User blog:Princessplum/Gohan's Leagacy continued

Three months have passed since Goku and Gohan stopped the rebellion in Hell. In the past three months, things have turned out fairly normal, or at least as normal as things could be for two super saiyans. Fortunately Chichi never found out about her husband and son's trip to Other World so they never had to face the wrath of her frying pan of Armageddon.

The father and son came back to the living realm and told Piccolo of their 'experience.' Gohan didn't fail to mention his lapse in control; however, he did leave out the internal struggle with his saiyan side and that that is the reason he loses control of his ascended super saiyan state. He didn't want to cause any unnecessary worry, plus figured he would be able to deal with it on his own. Of course Piccolo could sense more from his mental link with his gakusei but he didn't press the matter, thinking that if it was something dire that he would say something.

A month ago brought about the New Year. The world (besides the Z-fighters) celebrated extra hard and once again honored Hercule Satan with generous gifts of money and even erected a gold statue of the man in downtown Satan City. This was because of the reasoning that they wouldn't have been able to live to see the New Year without Hercule's 'defeat' of Cell. Gohan watched this as him and the other Z-fighters were celebrating on their own, wondering if they would have done this for him if he had told the truth about the Cell Games. This thought is quickly wiped from his mind after seeing all of the attention Hercule is getting from all of the reporters and he realizes that he would not be able to handle all of the constant attention and constant probing into his personal life from the baka reporters.

Gohan also couldn't help but notice a girl that was standing next to Hercule as he was bragging about himself. She looked around his age and had long black hair tied into pigtails that hung on either side of her face. Like the man she stood by, she was dressed up in a deep sea blue dress that accentuated her amethyst eyes perfectly in Gohan's opinion, with matching heels. The girl appeared to be uncomfortable in these clothes and to Gohan she looked annoyed, although she wore a very convincing neutral expression on her face making it look like she was somewhat interested in what Hercule had to say to most others. This gave him the impression that this girl has practiced this expression and has been in this situation before. Even though she looks nothing like him, Gohan makes the conclusion that this girl must be related to the big oaf in some way if she is in the limelight enough make such a convincing makeshift expression. He didn't know the reason why she caught his attention, but he didn't think too much of it.

The Z-fighters were mildly paying attention to the TV as Hercule continued to talk about how Cell and the mystery fighters were all frauds. The Z-fighters could care less what the world thinks about them and have grown accustomed to the constant bashing. They figured that as long as Gohan and Goku allow the man to take credit that they will play along for now.

However, everyone except Gohan and Goku are starting to get a little restless about the situation and are starting to hate the man more and more. Taking credit for defeating Cell is one thing, but calling the ones actually responsible 'frauds' and 'tricksters' is another thing entirely. The gang is actually surprised that Gohan is as indifferent about it as he is. They aren't as surprised by Goku's indifference since he has always been carefree and happy-go-lucky. Gohan however is known for letting his emotions get the best of him and absolutely exploding on his target with mind boggling power.

Little do they know that Gohan has been getting more and more restless from Hercule. The fool of a man has been taking far to many jabs at his friends than his liking. However, the thing that gets him the most riled up is Hercule's comments about his father. The big oaf has been constantly hounding his father, calling him a 'fraud' and saying that he isn't a 'true fighter,' that he just won the budokai on pure luck.

This normally wouldn't be a big problem with the demi-saiyan, but the fact that everyone on the planet besides those who know better believe that big fake is absolutely asinine. Lately, Goku hasn't even been able to go anywhere without getting ridiculed by someone. Goku is obviously a very recognizable person, with his hairdo the way it is and that perpetual grin on his face. People will walk up to him and call him a fraud and a trickster, and this is what really grinds Gohan's gears. Whenever Gohan would try to defend him however, Goku would just tell him that it's not worth it and to just ignore it, and that's what he's been trying to do.

Lately though it's been getting harder and harder to ignore. Not only are Hercule's ridicules becoming much more often, but Gohan had been dealing with his own problems. He still feels absolutely horrible for what he did to Cell a few months back, and has drowned himself in more self-loathing. It has also become quite apparent to him that his saiyan side has been pushing and begging to get out again. Although he hasn't had an encounter with the voice again as of yet, his saiyan side is very much present, and with that comes the natural saiyan instinct to destroy anything that is a problem. Thankfully though, Gohan has been able to contain it so far.

There was one point in Hercule's interview however that caught everyone's attention. This was when the 'world champ' announced that he was sponsoring a martial arts tournament he called 'the Intergalactic Tournament.' Apparently, he's gathered aliens from across the galaxy that will be fighting. Gohan chuckled at the irony that there are already multiple actual aliens living on earth right now. However, this tournament piqued the interest of the majority of the fighters so they continued to listen in to the details of the tourney.

"The tournament will take place in two months. It will be off of Yahoi Island on the edge of the world." the 'world champ' announced enthusiastically.

"Why so far away Hercule?" asked a reporter that had a very squeaky voice that made all of the Z-fighters with sensitive ears wince and cover their ears in pain.

"Well the fighters from other planets requested an isolated area as to stay out of the main cities." Hercule replied with a stupid grin. "They must be shy BWAHAHAHA!"

The Z-fighters all sighed in disgust and shook their heads at how incredibly moronic the self-proclaimed world savior is acting. Vegeta even let out a "Baka" before they all focused back on the TV.

"I see. Well Hercule," the reporter continued. "What will this tournament be like? How is it structured?"

"This is the best part!" Hercule exclaimed excitedly. "The tournament will be fought out on eight unique platforms over the water off the island! The competitors will be split into eight groups and then they will all fight at once in a battle royal! The last person standing from each platform will go on to the semifinals where they will draw from the eight remaining fighters and compose four individual matches. The four that make it through those matches will get to go to the finals where they will fight the intergalactic fighters for a chance to fight me in the end! BWAHAHAHA!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Wow sounds like quite the tournament Hercule! Is there any prize for winning the tournament?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Of course! What kind of a tournament doesn't have a prize for the winner? The winner of the tournament will get 10 million zeni! Of course they have to face me in the end so no one will likely be able to win the money but hey! I love me a challenge so I encourage all who think they have what it takes to defeat me to come. Just don't expect any miracles BWAHAHAHA!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"The miracle will be if you don't get your face pounded in," Krillin said in his usual sarcastic tone.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"DID HE SAY 10 MILLION ZENI?!" Chichi screeched very loudly, making all of those with sensitive ears clap their hands on them in pain once again.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Dammit Kakarot!" Vegeta shouted out of pure irritation. "Tell your harpy of a mate to stop yelling so loud!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"…uh Chichi…" Goku stammered, still covering his ears.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"GOKU! You have got to enter that tournament! That amount of money could put Gohan through college!" Chichi had stars in her eyes she was so ecstatic. She was also hysterical, partially because she was eight months pregnant and partially because she wants– no needs the money so much. She just knows that if her husband enters he will win and the prize money will be theirs!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Hehe relax Chi." Goku said slightly chuckling at his wife's antics. "I was already planning on entering."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"If Kakarot's entering, so am I" Vegeta added. His typical smirk is starting to appear on his face. "I still need to prove that I'm the superior saiyan! I will defeat you Kakarot!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Oh yeah?" Goku countered. He now had a playful smirk on his face. "Last time I checked I had a huge ki advantage."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"HA! You have no idea how much training I've been doing!" Vegeta said arrogantly. "While you've been spending all of your time trying to control your half-breed whelp with that green bean, I have been doing nothing but serious training by myself at 450 times normal gravity."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">While Vegeta and his father continue to debate who's stronger and while his mother goes on about college and grandchildren (Gohan has absolutely no clue how she got to the subject of grandchildren out of a tournament), he continues to watch the interview to see if there's any more info on the tournament.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well Hercule, do you have anything you would like to add?" The annoyingly squeaky voiced reporter inquired Hercule.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yes I would like to say one more thing." Hercule replies. Hercule then gets a cocky smirk on his face. "GOKU SON! I hope you are watching this!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">At the mention of Goku's name, everyone once again turns their attention to the TV wondering what Hercule wants to say about the world hero now.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I challenge Goku Son to enter this tournament so I can prove what a fraud he really is! He only won the 23rd Budokai off of pure luck and light tricks. He's a cheater an embarrassment to martial arts!" Hercule then gets a look of hate on his face and starts shouting as if more to reassure himself than to scare Goku. "Do you hear that Goku? You cannot defeat me you son of a–" *BOOM*

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The TV crashes into a wall as a huge gust of wind rocks the whole house. Now standing with golden spiky hair with teal eyes surrounded by a golden aura is Gohan, a look of pure rage on his face. The look on Gohan's face would make Vegeta's coldest glare look like a puppy pouting. His ki is already extremely high and it continues to increase as the stupid oaf's words about his father continue to ring through his ears.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"YOU HYPOCRITE!" Gohan shouted. He was on the verge of ascending to the second level. "You're the one who's a fraud! You're the one who is taking credit for something you didn't do! You're the embarrassment to martial arts! Everything my dad does is real! He's a million times the man you will ever be! I can't believe I let you take credit for Cell!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Everyone was still stunned by the sudden outburst by the youngest Son. This was the first time that he's shown any resentment for allowing Hercule to take credit for Cell's defeat. Finally, Goku tries to snap his son out of his fury.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"GOHAN!" Goku yelled over the gusty winds that were starting to shake the walls of the house. Another minute of this and the house would blow up from the sheer energy. "CALM DOWN SON! Show him who the fraud is at the tournament. Enter and beat him there!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Somehow, Goku's words reached the outraged demi-saiyan and his ki started to drop rapidly. His hair and eyes turned back to their natural onyx color and he collapsed out of pure exhaustion. Everyone let out a huge sigh in relief. Even Vegeta was scared for a minute there, although he would never admit it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well I guess your lessons on control still haven't shown their fruit yet eh Kakarot?" Vegeta snidely said.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Vegeta that's enough!" Bulma sharply declared. "One more comment like that and no GR for a week!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Grr. Damn that harpy! She always knows my weak spot!'' Vegeta growled in his head. "Hmph."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Still, Goku couldn't help but agree with Vegeta. It seemed that ever since his battle with Cell in Other World, Gohan seemed to be regressing with his control. Even though Goku knows full well that his son can make the jump to ascended super saiyan easily now, he still refuses to do it again. It's like he's afraid of it all over again like after he killed Cell the first time.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The most frustrating part about it to Goku though is that he has no clue what Gohan is going through each time he makes the jump to the second level since he still has to reach it himself. He doesn't know what it feels like to be flooded with that much fury and raw emotion to know how to deal with it. He really can't give all that helpful advice to his son since this is one of those things you have to actually experience to fully understand.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">To be honest, Goku doesn't know if he even will be able to make the jump. Gohan had explained to him the differences between triggering the first super saiyan transformation and the next one. He doesn't know if he will ever be angry enough to trigger it since he naturally is a very happy and carefree guy. His son is the same way most of the time, but he has his moments like a few minutes earlier where he completely loses it. Goku has only had that happen once, and it was only a fraction of the raw emotion needed to trigger the second transformation. He continued to ponder these thoughts as he picked up his unconscious son and carried him to his room.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Presently, Goku is training his son with Piccolo in one of their routine training sessions. As usual, both Goku and Piccolo are teaming up on Gohan and the lone demi-saiyan is struggling mightily to just put up a decent fight. He still refuses to go to the second level of super saiyan despite, for the lack of a better phase, getting his ass kicked.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Come on kid!" Piccolo shouts at his gakusei, landing a solid hit to Gohan's solar plexus. "This is pathetic! You're just embarrassing yourself" Piccolo, like the last couple of weeks, is trying to force Gohan to transform by making him angry.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Like all of his previous attempts it's not working. He has a giant resolve to not give in and it will take a lot more than taunting and physical pain to make him cave. Gohan, gasping for air from Piccolo's hit barely dodges a fist to his right cheek from his father. ''They don't understand. I can't go to the second level; if I do, that voice will come back.'' Gohan's internal struggle from his latest bout with Cell still plagues his memory. He feels if the voice comes back he will give in since he has no clue how to fight it. Luckily he's been able to avoid the voice by not going to the next level so that's what he continues to do.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku however tries a different approach. "Gohan, you need to overcome your trepidation!" he advises his son. "What if you need that power again? How would you protect your baby brother?" Goku hits a nerve with that one, and he knows it. Every time Goku mentions the newest family member to Gohan he sees the sparkle in his eye. Out of everyone who is looking forward to the new baby, Gohan is by far the most excited. Goku knows his son would do anything to protect the delicate new life. There seems to be an extremely strong bond between the two of them, and the baby isn't even born yet!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The thing is, Gohan has always wanted a younger sibling. He wanted someone to play with; someone to teach; someone to share with. Most of all however, he wanted another person to protect, to give his life a bigger purpose. He promised himself that if he ever got a younger sibling that he would be the absolute best to them: he would be a perfect role model; he would give them love and care; he would even go as far to put his life on the line for them. He would do absolutely anything for them. They would be his world.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">So in this situation, Goku's words (as he guessed) have a great effect on Gohan. He realizes that in order to best protect his brother, he will need to bring out his full potential. Gohan breaks away from the confrontation with his father and sensei and gets ready to brave out his greatest fear. ''Dad's right. I need to get over this. ''Gohan then balls his fists and makes the jump to super saiyan 2 within seconds. His hair stands straight up now except for one stubborn golden lock over his forehead. He gains another two inches in height as his muscles bulk up and his golden aura surrounds him brightly, sparks of blue electricity surrounding his form.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Ah it feels so good to be out again! ''The voice says in Gohan's mind.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">You will not'' control me this time! ''Gohan retaliates. He was afraid the voice would come out again. Just stay out of my way and you can stick around.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''And not have any fun? I think not! I need to fulfill my blood requirement. And since you haven't let me out in over three months, I'm gonna have to make up for it here!''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Don't you dare'' try and take it out on my father and Piccolo. They are my family.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Oh boo hoo! Who gives a damn?! Now if you excuse me, I have a blood lust to fulfill.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">NOOO!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan continues to fight the inner saiyan in his internal struggle. Unfortunately while this is going on, Piccolo and Goku, seeing that he is now ascended try and attack him and make him use his new power. This causes his defense mechanism to kick in and his instincts take over. Unfortunately, that is controlled by his saiyan side, making his fight more brutal.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''See? What kind of family attacks one of its own? ''The voice says, trying to make Gohan cave. And when you're not even paying attention too.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">We're sparring! Gohan responds, getting very irritated at this point. They are training me!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''I don't know about that. Look at the malice in the green one's eyes. He's out for blood!''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">STOP TALKING ABOUT HIM LIKE THAT!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Are you sure you haven't done anything recently to make them resent you… like torture Cell?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">…

