*AN*
Q. Blazingwaffle- Will gohan be stronger in this fanfic than the anime
A. This is a tricky question because initially Future Gohan is weaker because he never managed to harness his inner power and ascend to SSJ2. That being said on the long term I can confirm that he will definitely surpass his counterpart. For one he won't shirk off his training and become a scholar like in the past timeline. It's a bit of a spoiler but my intent in the coming arc's is for Gohan and Trunks to once again be working together. It opens the door for things like Fusion and what not and I think that it offers a lot of unique concepts.
Q. Thedarkpokemaster- Well damn this is one fine and kick ass story I do wonder how they will all get to Namek to wish the ones who have died back and what this will mean to the ones who are brought back since there are just three fighters to keep the Earth safe.
A. Well fortunately I introduced early in the fic that Bulma has been working on gathering parts and has been building a spaceship for the very intention of making a trip to New Namek. As for wishing people back...unfortunately only civilians, Videl, and perhaps if it goes that way Android 17 will be eligible to be wished back as it's been years since the rest of the Z-fighters died. It's still something though and perhaps the biggest part of the wishes will be using Porguna to restore Earth to as it was before it was ruined and ravaged world. It will change the planet from one that is barely hanging on to one that has a chance to recover and start over.
"So it's really done?" Trunks asked as he walked around the completed spaceship with a look of wonder on his face.
Bulma who stood off to the side simply nodded her head. "You betcha Kiddo. All the essentials and a few extra things thrown in to boot. I even replicated the gravity chamber, just make sure you don't go too crazy. I'm not sure how Super Saiyan proof she is."
Eighteen who leaned against the wall of the garage smirked as she offered a glance at Trunks, before turning her attention to Bulma. "Hopefully you've stocked enough food for the trip. Bottomless pit over there eats more than the rest of us combined."
Trunks offered a sheepish look as he rubbed the back of his neck while Bulma merely laughed. "The two of you should be fine. I stocked more than enough supplies. The trip should only take around four months roundtrip, but I've prepared close to a year's worth of food...just to be safe."
Trunks blinked. "Wait! Did you just say the two of us?"
Bulma offered a sly little smile. "Of course. You're both grown adults...I'm sure you can handle yourselves, besides I need to be here to begin preparing for what's to come after you summon Porunga and make those wishes."
The blonde smirked as she folded her arms. "I don't have any issue with that. I know Pan was set on joining us, but I'm guessing Chi-Chi isn't so keen on that idea."
"That's putting it mildly..." Bulma mused, before she giggled as she looked between the pair.
"Besides I figured you two lovebirds would enjoy the alone time..."
Trunks mouth fluttered a few seconds. "Mom!" he exclaimed
Lazuli didn't react much better as she nearly lost her balance as her face flushed a deep red as she found the ground in front of her far more interesting than anything else in the room.
"What? You two have been sleeping together now for almost two weeks now? I went through that spell once there's no reason to be so embarassed."
"Mom for the love of..." he sputtered as he rubbed his face with his hand, before letting out a sigh. "Can we really not talk about this?!" he begged.
Bulma who still kept a somewhat impish grin on her face. "Oh fine then. It's really adorable though."
"...Mom can we focus on something else? What should we expect when we get there and furthermore what should I tell whoever is in charge ?."
Lazuli let out an audible sigh, happy the subject had been changed. She shot the Half-Saiyan a thankful look.
Bulma tapped her chin. "Well...if things are as they were the last person in charge of the Nameks was an older man by the name of Moori. Just let them know you're my son and explain what more or less happened on Earth. We already discussed the wishes before, but just remember that above all else that you wish back all the people killed by the Androids and wish that the entire Earth be restored to how it was before the Androids attacked. The two of you can decide for yourselves how you wish to handle the third wish. Because of limitations only those killed within a year will be revived, but that's still millions of lives."
Trunks nodded. "Alright I think I've got it. There's something else I was thinking about suggesting. In the past Goku traveled to New Namek to find a new Guardian for the Earth, if one of the Namekians are willing to come back to Earth with us, we'll have access to the Dragonballs again."
Bulma's eyes widened. "That's brilliant. I must admit...it would be nice having a back up plan in the future in case things go wrong."
