. Trunks walked over, a small smile on his face as he looked at the boy, then at his mother. She was absently running a hand through the small saiyans hair. He sat beside her, sighing as he folded his arms. Yamcha and Tien had stopped sparring an hour ago, both sitting cross legged on the floor, not saying anything. Piccolo was still standing in his same spot, not moving. He seemed to be meditating, his eyes closed. The last hour finally passed, and everyone besides Trista stood. She stayed seated, letting Gohan sleep. The fighters gathered around the entrance, watching as the door opened. Goku stepped out first, smiling at them as his gaze raked over them. He stepped further onto the lookout.
"Where's Gohan?" he asked, looking around.
They pointed behind them. Goku softly smiled at the sight of his son sleeping, his head cradled in Trista's lap. He slowly walked over, watching as the woman softly shook Gohan awake. He saw her whisper something, and the boy shot up.
A huge grin appeared on his face as he caught sight of him. "Dad!"
Trista smiled, standing up. She watched with everyone else, arms crossed, as Vegeta stepped out. Her brow lifted. She could feel the power emitting from both men. Maybe we'll have a chance this time around.
"Well, I guess it's mine and Tien's turn," Yamcha stated, making a move to go in. Vegeta stopped him by lifting a hand.
Everyone looked at him in slight confusion. They watched Goku walk back up to the prince, studying everyone.
"We decided," Goku stated firmly, "that Trunks and Trista will go next."
"What!" Yamcha yelled. He crossed his arms, letting out a breath of frustration.
The woman in question walked up, raising a brow. "Why?"
Vegeta spoke up. "Because if you trained him in the future, and taught him those techniques, then you both should have the time to perfect them." The prince paused, briefly meeting her eyes before looking away. "Just in case."
Everyone was quiet. Trunks finally walked up, putting an arm around her shoulders. He suddenly smiled.
"Come on Mom! Let's go!"
With that, he practically dragged her to the chamber. They went through the door, Trista looking back one more time before it firmly closed behind them.
"This should be interesting!" Tien said, looking at Goku.
The tall saiyan smiled, not saying anything. They all glanced at Vegeta, but he wasn't paying attention to them. He had walked to the edge of the lookout, feet shoulder width apart, arms crossed. His brows were furrowed. He seemed to be deep in thought. No one bothered him, leaving him to think as Yamcha and Tien started another sparring match, Goku going to the chambers to try to find something to eat. Gohan walked up to Piccolo, eying the chamber door.
"Do you think it will do Trunks any good, Mr. Piccolo?" the young boy asked, a brow raising.
The namek was silent for a moment. "Only time will tell."
Goku came out with some food, and Gohan left the green warrior to sit and eat with his dad. After awhile, Vegeta came over, grabbing something to eat without saying anything. Yamcha and Tien grabbed something too before the saiyans ate it all. They all kept glancing at the time chamber, curious as to what was going on in there.
A few hours later they watched the clock, the last hour seeming to drag. They finally felt energies emerging, moments before the door opened. Trunks stepped out first, his black hair held back in a ponytail, a few strands loose around his face. It was to his shoulder blades, the swish of his hair loud as he looked at everyone. He stepped forward after a moment, letting Trista come out. A few moments went by before she emerged. Her hair had grown tremendously, it was now down to her waist again. It was also held back in a pony tail. Her clothes were as tattered as Trunks. She had a steely look in her eyes, her jaw hard. Some of the fighters gulped, noticing the penetrating look. Her and Trunks glanced at each other, smirking before looking everyone over. Trista finally folded her arms, and without a word, walked over to where the food was. Trunks followed after a moment, not saying anything either. The group watched mother and son, feeling some sort of energy coming off the two, put couldn't quite decipher it. They glanced at Vegeta. He was watching them too, his head lowered. He had his eyes narrowed, arms crossed. Trista finally looked over at them, noticing them watching her.
"Aren't you two going in?" she asked, her voice lower than usual.
They all raised an eyebrow at that, but didn't comment. Yamcha and Tien nodded, heading over and disappearing through the door. It was quiet on the lookout as the duo ate. Goku and Piccolo looked at one another, before studying Trista again. There was something definitely different about her. Vegeta seemed to not be able to look away. Both namekian and saiyan snickered at this, before Vegeta turned and walked away. Gohan walked up to the woman.