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Think about it. ''The voice continues. ''Your father has spent his whole life giving mercy to those who don't deserve it. Even though you gave Cell what he deserved, your dad probably resents you for that.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">…that's not true…Gohan replies weakly, not sounding very confident. His self-assurance is starting to fade as doubt creeps into the young demi-saiyan's mind. ...he said he forgave me…

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Ah but that's where you're wrong my friend. Just look at how he is attacking you right now. Look at that malice in his eyes.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">…''I… I don't believe you! ''Gohan denied, getting less sure by the minute. How could his father resent him? It can't be true! Sure, he tortured the green android, but his father said he forgave him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">However, the small seed of self-loathing that he planted after his battle is starting to grow at this point as he reconsiders the voice's words. Gohan feels like he still deserves to be punished after what he did to Cell both when he was alive and after he died. In his mind, he is starting to convince himself that his father truly does resent him, even if he won't say it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Hey say what you want, but I can tell in the way that he looks at you when you're not looking. He sees a failure when you were right in what you did to the sick android. Now let me give him what he deserves!''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">This proves to be the final straw for Gohan. What the voice just declared just confirmed his suspicions of his father's silent resentment. At this point, Gohan finally gives in to the saiyan side in his mind, unable to bear the horrible fantasy that it's laying out for him. Gohan no longer has control of himself as he retreated into his mind, allowing his rage to control him. While this is going on inside Gohan, Piccolo and Goku continue their relentless assault of the young demi-saiyan. His saiyan side starts to retaliate the attacks being sent at him. Since he's a super saiyan 2, his power far exceeds that of Goku and Piccolo. He starts dealing incredibly powerful blows to the two powerful warriors, starting to slowly beat them relentlessly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"GOKU!" Piccolo gasped, wincing at all of the blows he is getting. He is doing his best to dodge and block at the moment as Gohan continues his assault, but it is taking every ounce of strength just to keep up. "Gohan's lost it again! His eyes are ice cold, no mercy!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Ugh!" Goku exclaims, just taking a hard punch to the chest. "You're right…. How do we stop him?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I'm afraid he's too powerful Go–AH!" Piccolo was cut off by an extra hard roundhouse kick to the neck, knocking him unconscious.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''One down, one to go. ''The voice proclaims happily.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''MR. PICCOLO! NO! Give me back my mind NOW!''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Hahaha what after such a short time? You've got to be kidding me! I still have that father of ours to go after. My bloodlust has to be fulfilled!'' Gohan's sayian side commands his body to go after Goku now, starting to do to him what he did to Piccolo.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''DADDY! I don't care if he resents me, I will not let you hurt my father! Give me back my mind!''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Wow, someone's a little angry. Alright… you win, I'll give, but be warned, I will be back. You'll be begging for me to be back soon. So long… for now. ''The voice lets off a crazy cackle then just like last time the voice fades into nothingness.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">At that moment, Goku see the innocence and glimmer in his son's eyes return, signaling that he regained control. He lets out a huge sigh as he senses no more killing intent that he was feeling from his son before.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan loses his transformed state, returning to his normal onyx eyes and hair, with his normal build. He collapses on the ground sobbing. He is shaking uncontrollably out of pure fear.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku has never seen his son this terrified before, not even on Namek against Frieza when he was only the tender age of five. Whatever Gohan is going through must be horrifying beyond belief. Goku doesn't even know if he can comfort his son because once again, he has absolutely no clue what is going on with his son, and he doesn't like it. As much as he wants to comfort his son, he needs to know everythingthat's going on.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Daddy…" Gohan chokes out between sobs. "I can't believe I let him… control me… again! Please don't resent me daddy please don't hate me!" Gohan continues to ball his eyes out like never before.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The truth is, Gohan is completely and utterly terrified of his saiyan side. It seems as though as soon as he goes to the ascended super saiyan he tries desperately to take control at all costs. It's completely horrifying to him because the voice in his head knows his every thought and knows what buttons to push to make him cave. His arguments, while to anyone else might look ridiculous, are very convincing to Gohan. Now after his most recent experience, Gohan needs reassurance that his father and sensei don't resent him, especially since he did it again.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku sees the opportunity to comfort his son and takes it full stride. Perhaps he may even get some answers out of this as well. "Gohan, son…" Goku speaks softly while bringing his sobbing son into a warm embrace, allowing Gohan to cry on his chest. "I don't resent you. I love you. I can't even imagine even thinking about resenting you. What got that idea into your head?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan however continues to cry and deny his father's words. "But dad…" Gohan hiccupped. "I let him win again… I let him get in my head… plus your eyes… once he pointed them out–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Woah son. Easy there" Goku listens to his son, getting more confused after each chocked out partial sentence. "Who are you talking about?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"The voice…" Gohan manages to choke out. "It says it's my… saiyan side… and it… only comes out… when I ascend… it's so scary! I'M NEVER GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL EVER AGAIN!" Gohan cries even harder now, rocking back and forth in his father's arms.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku is dumbfounded. He had no idea that going to the next level had this big of an effect on his son. No wonder he continuously refused to ascend. He has no clue how to approach this situation. How do you fight a voice inside your own head? "First off Gohan, I don't, I repeat do not resent you. I could never do that. And Gohan," Goku sighs dejectedly. "I don't know how you can fight that voice inside you…" Goku then catches a glimpse of his former enemy turned friend unconscious on the ground. "But I bet you Piccolo can help. His strength has always been in the mental category. You need to tell him–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"NO!" Gohan interjects his father. "If I tell him, he will resent me for sure! He'll take it as a sign of weakness!" Gohan then starts to plead. "Please keep this between us. PLEASE! I just won't transform anymore–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"NO GOHAN!" It's Goku's turn to interject. "You're wrong. Piccolo cares about you as much as I do. He wouldn't resent you. Anyone else perhaps, but not you! You need to tell him! If you don't fight this as soon as possible, it might start to come to you in your first super saiyan form, maybe even in your base form. This doesn't sound like something that will go away that easily." Goku is just pulling at strings at this point. He has no clue if this will actually happen, but his son might believe him if he hears his dad say it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan starts to calm down a little as his father's words start to sink in. ''He's right. Even though I know for a fact he only appears in the super saiyan 2 form, there may be a point where I will have no choice but to transform again. I need to fight this, but I don't know how. Maybe dad's right, Piccolo may have some answers.'' "…okay…" Gohan said hesitantly. "I'll… I'll tell Piccolo."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Words can't describe how relieved the older saiyan is. "That's my boy… now all we have to do is wait for him to get up."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks at the ground in shame. "Yeah, I'm sorry." He says dejectedly. Suddenly, out of nowhere, He feels a spike in someone's ki. His head snaps in the direction of the ki.'' That's coming from home. But that's not mom's ki… but it's not an enemy either. The ki is too pure. In fact, that ki is the warmest ki I've ever felt… wait! Could that be my baby brother? But he's not… born… y–''Gohan suddenly realizes what this means and his eyes widen in recognition and shock. He completely forgets about the voice for the time being. "DAD! Mom's going into labor!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"How do know tha–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"GOKU SON! GET OVER HERE THIS INSTANT!" a very loud and distinctly notorious screech echoed through the forest they were training in.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Dad! We have to hurry!" he runs over to Piccolo picks him up, putting him over his right shoulder, and runs back to his dad. He makes sure Piccolo is secure on his shoulder and puts two fingers to his forehead with his free hand and instant transmissions to his home.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Where did you learn that!?" Goku asks stunned and impressed as they appear back in their house.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"No time dad! We've got to get mom to Bulma!" the young demi-saiyan responds with much urgency. He runs to the living room and lays Piccolo on the couch. He then runs to his mother. "MOM! Grab on to me! I'll get us to Bulma's! Dad! Grab onto my other shoulder!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Chichi and Goku both sense the urgency in their son's voice so they don't dare question him. They only comply. Gohan then uses instant transmission to teleport to Capsule Corps.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Capsule Corporation Medical Ward, West City~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma is working on her newest invention, the senzu potion, in her private lab in the medical ward (how convenient) when Gohan appears at her side out of thin air, escorted by a hysterical Chichi and a very nervous looking Goku.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"AH!" Bulma screamed in surprise, whacking Gohan over the head with a 1000 mL beaker. She then realizes who she hit. "Gohan! What are you doing? You scared the crap out of me–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"NO TIME BULMA!" Exclaims an exasperated Gohan, the beaker not even fazing the demi-saiyan in the slightest. "Mom's in labor!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"YOU BET I AM! Chichi wails, wincing at another contraction. "GOKU SON! I swear I'm gonna kill you when this is over!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku just scratches the back of his head nervously, not knowing entirely what to do in this situation.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma's eyes turn the size of dinner plates as soon as she processes the situation at hand. "Oh my Dende! I'll get one of my bots to fetch a wheelchair for you. We need to hurry and get you a room. Goku, while normally its customary to have the husband witness the birth, I still haven't forgotten when Gohan was born so I actually would recommend that you stay out here with him." she says with a slight chuckle.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Ha ha yeah…" Goku trails off. "Once you brought out those needles I had no choice but to book it."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan shakes his head and blushes in embarrassment of his father's phobia. "Honestly dad you can stand up against the most ruthless of foes but when a needle comes your way, you cower like a five year old girl."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku was about to respond to his son when Chichi let out a bloodcurdling scream of pain. "BULMA! LET'S GET GOING! I NEED SOME MORPHINE OR SOMETHING!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma sweat drops at Chichi's statement and hurriedly has the medical bot wheel Chichi to a free room, following behind nervously. She also remembers Chichi's insufferable temper from her last birth as well and she knows that it's going to be a long day.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">When the women leave the room, Goku finally asks Gohan something that's been bugging him since this while scenario started. "So Gohan, how did you learn instant transmission? You know your mom didn't want me to teach you until you were older." Goku then waits back patently for his son to answer, a look of anticipation on his face.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan actually had asked his father if he could learn instant transmission about two months earlier, just before the New Year. Goku had responded with that answer that Gohan would have to be a little older to learn it. For one, the strain of the technique on a younger body could prove to be great so it would be rather difficult and uncomfortable for a younger person. The second reason was almost forced upon Goku by Chichi. She had demanded that Goku not teach the technique to their son at all since it would be even easier to escape from his studies. Of course Goku also pleaded his case that it would be very helpful in the future so she made a compromise to teach Gohan it once he turns eighteen.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks down at the floor, not entirely paying attention to his father. After getting over the initial shock of his mother's labor, Gohan has been left with his own thoughts. After a minute or so, Gohan finally looks up at his father and tells him with a small smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes: "I picked it up after watching you do it a bunch of times." He then returns his gaze to the floor.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku is dumbfounded. How could his son pick up such an advanced technique by just watching him? He beams at his son. "Gohan, that'sincredible! It took me six months to master that technique on Yardrat with training along with a master of the technique! I'm impressed."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks up at his father again, a bigger smile in his face. "Yeah I was surprised too. I just tried it once to test out a theory and it worked. I was so determined to learn it after you told me I couldn't…" his face falls once again as he trails off.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku, finally noticing his son's crestfallen attitude starts to get concerned. "Hey Gohan. Why were you so insistent on learning the IT even after your mom said you couldn't until you were older? You usually never disobey your mom and I have a feeling that this goes deeper than just wanting to be able to escape your studying more easily." He says it gently, yet there is an authoritative tone to the question that tells his son to answer honestly. Goku knows that this sullen mood of his son's has something to do with the reasoning behind learning the technique.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Normally Gohan would have laughed at his father's last statement, but the seriousness of the question refrained him from doing so. He sighs. "I just wanted to be able to protect my little brother. I want to be able to be at his side the instant he's in any sort of danger. I just… I just want to be there for him." He looks his father in the eyes with his last statement.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku is baffled (seems to be happening a lot in that last couple of minutes). He had no idea that his son cared for his unborn brother this much. Sure, he knew that Gohan was absolutely thrilled to be getting a new brother to play with, but he never knew he cared this deeply already. He was willing to disobey his mother's orders (which is quite a statement considering the dire consequences of such an action) to learn a technique that was no small feat to master, especially by just observation alone. If his connection with his brother is this strong already, how much stronger will it get when he's older? Right now though, Goku is once again beaming with pride. He really raised the most caring and loving individual ever to walk the Earth. "Gohan, you have no idea how proud that makes me to hear that."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks back down at the floor, a slight blush appearing on his cheeks from his father's praise. "Thanks dad…" his attitude suddenly drops again. "I'm just worried that I might fail. What if I still can't protect him? What if I mess up and hurt him?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku had a feeling where this was going, so he stops it before it could escalate. "Gohan, you can't let stuff like that worry you." He says it in a reassuring tone, looking his son in the eyes. "Whatever happens, happens. And if you are referring to what happened earlier when you ascended, just stop right there. We discussed this. We're going to get help Gohan. We'll make sure that never happens again."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks at his dad, not the least bit reassured by his words. Just when he was about to voice his concerns however, a very exhausted Bulma walks into the room with a tired smile on her face. She looks at the two male Sons, completely unaware of what they were discussing, and says happily "Goku, would you like to meet your newest son?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku tosses his eldest son a worried glance before giving Bulma the infamous Son grin. He definitely will have to come back to this conversation with his son later, but right now, meeting the newest Son is of greater importance to him. "Yes! I'm so excited! How's Chichi?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"She's exhausted, but other than that she's perfectly fine. I think the sight of her son made her forget about her threat to kill you," Bulma says jokingly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both Sons laugh at that statement. "Good to hear I won't be kicking the bucket anytime soon ha ha!" Goku chuckles. After the new round of laughter dies down, Goku continues, "You lead the way Bulma."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I'll come get you when it's time Gohan." Bulma tells her godson. "I'm just trying to introduce your new brother to one new face at a time as it could be overwhelming for him to introduce him to many people at a time." After receiving a nod from Gohan, she scurries down the hallway to the patient rooms. Goku briskly follows after his oldest friend, giving his now eldest son a reassuring smile on his way out.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan gazes at the receding bodies of his father and godmother. His gaze then returns to the floor, his mind returning to his previous thoughts. ''I'm so terrified. I just know that I will end up hurting my brother. Dad doesn't understand what it's like with that voice in my head. I just don't know if I can allow myself to get close to him. I vowed to protect him at all costs! If that means protecting him from me than so be it! There is no way I will let anything hurt him. I will die before that happens.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Chichi's Room, Capsule Corporation Medical Ward~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">A very exhausted Chichi is lying in her hospital bed holding a small bundle in her arms. She is smiling adoringly at the little boy that she gave life to not twenty minutes ago. She looks like she had just gotten done with an intense workout, although giving birth to a demi-saiyan could very well be considered that. She lifts her eyes off the bundle when she hears a knock on her door and spots her best friend sporting her husband and smiles at her husband's childlike look of awe. "Goku come meet your new son!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku walks over to Chichi's bedside, setting his sights on the tiny person in the blue blanket and his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. He was looking at an exact replica of himself in baby form. He was sleeping peacefully at the moment, but he could tell that he had all of his facial features as well as the same wild, unruly hairdo. "He's… me!" Goku finally whispers.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Chichi giggles at Goku's description. Oh how true that was! "Just wait until you see his eyes," She whispers back, trying not to disturb the new life in her arms. "He has the same innocent look in his eyes that you have."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I think I'll leave you two alone and go and get Gohan," Bulma quietly interrupts. She then gives the couple holding their new family member a smile before heading out, shutting the door silently.