Echoes Across Time
The soft hum of machinery filled the dimly lit lab at Capsule Corp as Kitsuni adjusted the frequency dial on the communication console. It had been three months since she first intercepted the fragmented message from Future Trunks, and each day had been a painstaking effort to establish a stable connection. Tonight, she hoped, would be different.
Gohan sat beside her, his eyes betraying a mix of curiosity and concern. "Do you think this will work?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Kitsuni's fingers danced over the controls with practiced precision. "We've come this far. I believe tonight we'll make contact."
At that moment, the console emitted a series of beeps, and a holographic image flickered to life before them. The figure was cloaked in a tattered blue gi, a sword strapped to his back, and his expression was one of weary determination.
"Father," the image began, his voice crackling through the static, "only the blood of a pure Saiyan can produce the antibody needed to save the human race. Please consider helping me save this world."
The message looped, each repetition reinforcing the urgency of the plea. Bulma, Chichi, and Vegeta entered the room, drawn by the commotion.
"What is this?" Bulma inquired, her brow furrowed as she examined the image.
"It's a distress call from Future Trunks," Gohan explained. "He's seeking our help to develop an antibody to combat a deadly disease ravaging his timeline."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "Another heart virus perhaps? Hasn't that timeline suffered enough?"He said to no one in particular as he leaned against the lab wall, holding his infant daughter, Bra.
Kitsuni nodded, her gaze fixed on the hologram. "If we can use my space pod to convert it into a time machine, we might be able to assist him."
Over the following weeks, the team worked tirelessly, combining their knowledge and resources to construct a functional time machine. The first step was attempting to create a line of communication with Future Trunks. Kitsuni found herself drawn into late-night strategy sessions with Gohan, Bulma, and, increasingly, Future Trunks. When they were able to reverse engineer the message they received from Gutire Trunks, it became easier to figure out how to convert and use their current technology to align it with the goal of building a Time Machine. Time jumping messages were tricky, and their communication was limited to 30-minute intervals at 3 a.m., a constraint that both challenged and bonded them.
During these nocturnal exchanges, Kitsuni and Future Trunks developed a rapport rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. Their conversations often delved into technical schematics, but there was an unspoken understanding that transcended words. As the days turned into weeks, a subtle shift occurred—a warmth in their interactions, a lingering pause before ending their calls.
Gohan couldn't help but notice the change. He had always considered himself the bridge between Earth and its allies, but seeing Kitsuni and Trunks connect in such a manner stirred feelings he hadn't anticipated, especially since he was in a relationship with Videl. His jealousy simmered beneath the surface, manifesting in terse remarks and averted gazes as they all collaborated on the project of time travel together.
One morning, as the team gathered to discuss their progress, Gohan spoke up, his tone sharper than usual. "We've been at this for months. How do we know this isn't all a waste of time? Who is to say that the antibody would even be a successful vaccine? There are so many unknown variables."
Kitsuni met his gaze, her expression unwavering. "We don't know, Gohan. But we owe it to ourselves—and to Trunks—to try."
Bulma intervened, sensing the tension. "Let's focus on the task at hand. Our Personal concerns and doubts can wait." Although she was in no hurry to send Vegeta off to an alternate timeline, she also felt responsible for future Trunks, that was after all, her son, even though he was from another timeline. She hated all the suffering he had endured, and after learning that he was just trying to stop a deadly disease from threatening the planet and taking away the peace that had finally occurred after defeating the androids and Cell, she would be damned if they didn't help him.
As the time machine neared completion, Kitsuni found herself torn. Her initial mission—to find Prince Vegeta, mate him, and aid in defeating Frieza—had evolved into something unexpected. She had become a family member to the Son and Briefs family, but not in the way she had been designed to fulfill. Her lack of purpose outside of training and daily normal tasks had left her dejected and searching for meaning. Recently, Her connection with Future Trunks, though professional, carried an emotional weight she hadn't anticipated.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Capsule Corp as the entire team gathered in the spacious living room. The time machine stood ready in the adjacent hangar, its sleek design a testament to their collective effort. Yet, an air of unease hung over the group.
Kitsuni stood before Vegeta, her posture resolute. "Prince Vegeta, I believe it would be best if I traveled to Mirai Trunks's timeline in your stead."
