CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Bulma waved down from her aircraft, saying goodbye to Master Roshi and the old turtle, keeping a smile plastered onto her face as she did so, trying to keep back all the true emotions she was keeping inside. It seemed to be working, the old man was waving back enthusiastically, the turtle flapping a flipper high in the air. The aircraft rose higher into the sky, before heading towards home, the island disappearing from her sight below.

She took in a deep breath, determined to keep it all together at least until she returned home. Trunks sat next to her, looking out the window at the passing clouds quietly, one of his thumbs situated in his mouth. Bulma tried to keep her eyes away from him, knowing that the older incarnation of her son was currently dead, and although she knew that soon the Dragonballs would be gathered and the future Trunks would be revived, it didn't make it any less painful a loss.

Almost as if on cue, the sky around her darkened, a sign that the dragon Shenron had indeed been summoned. Bulma breathed a sigh of relief, Trunks would be fine, and she would make sure to give him a full check-over when he returned to Capsule Corporation. If he returned. She was pretty certain that he would, after all, it was kind of his home anyway. And Bulma was determined to spend as much time with Trunks as she could before he returned to his own time-line.

Looking up high into the sky, she tried to find Kami's Lookout and see the magnificent green dragon, but her human eyes could not see that far. Sighing, Bulma settled back into her seat, and thrusted the boosters, determined to get home as soon as possible. She was close to a break-down, she could feel it surfacing, and flying in an air-craft was not the best place to have such an episode.

Thankfully, Bulma came across land, and could see the city before her, a large yellow dome practically welcoming her home. She landed quickly, grabbing Trunks and pushing a small red button beside the hatch as she jumped out onto the ground, the air-craft turning back into a capsule, which she then proceeded to pick up and place in her pocket.

The sky was still dark around her, making Bulma confused. Surely they had made their wish by now? She turned back to the house, walking around it to her mother's garden. Bunny was kneeling over her many varieties of plants, whistling softly as she pulled out weeds from the dirt below them. Noticing Bulma approaching her, Bunny stood up and brushed the dirt off her hands on her jeans, before giving her daughter a big smile.

"There you are! I hope you're hungry, I made too many sandwiches for lunch today." Bunny exclaimed, patting Bulma softly on the shoulder. "I'm not feeling too well, actually. Could you maybe look after Trunks? Just for a while." The aqua-haired woman replied, holding her son out to Bunny to take. "Of course my dear, you go and rest up!" Bulma turned to enter the house, but not before her mother called out to her again.

"Is the big fight over?"

Bulma closed her eyes, determined not to let her emotions get out just yet.

"Yeah Mom. We won."

Leaving Bunny with that answer, Bulma entered the house and rushed up to her room, closing the door behind her with a loud thud. The silence echoed around her, and before she could stop them, the tears began to flow freely down her cheeks, dropping onto the floor as she collapsed onto the door behind her, sliding down until she was sitting on the floor, pulling her knees under her chin.

Goku was dead.

Bulma remembered the first time, she had witnessed his death on the battlefield after the fight with Radditz all those years ago. Goku had been barely alive when they had reached him, and had died in Krillin's arms, his trademark smile still etched in his face. But back then it had been different, and they had easily wished Goku back to life with the Dragonballs, and he had returned just in time to save the world from Nappa and Vegeta.

Then they had all believed to have lost him again, after the epic battle with Frieza on Namek. But luckily he had been alive, and had chosen to continue on his journey through space on his way home. Bulma had missed him greatly during that time, but knowing that he was still alive was comforting.

But now, Goku had gone again, and this time there was no way to bring him back.

She had been friends with him for so many years now, since that first meeting in the woods near his house. He had been so different back then, an naive and simple boy who had never seen a girl before, let alone another human besides himself and his deceased grandfather. Over the years they had grown up together, going on many adventures and learning so much.

Bulma had marvelled at Goku's rapid growth over the years, he had grown so strong that she felt like she hardly knew him anymore. And then there would be the same grin that he always gave her, and it felt like they were children again. But now she would never see that smile again, never shake her head at him, never punch him playfully in the arm if he did something silly.

Suddenly Bulma heard a loud exclamation coming from downstairs. Wiping away her tears quickly, she stood up and hurried outside her room, making her way down the stairs to see her mother holding Trunks. "Oh Bulma, there you are. That nice boy is here to see you." Bunny informed her, and before Bulma could relay her confusion, the older Trunks appeared from around the corner, his eyes widening when he saw her.

"Mom?"

"Trunks!"