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Goku, why don't you hold him?" Chichi asks her husband, handing the bundle that is their new son to him. Goku receives the child and cradles him in his arms.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The baby boy stirs in Goku's arms, his eyes slowly fluttering open at the exchange in order to meet the gaze of the person that now claimed him. He looks up curiously with shining onyx eyes only to be met with the same onyx eyes looking down at him with the same curiosity as well as a giant grin. The baby immediately cuddles against Goku's chest and closes his eyes, letting sleep take him once again. It seems he feels secure in his father's arms and comfortable in his presence. Goku also takes note of the look of contentment on the baby's face while he sleeps, causing Goku's grin to widen if that's possible.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"He likes you honey," Chichi quietly says to her husband, a note of joy in her voice. "Of course everyone does so it's no surprise. What do you think we should name him?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku ponders the thought. He for the life of him could not come up with a decent name for the kid. "Gee honey I don't know." He says sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. He looks down at the child sleeping peacefully in his arms. He looks just like me. He thought. Wait… that's it! "Chichi," Goku says excitedly, a little too loudly but doesn't wake the child. It seems like he's a heavy sleeper, much to the relief of Goku. "He looks so much like me. What about my saiyan name, Kakarot?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Chichi was hesitant. "Well Goku" she starts. "In all honesty I never liked that name. I don't know it just doesn't fit. It makes you sound more like the ruthless killer you were supposed to be, at least that's what I associate it with."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku sighs, "Well I don't want to name him Goku Jr. That would just cause a lot of confusion, plus I want him to have his own legacy." He thinks out loud. "I'm not sure Chi. You have any?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Chichi mulls over some names in her head, but can't think of a decent one for her newest son. Eventually she sighs as well. "I don't know what to name him," she expresses dejectedly. "Maybe we could ask Gohan if he has any ideas."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah, he might have one in mind already," Goku agrees, knowing the strong bond that has formed between his two sons already. "Knowing Gohan, it's probably the perfect name too." He smiles at the thought, looking down at his sleeping child, still cuddled up protectively in his father's arms.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Suddenly, the infant's eyes shoot open, not at all slowly. He turns his tiny head towards the closed door of the room and stretches his arms towards it, whimpering slightly. Goku and Chichi are taken aback by this sudden change in behavior from their infant son.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Hey there," Goku coos. "What's the matter bud? Something wrong?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Right on cue, there's a knock on the door and it opens, slowly revealing Bulma and a very nervous looking Gohan. Upon seeing his older brother, the baby intensifies the whimpers and stretches out his chubby little arms towards the eldest demi-saiyan. Goku chuckles and addresses his oldest son. "Gohan, it looks like he really wants you to hold him."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan was shocked to say the least. This whole time he was afraid that his brother would be scared of him and would cower away from him. Of course he didn't want those feeling to come true. No, he already loves his brother more than anything, but he didn't expect this reaction from him. Eying his little brother, he drops his nervous composure and walks over to his father to take his little brother, grinning madly. He takes him and holds him close. The infant immediately snuggles into Gohan's chest, looking up at him with a large smile on his face as well. Gohan bends his head down and rubs his cheek against the baby's head affectionately, causing a giggle from the tiny Son.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Wow. ''Gohan thinks. ''He's so precious. Looks exactly like dad too. Don't worry little brother, I will always protect you.'' He then leans down again and plants a gentle kiss on his brother's forehead and smiles down at him. ''And to think I was about to run away and leave you. Not a chance! I will fight that voice inside my head with everything I've got and will never give in as long as you're around.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Chichi lets out tears of joy at how well her two are sons are getting along already. It seems like Gohan really loves his brother with all of his heart. Goku just smiles at the moment. He knew that this sort of thing would happen. The way Gohan talked about the prospect of being an older brother told him everything he needed to know and he had a feeling that the infant picked up on that while still inside the womb.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Still though, Goku's surprised at the little tyke's initial reaction to Gohan. He woke up instantly and yearned for him when he wasn't even present in the room yet, like he could sense him. This is unheard of, especially for newborns as normally babies don't even believe an object exists unless they can see it in front of them. Even if it's there and then hidden, they normally don't have the thought process that tells them that the object exists even though it's still there, just hidden. This is why peek-a-boo is such an entertaining game to them. But it seems that his youngest son can sense Gohan, even when he's not visible.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">After Chichi's crying dies down, Goku inquires his son an all important question. "Say son, since you seem to be the baby's favorite, do you have a name for him? Your mother and I couldn't come up with any good ones."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan is startled by the question. He didn't think that he would be able to name the child. He ponders the thought very carefully. ''He's so precious. He's like a gift from heaven… that's it!'' "Mom… dad… I think we should name him Goten." The baby giggles relentlessly upon hearing the name his brother chose for him, snuggling closer if that's possible.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both parents chuckle at the baby's reaction. "You know Gohan, that's exactly how you reacted when you heard the name Gohan the first time," Chichi cries. "I think you've found your name. How'd you come up with it? Your father and I have been thinking of names nonstop until you came in."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well mom," Gohan answered. "I was thinking that this little guy," Gohan rubs his head against the infant saiyan's once more, causing yet another giggle. "was a gift from heaven, so I incorporated that into the name. I also wanted to follow the Go- pattern so that you can tell who his family is."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Wow I can't believe I've never thought of that!" exclaims Chichi, slapping her forehead. "It was so obvious the entire time!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku and Gohan both sweat drop. Goku chuckles nervously. "Well whatever. I love the name. Goten it is!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan continues to hold Goten in his arms as the youngest demi-saiyan eventually lets sleep take him once again, falling asleep in his brother's warm embrace.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">As soon as Goten once again falls asleep, Gohan and Goku both notice two very strong ki signatures, and one extremely strong one. Although they are strong, there is no sense of malice among them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Dad, do you feel that?" Gohan asks his father in a whisper. Not only had Goten fallen asleep, but Chichi had just fallen into slumber as well.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yes son," Goku responds quietly, a smile on his face. "All three feel very familiar. I guess he brought some visitors this time."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma Briefs is working on rebuilding her private laboratory that was almost completely destroyed by the androids' latest 'game.' They destroyed over two-thirds of the glassware, emptying out various chemicals on the floor that could be deadly in certain combinations as well as every lab bench and computer except half of a lab bench. Two of the walls have holes in them from where each android entered separately. Fortunately however, the part of the lab that held the landing pad for the time machine as well as the charger were left intact.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma has managed to rebuild both walls as well as take care of all of the chemicals. She is currently rebuilding one of the lab benches when she hears a very loud, but familiar humming noise. Immediately she drops what she is doing and dashes towards the time machine landing pad.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">She is met with the sight of a spaceship looking vehicle. It's has an egg-shaped, yellow metal frame with large black rectangle panels lining its outside as well as two rocket boosters on opposite sides and one on the bottom. It has a polyurethane dome top to it that looks to be retractable and is supported by four yellow legs. The size looks like it could only fit one adult inside. The dome suddenly opens up with a hiss and out jumps a grinning teenager no older than nineteen years of age. He has lavender hair in a bowl cut and deep blue eyes, wearing a black tank top with a blue Capsule Corporation jacket and black baggy pants. "Hi mom! I'm home!" the man says excitedly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"TRUNKS!" Bulma cries, leaping over to her son and sobbing against his chest. She was insanely worried about her son's trip to the past. He had only been gone two days in this timeline but so much has happened in those two days that she was thinking that she might never see her son ever again.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"It's okay mom, I'm here." Trunks consoles his mother soothingly. As his mom continues to sob in his chest, the teenage demi-saiyan looks around the lab and surveys the scene. While it looks like his mother has been cleaning and rebuilding, he can tell that something terrible happened here. He can clearly see the rough patches in two of the walls and can see that the chemical shelves are almost completely empty. He also notices that half of the lab benches are missing and that there isn't a single computer present in the room, which surprises him the most. Usually the lab is filled with computers monitoring the various tracking methods they were able to use on the androids. Clearly they attacked here. That would explain the damage to the lab as well as his mom's hysterics after only two days of absence. She knows that it takes almost a whole day to warp from one timeline to another so she usually doesn't worry too much unless he's gone for a week or more.Oh those androids are going to pay! Trunks mentally promises.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">After another good ten minutes, Bulma finally calms down, although a few tears still trickle out of her eyes every so often. "So was your trip a success?" Bulma asks of her only son.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks grins and gives his mom a thumbs up. "Yes, very much so!" Trunks answers very enthusiastically. "Let's move to the living quarters and I'll tell you all about it." With that he puts his arm around his mother's shoulder and walks out of the half-destroyed lab.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Capsule Corporation Living Quarters~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"UNCLE TRUNKS!" cries a young voice. In almost an instant a blue blur crosses the room and tackles Trunks to the ground.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks catches his breath from the sudden fall and greats the giggling chibi sitting on his chest. "Hey Goken" Trunks manages to huff out, ruffling the chibi's unruly black hair. The boy looks no more than five years old and looks like a carbon copy of the infamous Goku. He has the same hairdo with four big spikes of black hair to one side and three smaller spikes to the other side; he has the same charcoal eyes that shine with the innocence of youth. The most noticeable similarity between the two of them though is the notoriously contagious grin that only a Son could sport. He is however wearing a dark blue gi with an orange long sleeved undershirt and orange sash. There is a small kanji for rice on the front on the left side of the chest with a small white circle in the background and the same kanji but bigger in the middle of the back, a bigger white circle in the background. "Where's your sister?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I'm right here Uncle Trunks!" shouts another soprano voice, this one belonging to a young girl no more than eight years in age. While Goken could be considered a clone of Goku, this chibi could be considered a Chichi clone. She has the same facial features of the infamous Son matron as well at those big onyx eyes; the chibi also has long black hair that goes down to her shoulders. She is dressed in the same gi as her little brother. She giggles at the younger chibi's antics. "Goken, why don't you get off of Uncle Trunks so he can breathe."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The chibi reluctantly gets off the trampled demi-saiyan and rubs the back of his head with a grin, allowing Trunks to stand up only to be tackled once again, this time by the other chibi. "PAN!" Trunks yells at the new giggling chibi on top of him. Goken laughs at his sister's trick.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What Uncle Trunks?" the little girl asks, putting on her best innocent face. She then grins in the famous Son fashion. "You didn't think I would let you get away without a hug now would you? So tell us, did it work? Did you save grandpa?" Pan inquires insistently.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well if you would get off of me I will tell you guys." Trunks manages to choke out. Pan immediately leaps off of her sensei and good friend, helping him up in the process. She then repeats the gesture of her brother rubbing the back of her head and muttering an apology to Trunks. "Wow you two are getting strong!" Trunks praises the two chibis. "Anyways yes it worked, Goku survived although his virus hit a lot later than in this timeline. I was about to tell my mom all about it. You guys can join us if you would like."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The chibis nod enthusiastically and race to the large sofa against the back wall of the living room, waiting eagerly for Trunks and Bulma to get over there. Chuckling at the antics of the two children, and not wanting to keep them waiting any longer, makes his way with his mom to the adjacent couch ready to tell the tale of his trip. "You guys ready?" Trunks teases.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yes!" Both chibis reply simultaneously, impatience clear in their voices.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Okay here it goes." Trunks finally starts retelling the story of his visit. "You remember that last time I went back a week ago I gave your grandfather the medicine against the heart virus? Well when I went back two days ago, three years had passed in that timeline. I came back to find that the androids aren't even the same. I found the head of a clown looking android on the battlefield, just abandoned. Obviously my first trip to the past somehow affected that timeline."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"But that's not all that changed." Trunks adds, causing the chibis to lean forward in anticipation. "The timing of your grandpa's heart virus changed as well. He was sick at the time I appeared in that timeline. Thankfully Yamcha took him to his house to get the cure. Apparently he had been fighting the weird android while suffering with it. Talk about toughness and persistence."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"But anyways," Trunks continues. "Apparently Dr. Gero was still alive in that timeline and didn't activate the androids that we know." Bulma's eyes widened at this. "We tried to get to his lab first to destroy them before they were activated… but it was too late. By the time we got there, the androids were activated and they had already killed Dr. Gero." There was a pause at this point where Trunks reflected on how weak and helpless he felt at that point. It must have shown on his face as Pan and Goken had moved over to sit on each of Trunks' legs in an attempt to cheer him up.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What happened next?" Pan asks innocently, anticipation in her voice. Even though she's only eight years old, Pan is smart for her age, and she is very skilled at reading the emotions of others, especially those close to her. She doesn't want Trunks to dwell on the bad memories and thus attempts to change the subject.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks pulls both chibis close to him, one in each arm as they both continue to sit in his lap. "Well Pan, surprisingly the androids left us alone after they took out Dr. Gero." All three of the listeners gape at that statement. The androids that they know would never let them be. Heck, the androids of this timeline attack people as a game! Trunks continues to tell them about how Vegeta went off to battle the androids on his own and how he got crushed, but he also mentions that the androids didn't try to kill him or the others. To Bulma and the chibis, this also comes as a great shock, but a relief nonetheless.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Finally, Goken asks a question. "Uncle Trunks," He says this somewhat hesitantly. "If the androids weren't bad in that timeline, why did you spend over a year there? Was there something else?" The little boy of only five looks up at the teenager holding him, concerned and the look in his eyes pleads for an answer.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You know, you remind me a lot of your father with those observation skills." Trunks responds to the five year old, a little taken aback by his question. For a brief moment, Trunks reminisces about his sensei, remembering how observant of everything he used to be. He would be able to point out things in his fighting that no one would ever look for. He even could tell if the minutest details were off when he would help his mother school him. Getting back to answering Goken's question, Trunks says, "You're right Goken. Something else came up. Another android to that we never knew about to be exact."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Another android?!" Bulma blurts out, her voice sounding more like a shriek, causing the three others present to wince and cover their ears. "How many androids did that wacko Dr. Gero make?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Kami mom not so loud!" Trunks demands, still clutching his ears. "I was just getting to that." Trunks proceeds to tell them about Android Sixteen and Cell, describing how Cell was created by the cells of all of the great fighters of the galaxy including all of the Z-fighters and Frieza. He then goes on to tell them how Cell killed millions of people by absorbing their ki as well as Cell's main purpose.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"He wanted to become 'perfect.' In order to accomplish that though, he had to absorb Androids Seventeen and Eighteen."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I see your problem." Bulma states. "You had to either get rid of Cell or the androids before he absorbed them."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Exactly," Trunks responds. "Except at that point both the androids and Cell were out of our league. We had to get some serious training done in order to have a chance. So we used the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"OOOH!" Pan squeals excitedly. She is bouncing up and down on Trunks' leg. "I've read about that place in daddy's notes you gave me! It's supposed to exist in another time dimension where one day outside equals a year inside. Is that why you look older?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks chuckles at the girl's antics, also impressed that she knew exactly what he is talking about. "Yes you are absolutely right Pan." He looks at the two chibis in his lap and gives them a sad smile. "You both remind me so much of your father it's crazy." He sighs and the smile fades into a small frown "Kami I miss him. I really wish you could remember him Pan, and I wish you could have met him Goken. You both would love him…" A small tear manages to escape the confines of Trunks' eye. He remembers the last time he saw his sensei. How he went off to fend off the androids from his family. Trunks was training with him at the time when Gohan's wife contacted him through their bond and told him about the attack. Trunks wanted to help, but Gohan had knocked him out when his back was turned. The last thing Trunks remembers about that day was his sensei's words: "Sorry I had to do that to you Trunks, but you're too precious. You may be the Earth's last hope. Train and grow strong. Please look out for Pan for me. Bye… otouto…" Trunks then remembers finding a crying Pan next to her father's dead body, him having been knocked out at the time his senei died being completely useless in the battle...