Vegeta's brow furrowed in surprise. "And why would you suggest such a thing?"
Kitsuni's gaze met his steadily. "I believe Your place is here, with your family and Earth. My purpose has always been to aid in the restoration and protection of our race. I believe This mission offers me another chance to fulfill my original mission."
Gohan, who had been silent until now, interjected, his voice tinged with emotion. "Kitsuni, you don't have to do this. Your original mission was programmed into you and it completely disregarded your free-will— now you're free to make your own choices and life! I don't think you should be the one to go, I think We can find another way."
Kitsuni turned to him, her expression softening, but firm. "Gohan, I need this. I need to feel like I'm contributing, that I have a purpose beyond what was assigned to me, and honestly, I believe that in a strange way I was supposed to end up in the Mirai timeline all along."
Gohan's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening as he unconsciously grinded his teeth at the thought of Kitsuni being with an older wiser Trunks. "But what about us? We are your family. What about staying here, together?"
Before Kitsuni could respond, Trunks and Goten entered the room, overhearing the tail end of the conversation.
"What's going on?" Trunks asked, concern evident in his tone.
Kitsuni offered a small smile. "We're Just discussing the mission and how we can help Mirai Trunks accomplish the goal of creating a cure for his world."
Trunks hesitated before speaking, his youthful face earnest. "I wish I were older. I want to help, especially if it means... well, if it means you don't have to go alone Kitsuni."
Kitsuni's heart softened at his words. "Trunks, you're already a great warrior. But this mission requires someone with experience and full Saiyan blood."
Goten chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, and besides, you've got school to think about!"
The group chuckled, the tension easing slightly. However, the underlying issue remained unresolved.
Later that evening, as the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Videl had arrived to join everyone for dinner at Capsule Corp and had been informed of the earlier exchange. Videl knew that Gohan had feelings for Kitsuni, and cared for her as a brother would a sister, however, she was well aware that Kitsuni had feelings for Gohan and wasn't about to just let things go by unaddressed. Videl approached Gohan, her expression a mix of concern and frustration.
"I heard about Kitsuni's proposal," Videl said, crossing her arms. "Don't you think you should just going to let her leave?"
Gohan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want her to go, Videl. I want her to stay here— she's apart of the family and she's still in training, and I just don't think it's safe for her. But she feels it's something she has to do because she wants to fulfill the mission she was created to do. I just don't get it, basically she was created to have Sayian babies and fight— I just don't understand why she doesn't know that she's more than just a warrior breeder for a dying race."
Videl's gaze was a mix of emotion, angry yet compassionate. "I understand where you're coming from, like, it's not normal to just be defined as a means to keep the Saiyan race from dying out, it's really demeaning in my opinion as well, but don't lose sight of what's important here. She needs to know she's valued, not because of her ability to fulfill mission, but just because she's herself, and that's more than enough. I may not like her, and sometimes I wish she would just fall off the face of the earth, but she needs to know that she doesn't have to prove herself by leaving." Videl said, conjuring up the sincere response in spite of her distaste for Kitsuni solely because of the love triangle that had existed between them in the past.
Meanwhile, in the garden, Vegeta stood with Bulma and their children, contemplating the decision before him.
Bulma placed a hand on his arm. "Vegeta, we all know this mission is important. But so is our family."
Vegeta nodded, his gaze distant. "I understand and agree with you woman, and if Kitsuni believes this is her path, who am I to deny her?" Bulma hugged Vegeta's arm before heading back inside all together.
After a while, they had all again gathered in the living room, and Vegeta turned to Kitsuni. "I have made my decision. Kitsuni, You will take my place on one condition, you must promise us you'll return safely."
Kitsuni bowed her head. "I swear it."
The sterile hum of Capsule Corp's laboratory was a constant backdrop as Kitsuni meticulously adjusted the components of the time machine. Each click and whir resonated with her determination to bridge the chasm between timelines. Yet, despite her focus, a lingering sense of isolation tugged at her—a sentiment she hadn't anticipated.
At precisely 3:00 a.m., the lab's communication system flickered to life, and the familiar holographic image of Future Trunks materialized before her. Tonight it was her shift to work, Bulma and Gohan had the evening off.
"Good evening, Kitsuni," Trunks greeted, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted the clinical surroundings.