Bulma practically jumped off the last few stairs as she threw her arms around Trunks' neck, pulling herself closer to him, trying her hardest not to cry into his neck. After a moment of bewilderment, Trunks' arms wrapped themselves around her waist, holding her tightly. Bulma was almost too afraid to let go of her son, but she was thankful that he was alright now, and obviously had been brought back to life.

Bunny simply stood near them and watched the interaction with wide eyes and a gaping mouth, the baby Trunks in her arms merely gurgling away as if nothing was happening. Finally Bulma pulled herself away, taking Trunks' face in her hands and analysing him over carefully as he blushed in embarrassment. "Are you alright? How are you feeling?" she demanded to know, dropping her hands and looking over the rest of him thoroughly.

There was a large hole in the middle of his chest-plate, obviously where he had been attacked by the menacing Cell. Bulma silently reached forward and laid her hand over it, feeling his heart beating through the new flesh and skin that had been repaired there. Trunks grabbed her hand, holding it in his own gently. "Mom, calm down. I'm fine, I promise." he assured her, letting go of her hand.

"Excuse me young man, but I don't understand why you keep calling my daughter 'Mom'. She's quite clearly to young to be the mother of such a studly man like yourself. And Bulma, your son Trunks is here in my arms, surely you haven't forgotten that?" Bunny piped up, watching them both carefully. Bulma sighed, she hadn't had the time to properly explain the situation fully yet to her mother, although Dr. Briefs knew about it.

"Mom, this is Trunks. But he's from the future. He's the older version of the Trunks that you have in your arms, who I have not forgotten." Bulma explained, and Bunny's smile returned to her face as she nodded. "Oh, okay then! Well, I'll let you two talk, and I think it's time for this little man to have some yummy food!" Bulma shook her head slightly as Bunny left the room. Her mother never seemed to be really be fazed by anything, but she suspected that it became the norm when your daughter was friends with aliens.

Leading Trunks over into the kitchen, she opened the fridge as he sat down behind the counter. "You must be starving." she noted, pulling out the plate of sandwiches that her mother spoken of earlier and placing it on the counter in front of her son. He simply nodded, and instantly grabbed one and began to eat it. Bulma grinned at him, before grabbing a pitcher of water and pouring it into two glasses, setting down one beside the sandwiches for Trunks and taking a sip of the other.

Trunks finished off one sandwich and also took a drink of his water. "So let me guess, you want all the details." he spoke, and Bulma cocked her head to the side. "Wow, you really do know me." she chuckled, and Trunks gave her a grin before his face turned serious. "I'm assuming that you already know about Goku."

Bulma nodded her head sadly, taking in a deep breath as she did, trying to steady her emotions. "I knew that he was...gone, and that you had been... attacked too." she informed her son, who nodded in reply before continuing. "I was wished back with everyone else that had been killed by Cell, but because Goku had already been revived once by the dragon, it couldn't happen again. Then Krillin came up with the idea of using the second wish to transport us all to Namek, and use their Dragonballs instead to wish Goku back."

Bulma's eyes lit up at the prospect of having her old friend come back. "Is that what you did?" she asked hopefully, the feeling diminishing quickly as Trunks shook his head sadly. "Goku somehow contacted us from the Other World, where you go when you die. He said that it would be better to stay dead, especially since it seems that evil beings only attack here to fight with him."

Sighing, Bulma took another sip of her water. How Goku-like, not even considering the consequences that would befall those he loved with his decision. But she couldn't help but wonder if Goku had come to the conclusion based on something similar she had said to him a long time ago, that it seemed like Goku drew bad guys to the earth, and therefore was constantly putting it in danger. She made a mental note to call the Son residence later that evening and check up on Chi-Chi and Gohan to see how they were faring with the news. "How...how did it happen?" she inquired, leaning across the counter.

Trunks cleared his throat and scratched gently at his neck, obviously trying to recollect the day's events. "Goku was the first up to fight Cell, and while it was a great battle, it became clear that Goku just wasn't powerful enough to defeat him. So he surrendered, and-" "Wait, that was Goku surrendering? I didn't think it was possible that would ever happen." Bulma interrupted her son, unbelieving of his words. After knowing Goku for more years than she could care to count, she was aware that never in his life had Goku given up on anything. But as she tried to think back to the broadcast on the television, she did remember Goku ending his fight with the android.

Trunks waited for her to finish, before continuing on. "Goku told Cell that there was someone more powerful waiting to fight, someone who could defeat him easily. And then that's when he chose Gohan to fight Cell instead." Bulma nodded, recalling her thoughts at that moment. He was only a young boy, how on earth could he be stronger than his father, Vegeta or Trunks? Sure, she knew he was powerful for his tender age, but how could Goku allow his only son to fight the most omnipotent being in the universe with the risk of being killed? It just didn't seem like something the care-free Saiyan would do. And yet she and Roshi had watched in matching expressions of horror as the young half-Saiyan flew down and opposed the enemy.