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks is brought out of his heartbreaking memories by two pairs of arms wrapping around his torso. The double hug by the chibis brings a small smile back to his face. "Don't worry Uncle Trunks, you still have us." Pan reminds Trunks with the innocence that only an eight year old could have.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks pulls both chibis close to him and returns the hug. He forces back tears as he puts on a bigger smile. "Thank you guys… you have no idea how much I needed that…" Trunks chokes out. He takes another moment to calm himself and then continues his story. He tells them about how he went in the chamber with Vegeta and got much stronger. He tells them how both he and Vegeta were strong enough to outclass Cell by far, even when he absorbed Android Seventeen. Trunks scowls as he retells how Vegeta let Cell absorb Android Eighteen just so he would have more of a challenge.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"That sure sounds like Vegeta." Bulma says, putting a palm to her face and shaking her head in disgust. "He always was a megalomaniac in my opinion."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What's a meglomannyak?" Goken asks with his confused face.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"It's megalomaniac Goken, and it means a really cocky person right Uncle Trunks?" Pan answers, peering up at Trunks for confirmation.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks chuckles. He should have figured that Gohan's daughter would already be learning words like megalomaniac at age eight. "Well you're on the right track. A megalomaniac basically is someone who thinks they're the best and puts themselves above everyone else. They think that nothing is better than them." Trunks then looks back at his mother. "You're right, that actually fits dad pretty well. He thought that no matter what Cell did that he would still be better. How wrong he was. Cell's 'perfect' form was powerful beyond belief. No one had a chance, not even Goku…" Trunks looks down at the wide eyed chibis in his lap and couldn't help the smile that found its way on his face. "Hey guys, do you want to hear about how your dad saved the world?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both chibis grin and nod enthusiastically while Bulma shoots Trunks an incredulous look. "Gohan beat Cell?! He must have not even been eleven years old at that time?!" She couldn't believe it. She knew Gohan was strong for his age, but the way Trunks was describing Cell, not even Goku stood a chance.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I know mom," Trunks replies. "Everyone else reacted the same way when it was happening. Here's what happened." Trunks proceeds to tell everyone about how Cell had a tournament to decide Earth's fate. He goes on to talk about how Goku fought Cell first and gave it his all, still not being able to beat Cell. Then Trunks retells them how Goku actually gave up in favor of his son to fight.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Piccolo I think was the one who protested the most. Goku was so confident in him though that he gave Gohan confidence in himself, so Gohan went out there and fought Cell. He powered up and his ki put Goku's and everyone else's to shame. It really was unreal!" Trunks once again looks down to see the reactions of the chibis and sees a bit of pride in their eyes. He smiles at that. Trunks could remember how proud he was of his sensei's younger self when all of this was happening. "Even then though, Cell let out some of his true power and Gohan got thrown around like everyone else. That was until he told Cell his secret."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks tells his mom and the chibis about how Gohan told Cell about his hidden powers; about how whenever he gets extremely angry that he just loses it and his power overtakes him. He then tells them about how Cell tried to draw out this power by beating all of the Z-fighters to a bloody pulp. Bulma and the chibis gasp at that part. They couldn't even begin to imagine what Gohan was witnessing.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Despite all of this, to Gohan's credit, he didn't give in. He always told me about his experiences with this power when I was training with him and it sounded like he was out of control when this happened to him. He told me he didn't have any conscious memories of what happened when this happens. He always told me that he never wanted it to happen again. I think he was afraid of the damage that he could do with that kind of power, and I think that's what was going through his head during his fight. Despite everyone's suffering, he still was afraid that he would do more damage than good."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"But remember when I told you that Android Sixteen was a crucial part of Cell's defeat?" Trunks inquires his audience, who is now intently listening. They all slowly nod in response. Trunks continues, "Well Android Sixteen was blown up by Cell earlier in Gohan's fight but somehow, his head got thrown into the middle of the battlefield. Apparently the head was still functional and it started talking to Gohan. I'm not sure what he said, but it was really affecting Gohan. Then Cell butts in and crushes Android Sixteen's head right in front of Gohan." This elicited more gasps from his audience. "After that, Gohan completely snapped. He released so much power that he triggered another super saiyan transformation."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"After he transformed again, Cell was done for. Gohan's ki was through the roof. Compared to Gohan's ki, Cell's was nothing but an insect compared to a T-rex. He proceeded to pummel Cell and eventually killed him once and for all." Trunks deliberately leaves out the part about Gohan losing control of himself and torturing Cell to no end as well as the part about threatening his father. He doesn't think the chibis need to know that part.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Uncle Trunks, what's wrong?" Goken asks innocently, concern lacing his voice. "You look sad for some reason. Did something else happen to my daddy?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Damn those chibis and their observation skills! Trunks thought he was hiding his emotions pretty well too. "I can't hide anything from you can I?" Trunks mumbles, half-chuckling. "Oh well I guess I'll tell you. You deserve to know." Trunks pauses to gather his thoughts. "Well when your dad transformed again, like I said something inside of him snapped. He lost all of his compassion and mercy that he was known for and was only left with fury and revenge…" Trunks pauses again. This is so hard to relive. "He lost himself and started torturing Cell. He kept on pummeling him until he was hanging on by a mere thread. Yet… he kept him alive… just so he could suffer more…" Trunks fights back tears at this point. "I never knew an eleven year old boy could be so cruel. Those were the scariest few moments of my life. My sensei… my oniisan… was torturing someone… I wouldn't even put the androids through what he put Cell though... and that's not even all!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks lets a few tears escape now, but is determined to finish retelling the story. "When Goku was trying to get Gohan to stop, he not only refused, but he threatened his own father! When he looked at us, daring us to stop him, the look in his eyes… was the scariest thing I've ever seen…" Trunks finally can't contain his tears any longer as he starts crying. The chibis are wide eyed, but Bulma is hysterical. She couldn't believe that such a sweet, innocent child such as Gohan would be able to do anything of the sort.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks cries a little longer until he can calm himself. The chibis are still shocked. They've never seen Uncle Trunks cry! He's the toughest person ever! This must have been seriously horrifying. They try their best to help by giving him another hug but even this doesn't quell the tears for another few minutes.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks is beside himself. He hasn't had an emotional breakdown like this since Gohan died five years ago. Even the chibis aren't helping this time. Reliving the fear that his sensei and best friend might have become just as bad, if not worse than Cell is too much for him to contain. Only after he remembers that Gohan had come back to his old self can he finally control himself.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">After he finally calms down, Trunks continues his tale. "As bad as those moments were though, I still can be proud of your father since in the end, he caught himself and became the loving Gohan we all knew. Cell, despite all of that torture was still conscious and was planning on self-destructing in order to blow up the planet. Since Gohan was back to his normal self and was plenty powerful enough to destroy Cell at this point, he noticed this before Cell could gather enough ki and blasted him away with a giant Kamehameha wave."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Wowee!" Goken shouts, obviously very entertained by the way his father destroyed Cell. "That's so cool!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks chuckles at how excited the chibi is. "Yes it was quite the sight." He says in response. "Your father was so exhausted after everything though that he passed out as soon as he knew the battle was won. We had to take him to the lookout to get him healed. Since Piccolo had fused with Kami in prepar–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Hold on!" Bulma interrupts, now sporting a very surprised expression. "Piccolo fused with Kami?! I know those two used to be one being, but they both hated each other with a passion!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"That's the way everyone else reacted too!" Trunks answers, amused at how similar his mother's reaction is to everyone else's. "But it happened. Anyways where was I?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You said you had to go to the look out to heal daddy!" Pan answers, wanting to hear the rest of Trunks' tale.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Oh yeah! Thanks Pan," Trunks replies, now remembering what he was going to say. "Well after Piccolo and Kami fused to prepare for Cell, the dragonballs became inert since they were connected through Kami. Since we knew we needed to revive all of those that Cell killed though, we needed a new Guardian, so Goku used instant transmission to get another Namekian to be Guardian. I think you actually know this Namekian mom."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma thinks it over. She knew most of the Namekians since they stayed at Capsule Corps. for almost a year while looking for a new planet to live on, but she can only think of one that would want to become Earth's Guardian, and after coming to this realization, her eyes widen, causing the chibi's to look at her in confusion and her son in amusement. "DENDE?!" She finally blurts out. "You've got to be kidding me Trunks he was only a kid at that time!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks chuckles at his mom's reaction. "Yep he was, but then again so was Gohan." At that statement, Bulma nods in understanding, but is still shocked nonetheless. "Anyways," the demi-saiyan continues, "He was brought to Earth by Goku and he actually did it! He created another set of dragonballs!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Trunks what does any of this have to do with daddy getting healed at the lookout?!" Goken asks, impatience clear in his five year old voice.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Hold on Goken, I'm getting there," Trunks calmly answers, making the five year old pout cutely. "Well Dende, the new Guardian, he has healing powers. So we brought your father to the lookout so Dende could heal him. After that, we summoned Shenron to revive all of those that were killed by Cell an–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"We interrupt this program to bring an update on the androids!" The radio interrupts Trunks. Everyone turns and listens to the broadcast intently. "They were last seen attacking South City around a minute ago."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well that's my cue," Trunks says nonchalantly, cutting off his tale. "I'm going to put a stop to this once and for all."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Trunks!" Bulma exclaims, frantically trying to get her son to change his mind about the whole thing. "I don't know about this. I don't want to lose you, son!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan however tries to reassure Bulma. "Auntie Bulma, I think Uncle Trunks can do it. His ki is a lot higher than it was before he left" the young girl explains. "So much so that I can't even feel the end of it like I could before."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goken nods in confirmation and Trunks gives Pan an appreciative smile. "She's right mom. I could have taken down Cell after he absorbed Android Seventeen in the past, and those androids were much stronger than the ones in this timeline." Trunks then turns super saiyan to prove his point.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma takes a good look at her son. His eyes show the same determination he's always had, but they also show so much confidence like they never did before. The last time she saw that kind of confidence is when she saw Goku fight a very long time ago. She sighs before smiling. "All right, you win. Go bring peace to our timeline son!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks gives his mother a quick hug, then a thumbs up to the two chibis and takes off toward South City.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~South City Ruins~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Eighteen all of the humans in this city are dead! Come on let's get out of here!" shouts a young man around twenty years of age. He has shoulder length black hair with ice blue eyes that strike fear in those that gaze into them. He wears a black tee-shirt with a long sleeved white shirt underneath. The black tee has an emblem that is two white R's with a red background shaped into a bowtie looking shape. He also has dark blue jeans with a brown belt and a gold oval belt buckle. To top off his look, he sports an orange bandana, which he wears around his neck. All in all, he looks like a normal human being.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I'm still not talking to you!" retaliates a young woman around the same age. Both the man and woman look very similar as if they were twins. The woman has the same icy blue eyes and facial features; however, she has shoulder length blond hair. She is wearing a black long-sleeved tee-shirt, but the sleeves are white with thin black pinstripes. She also has a dark blue vest on that bears the same emblem as the man she is with and even darker blue pants.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The woman is currently destroying everything in sight. Shooting ki beams out of her hands, she blasts all of the buildings, causing mass destruction. There are no signs of life throughout the destruction unfortunately making the man's earlier statement ring true.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Common Eighteen, you're just being a sore loser!" shouts the man over all of the destruction taking place. The woman just blasted a fifty story skyscraper, making it come tumbling down into smoke and rubble. "Or is this because I destroyed that clothing store or that one guy you actually thought was cute!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You never let me have any fun!" the woman shouts back. "Every time I find something yo–" she is cut off by a hard kick to the face that came from above her. She goes flying into a building that was still intact, but barely, making it collapse on her. In the place where the woman stood seconds ago is a familiar golden haired demi-saiyan.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"HA!" laughed the man, pointing at the woman mockingly. "That's what you get for being such a bitch!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The rubble that the woman was buried under suddenly shoots up. It flies everywhere, revealing the blonde haired woman, clothes in tatters but otherwise unharmed. "Dammit! I had to go to four different clothing stores to find this outfit! Seventeen, let's kill this guy! I'm tired of playing around with him."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks wears an expression of complete anger and determination, staring sharply at the two people that caused the destruction of his timeline. "You androids are ruthless!" Trunks says coldly. "You two go around killing people and destroying cities just for the fun of it! You even had the nerve to attack my mother and my little siblings when I was away!" Trunks flares his super saiyan aura and, wasting no time, charges the black haired man, Android Seventeen. He moves faster than the android can detect and Trunks is suddenly right in front of the android, his palm outstretched to the androids face. "THIS IS FOR GOHAN!" Trunks shouts, firing a devastating ki blast at the defenseless android. The blast disintegrates the android from existence.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The blonde haired woman, Android Eighteen, looks at the crater the ki blast created with complete shock and horror. "Seventeen!" She cries. "You killed him! How could you?!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"How could you kill all of those people that you've been terrorizing?!" Trunks shouts back, indignation clear in his voice. "You're just scared because you know you're outclassed! Now you know what all of the people that have been living in this world have been feeling like the last eighteen years! Well it's time to end this!" Trunks flashes his aura around him and vanishes at a speed the android can't follow only to reappear with his fist in the android's gut, causing her to cough up blood. He then gives her a devastating uppercut to the jaw, sending her flying into the sky.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The android recovers from the blow in time to look at a huge ki blast coming towards her. She doesn't have time to block it and takes the full brunt of the blast, giving her third degree burns all over her body. She starts falling out of the sky only to be grabbed by Trunks by the neck, choking her.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"This is for all of the ones you've murdered mercilessly!" Trunks cries victoriously as he charges up another giant ki blast with his free hand. He blasts her to the next dimension without a trace of her cyborg body remaining.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks returns to the ground, powering down back to his base form. It's over… wait no, there's one more thing to take care of. Trunks takes off towards Capsule Corp. knowing all too well that in around three years, Cell will surface, and once that deed is done, then it will be over.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Capsule Corporation Training Chamber, West City, Age 788~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You're almost there Goken!" encourages Trunks. "Think of how the androids attacked you, Pan, and Auntie Bulma! Let the need to protect them flow through you! That's the trigger!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Over the last three years, Trunks has taken it upon himself to train Goken and Pan to be able to help defend the Earth from another crisis like the androids. He figures that he would need all of the help he could get, and who could have more potential than the son and daughter of Gohan?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan had already shown her potential when she transformed into a super saiyan for the first time a year ago at the tender age of ten, proving her to be the youngest super saiyan ever! She even learned to master the transformation after only a month of intense training.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goken has been even more remarkable. At the age of eight, he continues to look more and more like his grandfather Goku, and he's proving that he can fight like him too! Right now he is on the verge of transforming for the first time and is doing remarkably well. All he needs is that one final push.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both have also caught on remarkably well when it comes to fighting techniques. They both were able to learn the kamehameha wave, burning attack, masenko blast, as well as a couple of their own signature techniques. Their progress has come along much faster than Trunks could have predicted, not that it's a surprise to him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Training the chibis has proven to benefit Trunks greatly as well. While correcting errors in the chibis' fighting, he is able to recognize some of his own flaws as well. The chibis, being as observant and quick learning as they are also are able to point out things as well. Trunks, while not too much more powerful, has progressed dramatically in fighting fundamentals and technique as a result.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Over the past three years in the Mirai timeline, Trunks informed the remaining news crews of the androids defeat. He never claimed credit for it however, saying it was the doing of 'the gold saiyan.' Since the announcement had been made, people came out of hiding all around the world and rejoiced. They were pleased to find that there were many more survivors than they thought, although the population of the Earth is only a little over ten million instead of almost seven billion. Even so, the remaining survivors started to rebuild and have made remarkable progress getting things as back to normal as possible.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Grr…" Goken growls, remembering the memory like it is happening at the moment. He and Pan were playing in the courtyard when they heard Auntie Bulma scream from the lab that they weren't allowed to go in. He and Pan had decided that they should check it out and try to defend their Auntie Bulma, or at least get her out of there. As they approached, Goken had watched helplessly as the androids destroyed half the lab. With Uncle Trunks still in the past, Goken could only watch as the androids threw Auntie Bulma across the lab, knocking her unconscious. Luckily, they thought she was dead and took off, not noticing the two chibis.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Well no more! Goken thinks, determination clear in his thoughts. I will never ''let that happen again! I must protect the ones I love! ''"Gyahh!" screams Goken at the top of his lungs. His hair flickers from black to gold and his eyes from onyx to teal for a few moments before his hair stays gold and spikes up in the exact same fashion as Goku's super saiyan transformation. His eyes stay a solid teal and a bright golden aura surrounds him as evidence of the complete transformation.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You did it otouto!" screams Pan in delight. She is so happy for her brother that she is on the verge of tears. He's been so close for the past month. He had the ki; all he needed was the right trigger.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"That's it!" yells a grinning Trunks. "Now concentrate on controlling it! You need to calm down!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goken struggles controlling the transformed state for a few more seconds and then drops it, collapsing from exhaustion. His hair and eyes return to normal and now he's on all fours, panting and sweating. Pan runs over and tackles her little brother in a crushing hug as Trunks makes his way over.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You did it Goken! You're a super saiyan!" Pan enthusiastically tells him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Easy there Pan the kid's exhausted." Trunks says chuckling. "Let him catch his breath." Pan reluctantly gets off of her brother and helps him stand, muttering apologies. "So Goken," Trunks continues once he is standing. "How does it feel?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I… feel… incredible!" Goken pants, still trying to catch his breath. "I felt… so much more… powerful… it was like… there was an… endless well of ki… at my disposal."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Indeed." confirms Trunks. "It usually feels that way the first time because what you feel is the whole potential of your new transformed body." Trunks gives Goken a pat on the back. "I'm really proud of you Goken!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Suddenly, all three of them turn their heads in the same direction, all having felt a powerful ki to the northeast. Finally you show yourself Cell.Trunks thinks. Now we can finally bring all of this to a complete end.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"U-uncle Trunks?" asks Goken, a look of fear on his face. "Who are all of those people and why does their ki make me feel so cold?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks realizes that this is the first time that the chibis have felt an evil ki since the androids didn't have a ki signature to track them by. He also realizes that Cell's ki signature is confusing them since it feels like multiple kis at once. "Well Goken, those ki signatures you feel most definitely belong to Cell. You can tell because it feels like multiple people at once. I can feel your grandpa, your dad, Krillin, Piccolo, my dad, even myself and you guys." Trunks explains, giving both chibis wide eyes. "The reason it's so cold is because he is evil. That's what a dark ki signature feels like. Whereas whenever I feel one of you guys it gives me warmth, guys like Cell give you the chills." Trunks looks at the worried faces of the chibis and gives them a reassuring smile. "There's really nothing to worry about guys. Cell's not really a threat to me without both androids, and I destroyed them three years ago, though I must stop him now in order to keep him from absorbing innocents."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks transforms into a super saiyan. "I'll be back before you know it. Keep an eye on Auntie Bulma for me!" Trunks then flies off towards Cell's ki signature, giving the chibis a quick wave.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Uncle Trunks, be careful!" cries a worried Pan waving back to the retreating form of her sensei.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~North City Mountain Area~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Cell is currently prowling outside of North City getting used to his new body. For the last four years he has been in his larval state, keeping a low profile until he was ready for metamorphosis. Now that he's an adult, he is searching for life energy to feed off of, and what better than one of the major cities of the world. His prowling is interrupted when he feels an abnormally strong ki signature heading his way.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">''Ah that must be Trunks. ''Cell says in his thoughts. ''He should be an excellent source of life energy! Good thing I know everything about him and he knows absolutely nothing about me. Still, I think I will surprise him by hiding my position for now. ''Cell dashes into the surrounding mountains and hides his ki signature.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks lands right by where he last felt Cell's ki. "Come out Cell!" He shouts. "I know you're out there! I bet you're searching for Androids Seventeen and Eighteen! That's the only way you'll complete your goal to become perfect. That's what you want right?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Cell is dumbfounded to say the least. He can't help but come out of hiding and inquire the golden haired demi-saiyan how he knew all about him. "What!? How do you know all of that already?!" Cell exclaims incredulously.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well there's no need to search for the androids Cell," Trunks continues, ignoring Cell's inquiry. "I destroyed them three years ago."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Impossible!" Cell indignantly cries. "My data tells me that you don't even have the strength to fight the androids!" Cell then thinks it over for a moment trying to make sense of the situation. "Wait, I get it now, you learned about me in the past and found the androids weakness in the past as well. No matter, you should still be no match for me, I will kill you and then take a little trip to the past!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks just smirks. "Well you see Cell you're right; I did go to the past, and I fought you Cell. You were strong, incredibly so when you were complete. However, as you are now, you're nothing!" Without warning, Trunks blasts Cell with an invisible wall of ki, sending the unsuspecting android flying off in the distance away from the city. Trunks pursues after the android as soon as he is out of sight.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">By the time Cell regains control of himself, he has traveled well over 100 miles. He lands on top of a plateau with Trunks landing on a plateau across from him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"So your trip to the past made you a little stronger," Cell admits, although there is still a smug look on his face. A golden aura explodes around Cell and he raises his ki to its maximum. "But to say I'm nothing is a joke!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks compares Cell's ki to his own and actually laughs. "Wow Cell. You really are nothing! I know someone else that actually could probably defeat you, an eleven year old girl to be exact!" A golden aura explodes around Trunks now, twice as big and bright as Cell's.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You're bluffing!" Cell shouts, although he knows that's a lie by the feel of Trunks' ki. Still, he holds his confident façade. "You can't even defeat me, let alone any girl!" Cell charges Trunks only to strike an afterimage.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"No Cell! You're finished! The nightmare's over!" Trunks shouts from the top of a mountain behind Cell. Both of his hands are outstretched in the classic diamond formation of his signature attack. "BURNING ATTACK!" A huge orange wave of ki flies out of Trunks' hands straight at Cell, destroying every cell of his existence.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks drops his super saiyan transformation and takes a big sigh in relief. "Now it's finally over." He then puts on a smile and flies back to Capsule Corps. to tell everyone the good news.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Capsule Corporation Living Quarters, West City~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan and Goken are watching a movie with Bulma when the two chibis notice Trunks' ki coming in their direction. "Auntie Bulma, Trunks is back!" Pan shouts in joy. "And I don't feel that dark ki anymore either!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">At that moment, Trunks flies in through the open window. He is prepared for the chibis this time and manages not to get knocked down by their hug. Trunks pries off the chibis, ruffling their hair. "Hey guys. Miss me?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Wow Uncle Trunks!" Goken excitedly says. "I didn't know you were so strong! That felt incredible! You beat that guy like he was nothing!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks chuckles at the chibi's excitement. "Well to tell you the truth, he was strong, but all of our training together has really paid off! I bet you Pan could have beaten that guy too if she went all out."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan looks up at Trunks in awe. "You really think I'm that strong?" she says unsure if she heard him right.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks picks up Pan and holds her at eye level. "I know so." He says confidently. He gives her a quick hug before he puts her back on the ground.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goken goes over to his sister who is still speechless from Trunks' declaration. "Wow neesan! You're really strong!" he declares, super impressed. "That evil guy felt really strong, yet Uncle Trunks says you could have beaten him!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">As Goken continues to praise Pan and beg her to show him her true strength, Trunks walks over to his mother and gives her a hug. "It's over mom. It's finally over," Trunks says happily. "There's only one thing left I need to do. I promised everyone in the past that I would come back and tell them the good news once I freed our timeline."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma hugs back and looks at the man her son has become. She couldn't be any more proud of him that she is right now. "Alright, son. It will be nice for you to visit on a happier note for a change." She then starts walking towards her private lab. "I'll get the time machine ready."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">At the mention of the time machine, the chibis rush over to Trunks." Uncle Trunks?" Pan asks innocently. "Can we go with you to the past?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"We really want to see our daddy," adds Goken. Both of them then give Trunks their best Son puppy dog eyes.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks, unable to say no to that look, says, "Why don't you ask Auntie Bulma. She knows more about this kind of stuff than I do." He hopes that they accept that answer because he doesn't know how much more of that look he can resist before giving in.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Okay!" both chibis respond simultaneously, running down the hallway towards Bulma's lab. Trunks sighs in relief and follows after them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Bulma's Private Laboratory~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Auntie Bulma!" the voices of two chibis rings throughout the laboratory.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Now what do you two want?" Bulma says, trying to sound irritated, but can't help but smile at the two chibis.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"We asked Uncle Trunks if we could go to the past with him and he told us to ask you because he said you know the time travel stuff better than he does so we would like to ask you if we could go to the past with Uncle Trunks because we would like to see our daddy and our mommy and our grandpa and grandma and you and Uncle Vegeta and–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You want to go to the past with Uncle Trunks?" Bulma cuts off the hyperactive eight year old.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah!" Both shout simultaneously. They await Bulma's answer eagerly, throwing in the puppy dog eyes for good measure.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma seriously ponders their request. ''This isn't the greatest idea. They could jeopardize their existence in that timeline. But on the other hand, they could get to meet Gohan, even though he's only a little older than Pan in that timeline. However if they meet Gohan, they absolutely cannot meet their mother. That would seriously jeopardize their existence. Oh man what do I say? ''Bulma takes a look at those puppy dog eyes one more time and finally caves. "Oh alright–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"YEAH!" The chibis cry in delight.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I finally get to meet daddy!" Goken shouts, dancing around in circles with Pan.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"BUT" Bulma continues, getting the attention of both chibis. As much as she loves seeing them as happy as they've been in a very long time, she has to reiterate that there are rules that they have to follow. "There are certain rules you both have to follow. You guys just being there has some serious risks to your existence in that timeline, so rule one. When you meet your dad, you have to make sure that you do not say who your mother is. In time they will find each other, but at this point in time your dad is only a little older than Pan." The chibis nod at this. That shouldn't be so hard right?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Rule two. You are to be with at least one of the competent Z-fighter adults or your father at all times during your trip. No going off on your own. We don't know what your actions could do to alter the timeline. As you already saw with Trunks' first two trips, his presence alone did things such as delay the heart virus that your grandfather got." Again the chibis nod their head. That's a reasonable request. Besides they want to be with their family and friends for as long as they can anyways.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Rule three. If you run into your mother, you cannot tell her that you are her kids from the future. I know–" Bulma cuts off the chibis' protests. "You want to meet her and tell her all about yourself, but unlike your father, she was not originally part of our group. In fact, at that point, I would not be surprised that because of her father that she would even believe you. You have to remember that to people outside of our group, concepts such as ki control and time travel are all either foreign, or completely mythical to them, especially for her family. If you walk up to her and say 'Hi I'm your kid from the future' then that might scare her. Do you guys understand? This is a very important rule. If you're not willing to follow this one, then you can't go back with Uncle Trunks." Bulma gives them a stern look at this and reluctantly, the chibis nod their heads in understanding of the rule.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Alright then, since you guys understand the rules, you can go. Hey Trunks!" Bulma shouts out the door. Trunks comes on in a few moment later