"Evening, Trunks," she replied, her tone betraying a hint of fatigue. "Ready to dive into another round of time machine diagnostics?"
Trunks chuckled softly. "Always. But perhaps we could take a brief respite tonight? I find our late-night discussions quite... enlightening."
Kitsuni raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Discussions? At this hour?"
He nodded, a playful glint in his eye. "Indeed. Between calibrations, I've come to appreciate our conversations. They offer a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos."
She considered his proposal, then sighed. "I suppose a short break wouldn't hurt. What's on your mind?"
Trunks leaned against an imaginary surface, adopting a casual stance. "Tell me, Kitsuni, in your timeline, did you ever imagine you'd be collaborating across time to build a time machine?"
She laughed, the sound genuine and unburdened. "Not in my wildest dreams. If you'd told me a year ago that I'd be here, I'd have called you crazy."
Their shared laughter lingered, bridging the vast distance between their realities. As the days turned into weeks, their nightly exchanges deepened. They spoke of their respective worlds, their hopes, fears, and the weight of their responsibilities. Each conversation unveiled layers of their personalities, forging a bond that transcended the confines of time.
One evening, as they pored over schematics, Trunks's voice softened. "Kitsuni, have you ever wondered about the paths not taken? The lives we might have led if circumstances were different?"
She paused, reflecting on his words. "All the time. But I've come to accept that our choices shape us. Regret serves no purpose."
He nodded, though a shadow crossed his features. "True. Yet, sometimes, I can't help but wonder about the life I might have had if things hadn't gone awry."
Kitsuni sensed the unspoken weight in his words. "Trunks, whatever you've lost, know that you're not alone. We're in this together."
His gaze met hers through the holographic interface, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Kitsuni. Your words mean more than you know."
As the mission's culmination approached, the reality of their situation settled in. The time machine was nearing completion, and soon, Kitsuni would embark on a journey into the unknown, hoping that all their hard work would allow her to be in the correct timeline and universe with Mirai Trunks there waiting for her. Their nightly conversations, once filled with technical jargon, had evolved into heartfelt exchanges, each one tinged with unspoken emotions. Maybe she was getting her hopes up, maybe she just desperately wanted and needed to not be so alone even though she was surrounded by people. Trunks made her feel seen, made her feel something outside of the obsession to become stronger.
The night before the planned departure, Kitsuni stood alone atop Capsule Corp, gazing at the stars. A soft beep from her communicator broke the silence.
"It's late," she remarked as Future Trunks' image appeared, his face illuminated by the glow of his own device.
"I couldn't sleep," he confessed. "Thought I'd check in."
They spoke of their respective worlds, the challenges they faced, and the hope that this endeavor would bridge the gap between timelines successfully, and they could start on collaboration for a cure. As their conversation drew to a close, there was a palpable reluctance to end the call.
"Take care," Kitsuni said softly.
"You too," Trunks replied, his voice tinged with emotion, not admitting his concern for the young lady that he had grown close to. He knew he was asking for a lot of her, and he was relieved when she adamantly insisted that she absolutely wanted to be the one to fulfill the time traveling mission.
The following morning, as the time machine powered up, the team gathered to bid farewell.
Gohan pulled Kitsuni aside, his voice low. "Please be careful. And remember, you have a family here."
Kitsuni smiled faintly. "Thank you, Gohan. I'll keep that in mind."
"Hey, you better come back Kitsuni, I'll be waiting for you," Trunks said, hugging her tightly and she kissed the top of his head. Goten jumped into the hug as well.
Chichi was weeping and try her best to keep it together as she hugged Kitsuni, "I never knew what it was like to have a daughter, but when you came along I was so lucky to have you live with us, my home will always be your home too, do you understand?"
"Thank you for everything Chichi," Kitsuni whispered into the hug, glad for the nearly year and a half she had spent here with the Son and Briefs families.
With final hugs and words of encouragement, Kitsuni entered the time machine, the hatch closing behind her. As the machine powered up and vanished into the timestream, those left behind stood in solemn silence, each grappling with the weight of the decision and the uncertain future ahead.
A/N: so I am catching up wirh the Mirai timeline updates in dragonball super, the magna and the anime-- im going to do my best to align things but please note, im not perfect. Lol
please review!