"Gohan began to fight Cell, and it was an amazing thing to watch. He was already so strong and his speed was incredible. But then Cell changed his tactic, and somehow made little versions of himself, and then they began to attack all of us." Those things had been disgusting, Bulma scrunching up her nose at the memory of the disgusting blue creatures. The camera had unfortunately not been quick enough to catch much of the action, but that had not stopped Bulma from hollering at the television in support of her friends, son and the man she unwillingly loved.

Trunks lowered his head, his tone deepening. "Then something snapped in Gohan, he just lost it, watching us all being mercilessly pummelled to the ground, to say the least. He began to channel out the most intense ki that I've ever felt, and before any of us were aware of it, he had ascended past a Super Saiyan, what Father and I had been trying to do for days now." Bulma let out a low whistle, imagining that Vegeta would not have been happy to have been shown up yet again, especially by Goku's son. She leaned closer to Trunks, her curiosity peaking. That had been the point where the broadcast had ended, Gohan's ki obviously too much for the camera to handle.

"Once ascended, Gohan proceeded to destroy all of the mini-Cells, and save us. And then he began to lay into Cell, managing a blow to his stomach that made him spit out Android Eighteen and render him back to his second stage. It was at that point that we believed him to be beaten, he had lost an immense amount of power. But then he began to swell up, in an attempt to blow himself up, and the Earth along with it. Gohan went to destroy him, but if he attempted to do any damage to Cell, it would set him off. Then Goku...Goku just turned to us, and said goodbye. Before any of us could talk him out of it, he moved over to Cell, and then used his instant transmission to move them both far away."

Bulma looked down at the counter sadly, thinking about Goku's last few moments on Earth. "We thought it was all over, that Cell had been destroyed once and for all. But then the wind picked up all around, and there was a ki that was intensely powerful, and there was a flash of brilliant light that headed straight towards my chest. And that's all I can remember." Trunks revealed, taking another sandwich from the platter and taking a bite, chewing thoughtfully.

Realising that what Trunks had just told her was the moment that he had died, Bulma patted him gently on the shoulder, and had never been more thankful that he was alive now, in front of her, and appearing to be fine, although obviously shaken up at recalling his own death. Bulma was glad that she had not had to witness it, she had already seen enough death to last her the rest of her life.

Swallowing the last bite of the sandwich, Trunks looked up at his mother, startling her with how bright his blue eyes seemed to be shining. "Yamcha told me afterwards that when Father saw me die, he completely lost it. Without even thinking of the consequences, he attacked Cell with everything that he had. Although it unfortunately didn't work, I'm still coming to terms with the fact that he defended me." Bulma gave no reply, her mouth agape as her son's words echoed through her mind.

Vegeta sure was a barrel of surprises, and it seemed that he was like that not just to her, but their son as well. One minute he was an arrogant, cold jerk who didn't seem to care about anything or anyone other than himself, and the next he showed odd, random displays of affection, no matter how distorted they seemed. Seeing him that morning had proved that point, especially as he had been so cold and distant to her previously.

"From what I understand, Cell fought back against Father, intending to kill him, but Gohan moved in and saved him, but sustained injuries that brought his ki level down quite a bit. Then Cell decided to end it all, and attacked Gohan with a massive blast. Gohan retaliated with a Kamehameha, but with only one arm it wasn't as powerful as it should have been. Cell's attack began to overpower Gohan's, and in a sheer act of desperation Tien, Piccolo, Krillin and Yamcha tried to attack Cell from behind, weaken him so Gohan could take the advantage. But no matter how hard they tried, he just kept pushing them back, knocking them down with blasts of his ki."

"Then out of nowhere Father gave his biggest attack, with all the strength he had left, and it was the shot that Gohan needed. Cell had been injured, and was distracted, and even though it was only for a second, it was all Gohan needed to defeat him. Mustering all the strength he had, Gohan let it all out in his attack, and it overpowered Cell's and inevitably destroyed him once and for all."

Bulma was rendered speechless, amazed that such things had taken place, and even more astounded by Vegeta's actions. If it had not been for the Saiyan Prince's last ditch effort, there was a good chance that none of them would be alive right now, and that the Earth would most likely have been reduced to nothing but space dust. "Wow." she whispered, and Trunks nodded his head in agreement. "I almost couldn't believe any of it when Yamcha told me, it all just sounds too crazy to be true." Bulma grinned. She knew Yamcha well, and battles were not something he would make up stories about.