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah mom?" Trunks responds, grinning at the grinning chibis by her side. "I take it by their faces that you told them they could go."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yes, and I debriefed them on the conditions. It's up to you to reiterate these rules to the Z-fighters and to make sure these two follow them." Bulma says sternly. She then drops the serious attitude and gives him a smile. "This is a great opportunity for them to meet their family and friends. I bet you Chichi will flip out about grandkids."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks and Bulma both laugh at that statement. "Flip out is an understatement!" Trunks adds in between laughs. He and Bulma eventually calm themselves down and then Trunks addresses his mother once more. "So, is the time machine ready?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yes, all systems are go." Bulma confirms. "Have fun you three."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Thanks mom!" Trunks replies. He then looks at the two chibis that recently came by his side. "You guys ready to meet your dad?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah!" is their enthusiastic reply.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks opens the top hatch of the time machine and climbs in and programs the machine. He then beckons the chibis to climb in. They all squeeze together and Trunks closes the overhead dome. "See you in two days mom!" Trunks shouts as the time machine rises into the air and eventually vanishes from that timeline. <p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks, Pan, and Goken have just landed in Bulma's Private Lab in the past. Currently, they are scouting the area for any of the Z-fighters by ki sensing.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Oh my Kami!" Goken exclaims, wide eyed. "Do you feel all of those kis? There has to be at least six big kis, and two gigantic kis that rival yours, Uncle Trunks!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Y-yeah…" Pan stammers. "and do you feel those other two? They're both absolutely ridiculous, but one of them is just… I've never felt anything like it…"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks can't help but smile at the chibis' reactions to feeling the Z-fighters. He realizes that this is the first time that they've been encountered with so many strong people on one planet. "Well guys, those kis are all of the Z-fighters. The six stronger than average kis are Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, Chiaotzu, Master Roshi, and Chichi, your grandmother. They are all humans that have learned of ki manipulation. Krillin is probably the strongest of them and is also your grandfather's best friend."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"The two kis that rival mine are none other than my father, your Uncle Vegeta, and Piccolo. You've heard a lot about both of them so I don't need to tell you who those two are. However, the last two kis are far stronger than me, especially that other one. I bet you can guess who they are."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"They both feel so warm… they must be daddy and grandpa!" Pan exclaims excitedly. "Is our dad really the bigger one?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yes he is," Trunks answers with a smile on his face. "I wasn't kidding when I said your dad was probably the strongest in the universe."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Are you serious Uncle Trunks?" Goken asks the older demi-saiyan incredulously. "I knew he was strong, but the strongest in the unverse? How is that possible? I thought he was only eleven in this timeline!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Knowing where this is going, Pan cuts off her brother. "Goken," she says irritated. How many times must her brother question everything? Weren't children supposed to be naive and believe almost anything? "Why don't you just trust Uncle Trunks on this okay? After all, he did see daddy in action so he knows how strong he actually is." She crosses her arms across her chest smugly. "If he says daddy's the strongest in the universe, then I believe him!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks smiles at Pan before ruffling Goken's hair. "I'm glad that you trust me so much Pan, but I understand where Goken's skepticism comes from. It is pretty hard to believe that an eleven year old, whether it's Gohan or not, is the strongest in the universe." He then takes a long look at Goken. "You're mother was the same way you know."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Before either of the chibis can answer however, they are interrupted by the sudden presence of Goku and Gohan, who used instant transmission to teleport directly to the new kis. This startles the chibis and they both run behind Trunks, hiding behind his legs.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Trunks!" Goku exclaims. His expression becomes suddenly serious. "Is there another threat coming?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"No, there's no new threat," Trunks answers quickly. "I come bearing good news this time."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku sighs in relief as Gohan notices the two chibis hiding behind Trunks. "Hey Trunks, who are those two hiding behind your leg?" Gohan says, slightly amused. He then puts on a soft smile and walks over to Trunks. "Hey there's no reason to be afraid of us, we're not going to hurt you," he gently beckons the two chibis.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan and Goken slowly come out from hiding behind Trunks, where they both show apprehensive looks on their faces, rocking on their heels with both hands behind their backs.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both Goku and Gohan's jaws drop. They look exactly like Goku and Chichi! "Dad… there's a little you and there's a little mom…" Gohan says, stunned at their resemblance to his parents. "Did you go back even farther in the past and get my parents?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks starts laughing at Gohan's comment as the chibis continue to look nervous. It's true that the resemblance is uncanny. As soon as Trunks calms down, he answers Gohan's question. "No Gohan, these two are from my timeline and are very special to me." Trunks then drops to eye level with the two chibis and addresses them. "Guys, there's no reason to be afraid. Why don't you introduce yourselves?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan and Goku patiently wait as the two chibis work up the courage to introduce themselves. They are so nervous! Who knew meeting your dad and grandfather for the first time could be so scary. What if they don't like them? What if they don't believe that they're their offspring from the future? What if the idea of having kids scares daddy and he tries avoiding them? Finally though, the desire to meet their dad and grandfather outweighs their trepidations.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The Chichi clone introduces herself first. "M-my name's Pan…" she timidly says.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I'm Goken…" the Goku clone says next. Both chibis nervously break off at that.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku and Gohan both approach the two chibis with matching smiles on their faces. Obviously they are related to them. The resemblance is too uncanny not to be. "Hi," Gohan gently says, trying to not be too intimidating. "My name's Gohan and this," gesturing towards his father, "is my dad, Goku. Nice to meet you two." He then outstretches his hand and gives them the ever famous Son grin.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goken and Pan look at each other, and then at the chibi standing in front of them with his hand outstretched. He seems really nice! And his ki feels so warm! They both simultaneously cry out "Daddy!" and jump him, knocking him over. They are both sobbing with excitement at finally meeting their father, hugging him for dear life.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan is on the ground stunned. They're my'' kids? I thought they were my little brother and sister since Goken looks so much like Goten. I guess it makes sense though. Dad did die in that timeline before the androids even'' came.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan pokes his head up from underneath the children and takes a good look at the hysterical chibis. Still though, I can't believe that they're actually my'' kids! It's hard to imagine since I'm not even twelve yet! I don't remember Trunks mentioning anything about them''. The strange thing is though, even though I didn't even know of their existence until now, I can tell they're mine because I already love them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan immediately returns the hug and tries to pick himself up, which is pretty challenging considering that Pan is actually bigger than him and Goken is almost as big as Pan. He then patiently waits for them to calm down rubbing Pan's back soothingly and running his hand through Goken's unruly hair.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku isn't shocked at who the two future chibis revealed themselves to be and currently is smiling at the situation taking place in front of him. He actually figured they were his grandkids from the future ever since he saw their faces and timid attitudes. They acted the same way Gohan did when Goku introduced him to the Z-fighters on Master Roshi's Island seven years ago, plus they look so much like him that they couldn't be anyone else other than Gohan's children. He also notices how he's treating the chibis, showing that he knows what to do in this situation despite never having been in it before. This just shows him how mature Gohan has become, and shows that he would make a great father someday.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks is grinning like a madman at the moment. He's so happy for Goken and Pan. They finally get to see what an incredible person their father actually is that they've heard so much about. He wishes that they could still have Gohan in their timeline, but he knows that can't happen so he lets them take as much time as they need to finally let it sink in that they actually get to meet their father.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"So Trunks," Goku addresses the adult demi-sayian while waiting for the hysterical chibis to calm down. "What was your news? Did you finally destroy the androids?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks looks away from the three chibis for the moment and looks at the full blooded saiyan, still grinning widely. "Yes actually. That's the reason I came back in the first place: to inform you guys that the future has been freed. Actually originally I was just going to stay a couple of hours, but since I brought Pan and Goken along, I figured that we should let them meet everyone and stay for a few days."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Alright! Way to go Trunks!" Goku congratulates. "You can finally rebuild your timeline. And I'm sure Chichi will be ecstatic to meet these two," motioning at the two sobbing chibis attached to his son.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Goku! What are you doing in my–" Bulma interrupts, but cuts herself off at the sight of Mirai Trunks and the scene between the three chibis. "Trunks… is that you?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks shifts his gaze at the younger version of his mother. "Hi mom! I'm back!" Trunks cheerfully says, walking over to his mother and giving her a hug. "Goku, mom, why don't we take this to the Living Quarters? Gohan!" Trunks shouts over his shoulder at the chibi trio. "When those two calm down enough, bring them to the Living Quarters."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan just nods and returns his focus to the still hysterical chibis in his arms. He continues to patently wait and sooth them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks smiles at them once again. ''Kami, I can already tell that Gohan is going to be a great father. He already puts those two above everything else and he only met them not even ten minutes ago. ''Trunks then calmly leads his confused mother and a grinning Goku out of the lab and leaves Gohan alone with his children.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Finally after another five minutes of soothing gestures by Gohan, he finally gets Pan and Goken to calm their sobs. He then attempts to speak to them again. "So you two are my kids?" he asks curiously. They both nod their heads slowly, unsure of how he will take this information. "Judging by your ages and reaction to seeing me, I take it you either never met me or you don't remember me in that timeline. Am I right?" Again, both chibis slowly nod their heads affirmatively. "Well," Gohan continues, a huge grin on his face. "I'm very glad I got to meet you two! I'm so happy to finally see you!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goken looks up at his dad with an expression of uncertainty. "You mean you're not freaking out because we're your kids from the future you never even knew you had?" he asks with an unbelieving voice. He can't believe that his daddy has been so calm and welcoming. It's almost too good to be true!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan slaps her head. "Goken!" she whines, clearly tired of her brother's antics. "Why must you question everything?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan giggles at Pan's reaction. Apparently this has happened before. "It's okay Pan," He finally gets out, looking at the little girl. "I can see why he would think that way. In fact, I bet you anyone else, even with knowledge of time traveling would freak out if they were my age, but I guess I'm special. I really don't know how since I've only met you like fifteen minutes ago, but I can already tell that you're my children, and I would have figured it out quickly, even if you guys didn't call me daddy."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks first at Pan to see her reaction, and it almost makes him laugh again. She is in awe with everything he said. Apparently the little guy isn't the only one with a few doubts, and reasonably so.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Then he looks at his future son. The resemblance to his father is unnatural. It's almost like he's a clone! He can't help but smile though at the grin that is forming on the little guy's face, probably due to the fact that Gohan found his skepticism justifiable.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Do you really mean that daddy?" Pan asks, now wondering if her daddy is just trying to make them feel better; however, being the skillful emotion reader that she is, she can tell that Gohan is only telling the truth, but she just can't help but ask since it all seems too good to be true.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan grins at both of them the famous grin that his future counterpart gave to them. "You bet I do! In fact, I'm not exactly sure how, but I already love you both more than I've loved anyone before!" He says truthfully, but thinks over that for a minute and then thoughtfully adds, "Well, perhaps I love my little brother just as much, but you get the idea!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both chibis' eyes widen to the size of dinner plates at that statement. They can't believe it! Not only does their daddy believe that they're his kids from the future and he has not freaked out, but he also loves them like no one else? To feel that way about two people that you didn't even know existed twenty minutes ago is simply unheard of, but neither chibi can detect any falsity in his emotions or actions, so they believe him wholeheartedly.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Their expressions soon turn to grins and they give their father a big hug, showing him how much that truthful declaration means to them. Uncle Trunks was right! He is the nicest, greatest, most special daddy in the whole universe! Maybe even better than that!