"Hopefully it won't be needed..." Lazuli mused dryly.
"Agreed...but if they are we'll have that option." Trunks added.
Bulma laced her hands together. "Well now that we've resolved all that, I'm going to grab a couple of last minute items for the Ship. You two should pack some clothes and anything else you need. You can launch before sundown." she said as she offered a passing glance back at the twosome before she she strode out of the garage leaving the two alone.
"Well that wasn't awkward at all..." Trunks sighed as he rubbed his forehead.
"No kidding. Did you see how much enjoyment she got out of making us squirm." Lazuli mused, before shaking her head.
"Yeah...did she really think that we'd, already...Well you know." Trunks left the implication hanging as he shifted uncomfortably.
The blonde stalked forward, before standing on her tippy toes as she invaded the Half-Saiyan's person space. "That we'd already fucked?" she whispered as a mischievous grin spread across her features as the Half-Saiyan sputtered a moment. "Dammit Lazuli why do you have to say it like that?"
The blonde tilted her head to the side, before shrugging. "Well...we could make the beast with two backs, Play hide the weasel in the hole, fornicate, or if you're just wanting to keep it simple we could have sex?" she suggested before giggling at the man's flustered reaction.
"Are you just trying to make me insane? "
"Not at all. I just want to make sure you're interested." she mused as she settled her hands along the curve of her hip.
The Half-Saiyan took a deep breath as he drank in her form slowly, before his eyes returned to her face."Oh I'm interested, but I'm also clueless when it comes to all of this. I figured we'd get there at some point you know?"
The blonde finally burst out into laughter as she threw her arms around the Half-Saiyan's neck, before brushing her lips across his cheek.
"I'm just teasing you big guy. I might talk all big, but this is new terroritory for me too. We'll get there together. Having so much time alone couldn't hurt either.." she mused as she flashed him a wink.
Trunks blinked a couple of seconds, before chuckling. "You're such a tease."
"You enjoy it...but as much as I'd like to keep plucking at you...we should start packing and say our farewells." she mused as she untangled herself, before taking a step back.
Trunks nodded his head, before smiling. "Well shouldn't take me very long in the packing department."
Lazuli smirked. "Great then you can help carry some clothes for me!"
The lavender haired warrior bowed his head. 'I guess I walked into that one...' he mused to himself.
A few hours later the household found themselves saying their final goodbyes as Trunks and Lazuli were preparing to leave.
Pan sniffed as she looked between Trunks and Lazuli. "Are you sure I can't go with you?" she asked as she looked between the couple.
Before Chi-Chi could say anything Trunks spoke up as he smiled at the girl. "Not this time Pan, but we need you to take care of everyone while we're gone. We're counting on you."
The blonde next to him took a step forward, before she knelt down and pulled the girl into a tight embrace. "We'll be back before you know it Panny. Now be a big girl and help Bulma and Grandmal"
The little girl sniffed once more as she merely bobbed her head. "I will..." she managed as Eighteen pulled away.
Chi-Chi despite her issues with the blonde allowed for a hint of a smile. "Be safe out there you two." she said as she took a step forward, before resting a hand atop Pan's head.
Trunks and Eighteen nodded in response, before looking over at Bulma who looked like the moment was finally catching up with her.
"You both come back safely! I'm tired of losing people I love. Just stick to the course I mapped out and don't blow a hole in the ship while you're training. Lazuli you take care of my boy and make sure he doesn't do something reckless and Trunks you promise me you'll not be late this time? N-now get going so you can get back here sooner." she said as she raised a hand to wipe her eyes.
In a rare moment Eighteen stepped forward and hugged the other woman. "Thankyou for everything Bulma."
The blue haired woman smiled slightly as she returned the gesture, before the blonde stepped backwards as Trunks stepped forward and pulled his mom into a tight hug.
"Don't worry so much mom. We'll be back before you know it. I love you." he murmurred as he pulled back a bit to smile at her.
The older woman returned the smile between tears. "I love you too son now go before I break into the waterworks." she laughed.
Trunks nodded offering her a final smile as he turned and bowed his head towards Chi-Chi and Pan once, before he turned towards the ship. Lazuli followed suite as she offered a soft smile towards Pan momentairly, before she turned away and followed after the Half-Saiyan into the ship.