"Wow Trista!" they watched her raise a brow. "You're a lot stronger. I can tell!"
They watched her study him for a moment, before a small smile appeared.
"Thank's Gohan."
She didn't say anything else, just continued eating. Trunks sat beside her, digging in.
They finished a few minutes later. Trista stood, crossing her arms as she walked to the edge of the lookout. The warriors watched her, noticing her posture was straighter, her demeanor more confident. Trunks went into the chambers, stating he was going to take a nap. They watched Trista look over her shoulder, a small smirk appearing before she turned back around. Gohan walked over to her, the others watching, Vegeta joining the other warriors.
"Hey Trista," they watched her look down at Gohan, lifting a brow. "How come you're not as tired as Trunks?" Gohan asked, looking at the woman a little wide eyed.
They watched her lift her shoulders, a grunt coming from her. She was quiet for a few minutes as she stared out at the sky again.
"No reason," she stated, not looking down at the boy. She continued to gaze out as he turned and walked back towards his father, shrugging.
Goku finally spoke up. "Hey Trista!" They watched her turn slightly, lifting an eyebrow. "How come you're not worn out!?"
She was quiet as they studied her. A sigh finally came from her.
"Because I'm not," she stated, turning back to the sky. She missed the look that passed between the men.
They finally walked away, Vegeta staying where he was. He slowly walked forward, stopping beside her. Neither looked at the other. They stood there for a while, before Trunks walked up, apparently fully rested. They listened to him sigh, raising his hands above his head, stretching.
"Trunks," Vegeta said, looking over at the boy after a moment. He glanced at Trista, before meeting the boys eyes. "What happened while you two were in there?"
Trunks opened his mouth, and Vegeta saw Trista move her head the tiniest bit, looking at the boy. Trunks shut his mouth, not saying anything. Vegeta raised a brow.
"What's so secretive," he asked, his voice low.
He waited, but neither said anything. Trunks sent him an apologetic look, glancing at his mother before walking away, not saying a word. Vegeta looked down at the woman standing beside him, her profile towards him. He waited, watching as she glanced at him briefly before looking away.
"You'll find out soon enough," she stated softly, finally walking away, heading towards her son.
After a while, it was Gohan and Piccolo's turn to go in. Everyone watched them disappear, before looking over at Trista and Trunks again. They all were still curious as to what was going on, but didn't say anything. Neither were talking. The namek and Goku's son emerged after their time was up, and the two saiyan men were getting ready to go in one more time, before Trunks walked up to them.
"Hey Goku," the young man said, walking slowly up to the older saiyan. Everyone paused, listening intently. They all watched him stop in front of the man, studying him for a moment.
"Could me and my mother go back in, one more time?"
They all studied him for a minute, before turning and looking at the woman. She was standing back at the edge of the lookout, ignoring them. She didn't turn around as Trunks spoke, seeming to not even care.
"I guess-"
"No," Vegeta said, cutting him off. Goku and Trunks looked at him in surprise, but he was studying Trista.
"I'll go in with her," he finally stated, looking back at Trunks. "I want to know what you both are hiding."
With that he walked away, moving towards the chamber. Trunks didn't say anything, just turned and walked towards his mother. They all watched as she looked at him, arching an eyebrow after a moment. She looked amused. She glanced back towards them, before facing forward again. After a moment, she shrugged.
Trunks walked back towards them. "She said she would," he said softly, watching the prince. But all he did is grunt, opening the door.
They watched, slightly amused, as he sent a narrowed look towards Trista.
"Well!" he said loudly. "Are you coming woman!"
The fighters laughed as she sent a glare over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes after a moment before walking over.
"You need to watch your mouth!" she snapped, ignoring the surprised looks on the others faces. She stopped at the threshold, sending the equally surprised prince a look before stepping through. He stared at the spot she was at for a moment, before smirking, walking through behind her. The others watched the door slowly close behind them.
"Have fun Mom," Trunks said, smirking just like his father, before turning and walking away.
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