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan happily returns the hug. He meant it when he said that his love for them rivals that of his love for his new baby brother. To him, it's mind boggling, almost downright scary how much he can love someone only after twenty minutes of knowing they exist, but he knows it's true and he's embracing it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">He embraces them for a few more minutes, and finally let them go. Now smiling softly at them, he addresses something he noticed earlier about the two. "Boy I can tell that Trunks has been training you two!" He comments. "I can already tell you guys are incredibly strong and that in itself makes me very proud of you two." He looks to see the reactions of his two future children and can see them beaming at the praise.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Daddy I just turned super saiyan yesterday and Pan's already a super saiyan!" Goken chirps, now bouncing up and down excitedly. "In fact, Uncle Trunks says that Pan could have taken out Cell if she went all out!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well, in his first form…" Pan adds in sheepishly rubbing the back of her head, slightly blushing from all of the praise she's getting from her brother and father.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan is once again stunned. It took him forever to become a super saiyan and his two children have already achieved that level and they're not even his age yet! He beams at his kids. "Wow guys, that's really impressive! You'll have to show me later. Right now though we should go to the Living Quarters and let you meet everyone else. Do you want me to show you a neat trick I just learned?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan and Goken both nod enthusiastically, making Gohan chuckle. "Alright, Pan, put your hand on my right shoulder and Goken, put yours on my left." Both chibis comply and Gohan puts two fingers to his forehead and uses instant transmission to teleport them to the Living Quarters.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Capsule Corporation Living Quarters~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks has just gotten done explaining his reason for coming back to this timeline as well as bringing Pan and Goken to Bulma and Vegeta. Bulma is obviously very pleased with the good news and Vegeta just grunts his approval, although deep down, he's proud of his son, not that he will ever admit it. However, Bulma has concerns about bringing Pan and Goken.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Trunks, you know better than anyone the risks of bringing those two," Bulma states firmly. "I know you wanted them to meet their father, but this could seriously risk their existence in this timeline. Do you know who their mother was?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks hesitates before answering. "Yes I do, but you know as well as I do that I can't say who she is. They know as well, but she died right after Goken was born. Don't worry mom, I already went over this with them and they agreed to not let anyone know. Besides, I think the benefits of them being here greatly outweigh the risks. You don't realize how much they wanted to meet Gohan. I've told them so many stories about him, yet they never actually got to see him."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Alright son, I trust you," Bulma replies. "Like I said, you know this time travel business better than anyone. Just make sure that they only meet the Z-fighters."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"So, on a happier note," Goku butts in, trying to lighten the mood a little, "there's a martial arts tournament coming up. Trunks, you already said you're gonna spend a couple days here, right? This tournament is coming up next week. Would you care to stick around long enough to compete?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well I don't know Goku," Trunks answers hesitantly. "I was only going to spend a few days, a week may be pushing it. Besides, who's entering?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well everyone!" Goku enthusiastically replies. "I'm competing, along with Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillin–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Who cares about those other weaklings, Kakarot!" Vegeta interrupts. "You know as well as I do that the only ones that matter are you, me, and your half-breed brat!" He then turns his attention to Trunks. "You should consider entering son so I can see if you've been keeping up with your training these past three years, plus I need somewhat of a challenge if I want to get anything out of this blasted tournament."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks seriously ponders the option. He figures that it would give Pan and Goken more time to be with their family they never knew. He also figures it's another way to gain his father's respect if he does well. "I guess it won't hurt to stay a little extra, plus this tournament sounds fun! I think I'll enter."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Vegeta just grunts his approval, although a smirk appears on his face, and Goku beams at the prospect. "All right! This tournament just got more interesting!" Goku cries, obviously excited at seeing Trunks in action.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">At this moment, Gohan appears in the middle of the Living Quarters with two chibis in tow, surprising Bulma and Vegeta as well as Trunks.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Wow daddy! That was so cool!" Goken chirps, completely oblivious to the stares they are receiving.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I know right?" Gohan responds, also oblivious to the attention he's getting. "That's something I picked up from your grandfather. It's called–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Kakarot!" Vegeta interrupts indignantly, causing the three chibis in the middle of the room to jump. "When did your brat learn instant transmission?!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Your guess is as good as mine Vegeta," Goku responds sheepishly. "I just found out earlier when Chichi went into labor–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What?!" Trunks interrupts, shock apparent on his face. "You had another child earlier?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yep!" Gohan answers for his father. A gleam appears in his eyes at the mention of his new baby brother. "I have a new brother! His name is Goten. I actually was going to show these two him as soon as mom wakes up."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">It was then that Vegeta and Bulma finally notice the two extra chibis that he had been talking about. Bulma's eyes widen at the resemblance Pan and Goken show to their grandparents.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"So Kakarot," Vegeta sneers, "it's obvious that those two are the spawns of your brat from the future are they not?" Of course Trunks already mentioned that they were here earlier when he was explaining why he came back, but after seeing the two future chibis, there's absolutely no question.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Once again, Gohan beats Goku to the punch in answering someone's question. He's obviously very thrilled about the meeting of his two children from the future he never even knew existed. "Yes, they're my children from Trunks' timeline." He then pulls both into a one arm hug and rubs their backs. Again, that gleam he got when talking about Goten returns to his eyes and he grins as he introduces his children. "The girl here is Pan and the boy here is Goken. From what I've heard and from what I can feel, they already are very powerful. I'm sure you can feel it too Vegeta."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Hmph," is the saiyan prince's characteristic reply. "They've obviously been trained by my son. It's settled then; they're entering the tournament as well."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"WHAT?!" is the unanimous reply throughout the room.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I want to see how well Trunks has trained the two brats. If they are as powerful as Kakarot's brat says they are then they will do well, plus I want to know if my son from the future is wasting his time on them or not."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Vegeta!" Bulma shrieks, making everyone else cover their ears. "One, they are from the future! They could risk their existence in this timeline if they compete! What if their mother sees us there and recognizes them huh? And two, that's not even your decision to make, it's theirs and Gohan's!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"WOMAN!" Vegeta yells back. "Not so loud! And what do I care if these brats are never born? They're spawns of Kakarot! It doesn't matter if they–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Vegeta is cut off by an explosion. In the middle of the room is a super saiyan Gohan, sending Vegeta a death glare that even makes him flinch. Everyone, including Pan and Goken, is taken aback by this sudden outburst. "Don't you ever say that Pan and Goken don't matter!" His tone is low but is lined with authority and malice. "If I ever catch you saying that about my children again Vegeta you will not like the consequences."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan continues to glare at the saiyan prince and flares his ki a bit to show him who's superior in power before returning to his base form. He then takes a deep breath and approaches his two children, who are both awed and scared by their father at the moment. As he approaches, they back away a little, and Gohan sighs in frustration. ''Great, now they're afraid of me. Way to go Gohan.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I'm sorry I scared you guys. I really hope you guys realize that I would never hurt you two. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I did. I really hope you can forgive me for my sudden outburst, although I'll understand if you don't want anything to do with a psycho dad." His face drops at his last statement, showing how much the approval of his future children means to him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">However, at that moment, both Pan and Goken rush to their father and give him another hug. They realize that the only reason he got angry in the first place was to defend them, plus he already said he wouldn't hurt them. Even though they've only known Gohan for less than an hour, they already place a great deal of trust in him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan enthusiastically returns he hug, letting out a sigh of relief that they aren't afraid of him. He then loosens his grip a little and returns to the comforting gestures he was doing earlier, rubbing Pan's back and running his hand through Goken's hair. This continues for another few minutes in silence, the adults in the room still recovering from Gohan's little outburst. Finally, Gohan releases his two children.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Why don't we go meet your infant uncle hmm?" Gohan asks his kids, half-chuckling at the prospect of having an infant for an uncle. They both nod and Gohan leads them towards the Medical Ward where his mother is currently recovering from her recent birth. As the trio leaves the room, a smirk finds its way on Vegeta's face.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"So, the brat's more of a saiyan than I gave him credit for," Vegeta remarks. Everyone else in the room throws Vegeta questioning glances.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What are you talking about Vegeta?" Bulma inquires,