King Kai's antennae twitched slightly as his face grew pale. "Oh...No..." he murmurred.
Goku who sat across from the Kai eating blinked as he swallowed what was in his mouth, before his expression grew a bit more serious. "What's up King Kai?"
The blue Kai frowned before swallowing. "South Kai was just killed.." he murmurred. While King Kai never got along with his counterpart, he'd never wish any ill will upon the other Kai. His death though troubled him for more than one reason.
"What happened him to him?" Goku asked as he furrowed his brow.
King Kai shook his head. "I'm not sure entirely. Usually the Kai's do not leave this realm and certainly not Otherworld. For some reason it seems like he was in the South Galaxy when he was killed. I'm sure the Grand Kai will want to speak to all of us soon enough. Though this has set something terrible in motion." he breathed.
"Was is it?" Goku asked a look of concern showing on his face.
King Kai let out a deep breath. "Bojack and his crew are now free..."
"Bojack?" Goku questioned.
The Kai simply nodded. "Long ago West,South, East and myself sealed a group of powerful pirates inside the heart of a Star. It took all of us to form this seal and with South Kai's death the seal has been broken. The leader of this crew named Bojack is a ruthless bloodthirsty man who seeks to conquer and destroy anyone who stands in his way. He's the most despicable kind of being. Even his own crew follow him without question because of how much they fear his wrath."
"Just how strong is this Bojack ?" Goku asked as he folded his arms.
King Kai's mouth twitched. "It's hard to say. If I had to guess he'd be close to Cell in terms of power, he doesn't possess regenerative abilities but the members of his crew while weaker than Bojack are still incredibly powerful. Together they pose a legitmiate threat."
Goku slowly stood up as he raised his fingers to his forehead. "I should warn Supreme Kai and Gohan.."
"Wait!" King Kai said as he held out his hand.
Goku blinked. "What? is it?"
"I know this sounds wrong Goku, but you mustn't do that. We have no idea what Bojack will do when he does make his move, but Gohan is better off focusing on his training to deal with Babidi and the threat Majin Buu poses. "
"Then I should do nothing?" Goku asked expasperatedly again lamenting the fact that as a dead man he could do little to help the outside world.
North Kai shook his head. "Have faith in Vegeta's boy and his allies. If they cross paths hopefully this new power of Trunk's will prove enough to defeat Bojack."
"And how do you know that Bojack will come after them at all?"
King Kai sighed. "Bojack will seek out the strongest power he can find. By vanquishing that power he will assert himself as the most powerful in the galaxy.
Goku's shoulders fell a bit as a sad smile appeared on his face. "Well I guess it falls to Trunks and the others to handle things."
"Well we should be on course now till Namek.." Trunks mused as he glanced over at the blonde who stared transfixed at the cosmos around them.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" he asked as a smile spread across his face.
The blonde slowly nodded her head as she turned to look at him. "It's unreal. To feel so strong only to come out here and feel so small. The view is unreal...if this was a sappy romance book this is the point where I'd make some sort of cheesy line." she mused as her lips twitched with amusment.
Trunks laughed. "I know what you mean. We have to keep in mind though this isn't just a vacation. We need to keep training."
The blonde's smile slipped away. "You really think there's something out there worse than Cell?"
Trunks enhaled slowly as he sat up from the pilot's seat. "Let's just say I feel it in my bones. Like I told you before in the past I ran into two beings that rivaled Cell's strength. One of the two could far exceed it."
The blonde was quiet a moment as she processed that. "But you told me you reached some new level of power? How do you know if you can even get any stronger than that?"
Trunks looked down at his hands momentarily, before smiling. "It's hard to explain, but I can feel it in my blood. If we're going to keep protecting the Earth we can't become complacent."
The blonde sighed. "While I don't mind training...what use am I to you now Trunks? Your power dwarfs my own now."
"Maybe but you've also grown much stronger then you were before I returned to this timeline. Your power may not increase as quickly as my own, but you also don't tire as quickly as I do. Besides there may be times when I can't fight all these battles on my own. I need you at my side." he said his voice dropping slightly as he slowly stood, before holding his hand out for her.