"Speaking of your father, do you happen to have any idea where he is?" Bulma asked her son innocently, looking out at the kitchen window where the sky was getting rather dark, signalling nightfall. Trunks shook his head. "When I returned to life at the Lookout, Father was nowhere to be seen. He probably went off somewhere to lament." he sighed, resting his cheek on a propped up arm.

Bulma smiled sadly at him. "Unfortunately your father is not the sentimental type. But I know that he cares for you, in his own strange way, deep down. His actions today are sheer proof of that." She encouraged Trunks, but all she could think about was her increasing worry of where Vegeta had gone, and whether or not he would be returning to the compound. She had asked him to come back to her that morning, and taken the gentle squeeze oh her hand he had given her as an affirmation, but Vegeta was much too unpredictable.

"I did not return for you, nor the child. I came back to fight the androids, defeat Kakarott, and then destroy this mudball you call a planet. I will stay here, however, until that time comes."

The words he had uttered all those months ago came flooding back into her thoughts, and her worrying intensified. The androids had been defeated, Goku was now dead, so what did that mean for his plans? Would he stay on Earth with her, like she desperately wished? Would he destroy the planet anyway? Or would he just leave, and head off into space again, this time not planning to return?

Bulma noticed that Trunks was watching her intently, obviously trying to figure out what was going on in her mind. Blushing slightly, she tried to concentrate on other things. "So Trunks, now that your 'mission' is complete, when will you be heading home?" she asked him casually, almost fearing the answer. As well as she knew that he would have to return back to his own time-line, she secretly wished that he would stay. It was comforting having him around, he was good company and in a strange way he was the only person who seemed to understand her feelings about Vegeta.

Trunks gave a small yawn. "I'll be heading off tomorrow morning. Truth be told, I'm kind of anxious to get home, and finally defeat the androids in my time. And see you, of course." he smiled, and Bulma returned the gesture, trying desperately to ignore the sinking feeling in her heart. "Well, you've had a big day. Why don't you go and have a nice long shower and go to bed? We can talk again in the morning, before you go."

Trunks stood up, walking around the counter to wrap his arms around the younger incarnation of the mother he had left behind. "Sounds good. Thanks mom, have a good sleep. And don't worry about Father. I have a sneaking suspicion that he's not too far away." he mused, kissing Bulma softly on the forehead before making his way up the stairs and to the guest bedroom, leaving her to try and understand his words.

She certainly hoped that Vegeta was near, all she could think about was wanting to see him and be near him. Picking up the empty platter and the two now-empty glasses, she stacked them into the dishwasher, something she refrained from using often, although it had become more necessary since Vegeta had come to stay with him, using too many plates and bowls that Bulma nor her mother had the patience to wash by hand.

Bunny trotted in then, holding a sleepy baby in her arms, looking around the kitchen. "Oh, where did he go?" she asked, referring clearly to the older Trunks. "He's gone to bed. And looks like the younger Trunks has the same idea!" Bulma exclaimed, looking down at her son as she took him from her mothers arms, rocking him gently as she did so. "Well, I'm going to tuck this little one in, and then follow his example. I'm exhausted." Bulma informed Bunny, giving a loud yawn that emphasised her words.

Bunny kissed her cheek and then Trunks' forehead before heading off down the hall to the laboratories, evidently looking for Bulma's father. Bulma trudged up the stairs and headed straight for the baby Trunks' room, clicking on the light and setting him down at the change table. Trunks watched his mother with weary eyes as she went about changing him, putting on a clean diaper and then slipping him into his pyjamas. He gave no resistance, and just let Bulma go about her duties before she placed him softly down in his crib, pulling the covers over his small, chubby frame.

"Goodnight, my little Prince. Sweet dreams." Bulma cooed before kissing his soft cheek, leaning over the crib's rail as she watched him close his eyes and drift off to sleep. Once she was certain that Trunks was in a deep slumber, she quickly flicked on the nightlight, and turned off the ceiling light, and the room instantly glowed a dim blue. Bulma backed out of the room, closing the door slightly as she did so, leaving it slightly open.

Bulma made her way towards her bedroom, surprised to see a strange yellow light omitting from the ajar door. Slowly, she pushed the door open, gasping as she caught sight of the glowing figure that stood facing her glass doors that went out to her balcony, illuminating the room. Bulma walked inside and shut the door behind her quietly, trying not to startle her companion, before she walked over to him.

"Vegeta?"