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What you just witnessed is a saiyan's parental drive," Vegeta explains. "We saiyans have a deep connection with our offspring, no matter if it's from this timeline or not. Have any of you noticed how close that brat is with his brats already, even though they've just met less than an hour ago?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah, I did find that kind of strange," Bulma realizes. "I mean I know they're his kids and everything, but even I wasn't that way with Trunks when he showed up."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Like I said woman, it's a saiyan thing." Vegeta continues. "The bonds of a saiyan form much quicker than human ones."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"So father," Trunks cuts in. "If that's true, how come you don't seem to have that strong of a bond with me?" If what he says about saiyans and their offspring is true, then shouldn't his father have a bond that's just as strong as Gohan's is with his kids?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Brat, just because I don't wear my emotions on my sleeve like Kakarot or his brat doesn't mean I don't have a saiyan parental bond with you." Vegeta retorts, causing Trunks' expression to change to one of genuine surprise. "True saiyans don't show emotions, as they are a sign of weakness. Kakarot, having grown up on Earth, is an exception to this; however, the way both he and his brat act towards their kin shows how much stronger a saiyan parental bond is than a human one." While Vegeta normally isn't one to patiently explain things, when it comes to the saiyan heritage, he always seems to want to talk about it. This just goes to show how much pride the prince takes in his race.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks honestly is speechless. He had no clue how his father could have a parental bond when he was treated so... coldly! Once he thinks it over however, he realizes that Vegeta does treat him much less cold than everyone else besides his mother. He also always wondered why his father's approval meant so much to him, even though he had never met him before. Trunks realizes that his father is right; though he hides it well, his father too has a deep parental bond with him, and the demi-saiyan can't help but smile at that information.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">After a few moments of silence where everyone in the room takes in what Vegeta had just said, Goku finally breaks the silence. "So do you think Pan and Goken could compete in the tournament?" Goku asks, changing the subject. "I really want to see what they can do."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Goku, like mom said, they could seriously jeopardize their existence if they do," Trunks answers. "Me entering is one thing since I already exist in this timeline, plus my parents are already together. However, if their mother finds out and demands them for answers, well let's just say that wouldn't go well for them. If there's one thing I know about their mother it's that she is extremely persistent at finding out the truth and Pan and Goken are as good at lying as Gohan is, plus they would be tempted to answer them truthfully anyways since they don't remember their mother either… but I suppose it is up to them and up to Gohan. After all they are his kids."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I see…" Goku says a little disappointed. "Well whatever, I still want to see what they can do. Maybe we can spar when we get home."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The four adults continue to discuss the upcoming tournament and their new visitors for the rest of the afternoon while Gohan introduces his mom to her grandkids. After hours of crying and hugging from the Son matron and hours of playing with Goten for Gohan, they bid both farewell as they allow Chichi to rest with Goten, although Goten was left whimpering at his brothers disappearance. Gohan, Pan, and Goken return to the Living Quarters a while later.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Dad," Gohan addresses his father. "Mom has to stay here a few days with Goten to recover from labor so whenever you're ready, we can go home."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Nonsense!" Bulma quickly replies before Goku can (that's been happening to Goku a lot lately). "You guys can stay in the Guest Suite while Chichi's here. We have plenty of room."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well, what do you guys think?" Gohan inquires of Pan and Goken. "You guys are staying with us right?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">The chibis eyes both brighten up at the prospect of staying with their dad. "Do you mean that daddy?" Goken asks with hopeful eyes.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"We really don't want you to think you have to let us stay with you. I mean you only just met us…" Pan adds, but hopeful Gohan will say otherwise.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan just embraces his children for what seems like the thousandth time since they've been here. "Of course I know I don't have to let you, but I want you to stay with us. I don't care if I only just met you two a couple of hours ago, you're still my kids and I love you more than anything. Besides, I want to get to know you better… that is, if it's okay with Trunks." He lifts his gaze at Trunks at his last statement.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">It's true: he feels a special connection with his children from the Mirai Timeline. He doesn't understand it, but he has already formed a deep parental bond with his two children, and now he can't get enough of them. He is driven to protect them at all costs and he puts them over everything else, just like he does with Goten.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks waves his hand at Gohan in a dismissive gesture. "Their your kids. What power do I have over them?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Trunks," Gohan answers, seriousness lacing his voice. "I know they technically aren't your kids, but they may as well be. You've been their father figure for as long as they can remember, and from what I've seen so far, you've done an incredible job with them. Your word means just as much as mine does."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks is baffled by the truth and sincerity in Gohan's declaration. Now that he thinks about it, he realizes that Gohan is right. He really has been more of a father figure to Pan and Goken ever since he and his mother took them in. He's the one that cared for them when they were sick; he's the one that protected them from the androids; he's the one that got them food to eat and trained them to defend themselves.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">I guess I really have been a father to them, he silently ponders. I never thought of it that way. He's also baffled at how an eleven year old Gohan figured it out when he never realized it himself. It's almost sad how mature he is for his age. "Once again, you're right Gohan, but I can see that they really want to stay with you plus I know you would never let anything happen to them. They can stay with you if they want–"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"YAY!" both chibis answer, running over to Trunks and giving him a hug. "Thank you Uncle Trunks!"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks ruffles their hair affectionately. "Well I know you want to get to know your dad. It's no big deal."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"AHEM!" Bulma coughs, getting everyone's attention back on her. "You still haven't answered my question. Are you staying here or not Goku?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Sure, why not?" Goku responds (finally he answers a question). "We don't have much extra space at home for Pan and Goken anyways."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Well it's settled then," Bulma states affirmatively. "The Guest Suite is right off of the Living Quarters. Follow me and I'll show you where to go." She gestures the Sons with a wave of her hand, beckoning them to follow her.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Goodnight Uncle Trunks!" Goken utters, waving at the adult demi-saiyan.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"We'll see you in the morning!" Pan adds in, also waving to Trunks. They both then catch up to their father and follow Bulma to the Guest Suite.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan notices his father isn't following them and becomes puzzled. "Aren't you coming dad?" he inquires the adult saiyan.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"You go on ahead Gohan," Goku responds to his son. "Spend some more time with your kids. I'll catch up to you guys in a bit. I need to talk to Trunks about something."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan just shrugs and then nods in affirmation of his father as Trunks raises an eyebrow in question of what Goku could possibly need to talk to him in private for. "Come on guys, I wanna find out all about you two!" Gohan excitedly addresses his two children. They enthusiastically run up to him and the three chibi Sons follow Bulma to the Guest Suite.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">When the children are out of the room, Goku turns his attention to the lavender haired demi-saiyan. "Trunks, I want to thank you for bringing those two with you. I know it was a great risk, but Gohan is so happy because of it."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks is confused as to why this is a big enough deal to Goku to address him privately about it and thank him. "No problem Goku. I actually did it for them. Ever since they've heard about the time machine they've wanted to go to the past to meet him. I've told them so many stories about him that they've wanted to see what kind of person he really is. I have to ask you though, what do you mean by the fact that Gohan is so happy? Wasn't he happy before I came? Has something happened since the last time I was here?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku's face turns into a serious expression as he divulges Trunks into what has gone on in the past seven months. "Trunks, I don't think Gohan has forgiven himself for what happened at the Cell Games. He has been completely doubting himself and he has been terrified of going to the second level. It seems like he… he blames himself for every little thing that goes wrong." Goku's mood turns to one of deep concern. "I'm worried about him Trunks… he seems to have a seed of self-loathing imbedded in him."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"What?" Trunks doesn't believe what he's hearing. That is pretty much the exact opposite of the way he has been acting today. Trunks would have never suspected anything was wrong with Gohan.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah, and that's not all." Goku somberly continues. "He seems to think that everyone resents him because of it. Some other events have transpired here since you left. Over the months after the Cell games, Piccolo and I made a point to train Gohan to control his super saiyan 2 powers. For the first four months, Gohan was making remarkable progress, being able to control himself more and more." Goku's mood then darkens a little more. "Then, three months ago, there was a rebellion in Hell, led by Cell and Frieza. Gohan and I took care of it, but in his battle against Cell, Gohan relapsed."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I didn't see the battle, but he told me that he tortured Cell worse that time. I tried my best to reassure him that he's still the same Gohan, but I didn't exactly know what to say since I don't know what he's going through. Ever since then, I've made more of a concerted effort than ever to reassure him of my approval and my pride in him. A day doesn't go by where I don't tell him how proud of him I am, and for a while, it seemed to be working."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku becomes more worried about his eldest son as he continues to tell Trunks his story. "At first I thought it was just Cell, that it was his presence that made him that way. After all, the only two times that that has become that way was when he was around Cell, but it happened again earlier today… when he ascended for the first time since the rebellion three months ago."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"He lost it against Piccolo and I. When he first transformed, it seemed like he was arguing with himself… like there was some kind of internal conflict going on. Then he… he…" Goku finds it hard to continue at this point, but takes a deep breath and continues nonetheless. "He just totally snapped. One second I see my sweet, innocent son, the next second, his eyes became cold and heartless. It started with Piccolo. He brutally attacked both of us, but he was more going after Piccolo. He kicked him so hard in the neck; I thought that Piccolo might have broken it. I can't imagine the look of horror that must have been on my face."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Then, he went after me next, and somehow, just before he was going to do the same type of thing to me, he snapped back into reality and stared at me like he was afraid that if I even breathed on him that he would get seriously hurt. That look of pure terror on his face was what scared me the most. My son, the most powerful being in the universe, was completely terrified of me. He immediately returned to his base form and fell to the ground and curled into the fetal position, crying and shaking from pure fear. I had no clue what to say. I've come to realize that this goes much deeper than just Cell."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks is seriously taken aback form these events. He had no clue what Gohan has been going through. "You said that this happened earlier today? I can't believe it, judging by the way he's been acting since I've been here."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku then looks back at Trunks, having been staring at the floor for some time. The mood Goku shows seems to be a lot lighter, although still somber as he answers Trunks. "You see that's the thing" Goku says in a more cheerful tone. "Ever since Goten arrived, it seems that he has forgotten about his self-loathing and put him first. Then, when you three arrived and he met Pan and Goken… I don't think I've ever seen him happier."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"That's why I'm trying to make sure he spends as much time as he can with them." The full blooded saiyan continues. "It seems they give him inner peace. This is the real reason I asked you to enter the tournament Trunks. I wanted you guys to stay as long as possible to give Gohan some peace of mind. Those two are so high on his priority list that he won't do anything to hurt them, which also keeps him from hurting himself. He can only spend so much time with Goten, him being an infant that still needs his mother almost constantly, so Pan and Goken's presence is extremely important at the moment. I have a feeling that if he's around them long enough and gets enough love from them that he will finally crush the seed of self-loathing within himself."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks finally understands the logic behind Goku's confrontation with him tonight. He told him this so that he allows Pan and Goken all the time they need to break Gohan's inner barrier of hate towards himself. "Well Goku, I'm glad you told me all of this. I know it must have been really hard to relive all of that. I'll make sure that Pan and Goken spend as much time with him as he needs." Trunks puts a reassuring hand on Goku's shoulder. He then smiles "Besides, I think that was the intention of all three of them anyways."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku finally cracks a smile for the first time since this conversation started. "Yeah I think you're right. Those three have really hit it off like they've known each other forever."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"They most certainly have," a new voice comes into the conversation at this point. Bulma walks into the room, completely unaware of the conversation that took place only hearing that last bit. "Goku, you should see them now. The scene is so adorable! Gohan really makes an excellent father."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku puts on his best Son grin, masking his concerns from the earlier conversation, and faces Bulma. "Well Bulma, I can't say I'm surprised. When he first heard about Goten, he was completely ecstatic, putting all of his being into working on protecting the little tyke and studying to become the best oniisan he could be. In a lot of ways, he sees Goten as a son, and I know for a fact that he puts Pan and Goken above anything else, just like Goten. That's really all anyone can ask for from a parent." He then looks at Trunks. "I think I'm going to head to the Guest Suite now with your mom Trunks. Thank you for the talk. You don't know how much it helped."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Don't mention it Goku," Trunks replies. "I'm glad we talked."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku then turns back to Bulma, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Umm sorry to ask you this again since you just came from there, but do you think you could show me to the Guest Suite now?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Bulma waves her hand dismissively and smiles at Goku. "It's no problem Goku. I actually wanted to eavesdrop on Gohan some more. Him with those two kids is just too cute to pass up."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Trunks rolls his eyes at his mother. Doesn't she have any sense of privacy?