The blonde regarded him a moment, before smiling as she took his hand and rose to her feet. "Fine when you put it like that how can I refuse? "
"It's hard to believe the boss almost died isn't it? " Bujin remarked as he crossed his arms as he stared at a large healing tank where the unconcious battered form of Bojack floated.
"Hnn that Saiyan wasn't normal. Heard the Master say he was some part of some sort of Legend. We were lucky to get out alive at all." Bido mused as he ran a hand through his beard.
"Luck had nothing to do with it!" Zangya snapped as she walked into the room. "Bojack used Kogu has a body shield to save his own skin. He should be the one lying dead on that moon and my brother should be the one recovering in that tank."
Bido's eyes narrowed as he in one quick motion grabbed the female Heran by the neck, before promptly slamming her up against the bulkhead of the ship, illiciting a sharp cry of pain from the woman. "Listen here Zangya, what happened to your brother sucks, but Bojack is in charge here. Without him none of us would have gotten away from that Saiyan."
Zangya scowled despite the pressure around her neck. "Bojack doesn't care about any of us. Don't pretend that you serve him out of loyalty...you're just as scared of him as I am. " she rapsed.
Bido growled. "You need to remember your place." he said as he squeezed tighter causing the woman to began gasping from breath. "We're gonna pretend for your sake this conversation never happened." he said as he released his grip dropping the woman who collapsed to her knees as she sucked in a much need breath.
Bujin who had been quiet for sometime spoke as he looked out the viewport into space. "If you're both done...we should be on course for this planet you learned about Zangya."
Bido grunted as he turned away from Zangya. "New Namek was it? "
Zangya rose to her feet quietly as she shot Bojack's tank a scowl, before folding her arms as she leaned against the nearby bulkhead.
Bujin merely nodded. "Yes...the Boss before we put him in the tank said he wanted us to stay on course. I guess after the run in with the Saiyan he's eager to find these dragonballs we heard of."
Back on New Namek, Ocarin's sat up from his meditative position as a scowl worked it's way upon his face.
"What did you see Ocarin?" Moori asked from where he sat. His aged face showed concern as he stared at the taller Namekian warrior.
"It would seem we have more then one set of guests heading our way. One of the groups mean us no harm...the other however, they will prove troublesome. I cannot yet tell who will arrive first. I wish what I saw was more clear...as always it's merely subjective and unclear."
Moori frowned. "Surely no one approaching this planet poses you any threat?"
Ocarin's eyes closed momentairly. "Perhaps and perhaps not...too much is uncertain as of now. Nevertheless these warriors are incredibly powerful. They far exceed the likes of Cooler and Frieza." he mused.
Moori grew tense at the thought of anyone being stronger than the Arcosian tyrants. "What can we do?"
Ocarin popped his neck as he began to walk forward towards the entrance of the Namekian building. "I'll continue training and when these offworlders arrive...I'll be there to meet them personally."
Punch for Punch...kick for kick Eighteen and Trunks met each other's attack blow for blow. The pair had been at this for hours Half-Saiyan was only his base Super-Saiyan state at the moment. Finally after another quick exchange Eighteen managed to catch the Half-Saiyan with her palm sending him skidding a few feet backwards, before taking a deep breath as she shifted back into her fighting stance.
"It's incredible. Months ago I would have beaten you in that form without breaking a sweat. I can't believe how strong you've grown in such a short time."
Trunks smiled slightly his pride swelling a bit as he took his own fighting stance once more. "Maybe, but now I'm back to exploring uncharted territory. I have no idea how to push myself further so I have to begin experimenting. " he took a deep breath. "For starters I intend to be able to fully master the base Super Saiyan form. In the past Goku and Gohan were able to maintain this form indefinitely even in their sleep. If I could do that it would help me push the boundaries of Super Saiyan Two even further."
"I'll help anyway I can Trunks, but can we take a break for a few minutes? There's something that's been on my mind. Something I want to talk to you about."
The Half-Saiyan relaxed his stance as he nodded his head. "Of course. We've got two months...I'm sure we can afford the time." he chuckled as he followed after the blonde as she walked across the room and grabbed a towel before sitting down on a couch.
The blonde groaned as she pulled her shirt over her head, before promptly throwing it aside leaving her only wearing a sports bra underneath. She sighed as she sat back and began to slowly wipe the sweat that covered her body away.
Trunk's eyes widened as he couldn't help but admire her body and how the sweat made her skin glisten. His eyes betrayed him as he caught himself starring at her ample chest as it rose and fell with every breath she took. "You're not very discreet.." her amused voice caused his eyes to snap up to her face as he flushed a scarlet tone. "I.I...I'm sorry."
The blonde regarded him a moment, before her lips twitched with amusement. "Don't be...It's cute when you get all embarrassed like that."
Trunks chuckled halfheartedly. "You're very good at making feel that way." he admitted.
"It's a talent, but as much as I like this topic...there's something serious I wanted to discuss with you."
Trunks remembering her previous statement. "Right..I'm all ears." he said as he mimicked her action from before as he adjusted his muscle shirt, before he began to wipe the sweat from his face.
"The wishes. Have you thought about how you're going to word them?" the blonde asked.
Trunks blinked seemingly surprised by the subject. "Not exactly. I mean obviously I'll make sure to avoid wishing back Cell, beyond that I still haven't thought of the best way to word it. Why do you ask?"
Eighteen began to fiddle with her fingers as she stared down at the ground momentarily. "Because if you wish back all of Android's victims it would include not only all the innocent people within the last year, but...it would bring my brother back too..." she said quietly.
Trunk's eyes widened as his mouth fell open for a moment though no sound came out. It had been so long he'd almost forgotten about her twin, but of course she hadn't...I mean after all it was her brother. "I...hadn't thought of that." he admitted simply.
Lazuli bit her lower lip. "I know he and I share the blame for all the death and destruction that happened, but Se-Lapis...is my baby brother. I still can't remember much before we turned into this, but it was suppose to be my place to protect my brother and instead he sacrificed himself so that I could escape Cell. I miss him so much Trunks."
Trunks bowed his head as his mind began to go into overdrive. It was true that he'd forgiven Eighteen and hell he'd even began to foster feelings and wanted to see where those feelings would take them, but Seventeen hadn't earned that same forgiveness. "Lazuli...I know what it feels like to lose a brother, but...I just don't know if I can trust him. You've earned my trust...but he hasn't."
The blonde was silent for a moment. "I know...but I was given a second chance and realized that I wasn't just a machine. I've spent every moment since then trying to atone and regretting my actions, my brother deserves that same opportunity. Besides even if he isn't agreeable you're far stronger than me and at this point I'm much stronger than he was."
Trunks brow furrowed. "Even if...I agreed to this. Even if you could convince him to see things the way you have, If we wished Seventeen back now he'd be wished back to Earth and would have a free reign to do whatever he wanted without anyone to stop him. He could undo everything we're hoping to fix with the Dragonballs, before you even get the chance to speak to him. "
Eighteen nodded. "I know. That's why instead of using the third wish to wipe the people of Earth's memory of the androids...we could teleport Seventeen to us. That way you and I could explain how things would have to be going forward and he wouldn't be able to hurt anyone."
Trunks let out a breath as he rubbed his forehead. "That could work, but what happens when we get back to Earth and people start calling for your heads?"
"It's simple the two of us keep our heads down till the new Earth Dragonballs can be gathered, then you wish for everyone save for a select few forget all about Seventeen and me"
Trunks frowned. "That could be tricky...and that's going off the assumption we can find someone willing to become Earth's new guardian. I'm not so sure about this Lazuli. I don't think it's a good idea."
Seeing the blonde's face dip he sighed as he continued speaking.
"But told you that I trust you and even though I hold no fondness for your brother, I would do anything to be able to see my own brother again. If you think this will work...I'll give Seventeen one chance, but if he crosses a line." he let the implication linger.
The blonde's eyes widened as tears filled her eyes as a smile spread across her face. "I understand and I swear you won't regret this. Thank you Trunks!" she said as she leaned, forward, before throwing her arms around the Half-Saiyan's waist.
Trunks let out a tired sigh as he buried his face into her soft blonde hair.
'There are certainly worse ways to spend two months. I just hope she's right about Seventeen.' he mused.