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku just chuckles at Bulma's antics. "Well alright then you lead the way. Goodnight Trunks!" He adds, waving to him as he follows Bulma down the hallway to the Guest Suite.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;text-align:center;">~Capsule Corporation Guest Suite~

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">For the rest of the night, Pan and Goken tell Gohan everything about themselves besides who their mother is. From what he heard, Gohan realizes that neither of them had any physical memory of his future counterpart; Pan was only two years old and Goken wasn't even born yet when he had died. What makes Gohan even sadder about the situation is that according to stories they've heard from Trunks, he didn't even know of Goken's existence! Gohan found it extremely sad that he didn't even know that he made such an incredible person, let alone the fact that he never got to know him. This is why this meeting him in this timeline was extremely emotional for both of them; Pan finally got to meet the daddy that she lost when she was only two years old, and Goken finally got to meet the daddy that never even knew him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan learned from the chibis that Goken never had any physical memories of his mother either, and that Pan only has a few intimate memories of her. Pan claimed that from what she remembered that her mother had the most unique set of eyes that she had ever seen and that in all of her memories that they were always filled with great love and kindness. Since she had died only a few minutes after Goken was born, Goken doesn't have the connection with his mother that Pan does.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan finds out that Pan misses her mother very greatly and admits that one of the reasons that she came here was to get a chance to see her again, despite the obvious risk to their existence it would bring. Gohan sympathized with her, but told her gently that he loves her too much for her to take such a giant risk; he tells her that now that he's met them that he cannot imagine a timeline without them.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan also found out about how his future counterpart died from his children. Both of them had obviously found out from Trunks. From what they heard, Gohan found out that, not surprisingly, he had died trying to protect his wife and Pan from the androids; he had gotten a distress call from his wife through their bond while training Trunks to become a super saiyan. According to Trunks, his future counterpart had knocked out Trunks before he left so that he wouldn't follow him.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">He then went off to fight the androids. Since this is from Trunks' memories, the chibis had no details of the battle that took place. The only thing that they know is that he died in that battle, and when Trunks had found him, he was face down in a giant puddle in the middle of a rainstorm with Pan crying over his dead body, his wife crying by herself not too far away. Trunks had told them that he was so devastated that he had transformed into a super saiyan for the first time upon seeing the site first hand. Pan had said that she has no memory of this, but that she is still devastated every time she hears the tale of his death. Gohan had immediately felt extremely bad that he had made them tell him, but they had both said that it was fine since they wanted him to know.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan actually had a conscious memory of her mother's death, and the story of her death is from Pan's memories. She had never even told Goken or Trunks how her mother died since both would feel responsible, even though they aren't responsible at all. Pan's last memory of her mother was on the day Goken was born; she had gone into labor with no doctors around to assist her since the entire city was devastated; there were only a few people that had managed to survive the android attack on the city and luckily, all of them were willing to help with the delivery, even though none of them had a clue of what to do exactly. Pan remembers that she was completely terrified of the situation because she had no idea why her mother was in such great pain, but when little Goken came out, she had seen a happiness in her mother's eyes that she had never seen before. Pan also remembers being in awe of Goken's presence.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">It was then that Pan started tearing up as she went through how the androids had arrived right after Goken was born. She remembers that it was like everything happened in slow motion; the androids had thrown a ki blast at the shelter they were staying in. Even though she was still extremely tired from giving birth, her mother had given Goken to her and in a desperate attempt to hide the both of them, she had them hide in a tight alcove that only they could fit into.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">As they had just gotten to the location, the androids had burst into the room through the ceiling. Pan chokes up as she retells the story of how their mother had tried to fight off the androids, when they broke her neck with a roundhouse kick. Pan remembers that she was about to run out after her when she saw Goken in her arms, and because she didn't want to put him in danger, she stayed put and mourned the death of her mother from the alcove. She had told them that when she transformed into a super saiyan for the first time a year ago that this is the memory that she used.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan had cried for a few minutes at this point in the story, and both Gohan and Goken had gone over to her with tears in their eyes and tried to comfort her. After a while she was able to continue her recollection. She remembers how fortunate both her and Goken were when the androids had left without noticing them, and then she soon went out into the city to track down Bulma and Trunks.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">She recalls how luck was on their side once again when Trunks had passed over the city they were in and found them by themselves; she remembers lying to Trunks about her mother's death, saying that she died through an unnatural disease that she had never heard of before, just so that he wouldn't blame himself for not protecting them. After that, Trunks had taken them back to Capsule Corps. where they have lived up to this day.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Both chibis then start to share stories of all of the good times they had despite the horror that came with the androids like playing and training with Trunks. After hearing the devastating stories from his two children about his future counterpart and his wife's deaths, then these cute and happy stories about themselves while they were living at Capsule Corps, Gohan becomes extremely thankful that Trunks and Bulma were around to take care of these two precious lives, the most important lives in the universe to Gohan. He makes a mental note to personally thank Trunks later for taking them in and treating them as his own.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Finally, after hearing all about the lives of his children, Gohan tells them stories of his life up to his trip to Namek. He decides that since he will be spending a whole week with them that he can space out his adventures over that time. However, he tells them about his battle with Garlic Jr. when he was only three to when he got kidnapped by his 'uncle' Raditz when he was four. He also tells them about after his battle with Raditz how he had to spend a year in the wilderness alone to prepare for another threat to the planet, and how their grandfather beat Nappa and Vegeta when they came. Both chibis were shocked to learn that Trunks' dad tried to destroy the Earth, but after Gohan explained how he's changed, they eventually came to terms with it.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Finally though, the time comes that they all must go to bed. Gohan takes Pan and Goken to their shared room and tucks them in.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Goodnight daddy," Goken lazily yawns, obviously exhausted from the events of the day.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Yeah, 'night daddy," Pan reiterates from the bed next to Goken.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan smiles warmly at his two children he never knew he had but a few hours ago. He walks over to Pan's bed and gives her a kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight Pan." He walks over to Goken and repeats the gesture. "Goodnight Goken. I love you both more than you can imagine."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Pan and Goken feel the same way. It feels like Gohan's always been there, and they only met today! "Love you too daddy," both say simultaneously, drifting off in to the depths of unconsciousness one calls sleep. Within seconds of their eyes closing, they were out.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan looks on at his two children with adoration. ''Man, it feels like I've known them forever. I can definitely tell they are my kids. How could I feel so strongly for them otherwise?'' This has been the best day Gohan has ever had, despite the little 'conflict' he had trying to fight the voice in his head. ''Not only was my little brother born today, who is more than I could imagine, I also got to meet my future children, who have made me feel more alive than I've ever felt. I really hope that my kids in this timeline turn out as well as those two have, although I don't think that's even possible to be as amazing as them.''

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan sighs while shaking his head. "I'm getting ahead of myself" He softly chuckles. He then turns off the light to the room and closes the door.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">As soon as Gohan leaves the room he is approached by an insanely grinning Goku. "You make an amazing dad already!" Goku beams. "I saw you interacting with those two. It seems every time I feel like I couldn't be more proud of you, you just prove me wrong."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan blushes slightly that he was caught in an intimate moment with his kids. "I don't understand it dad." He finally responds. "I don't know why, but I already love them more than anything. I felt the same way about Goten the moment I found out about him too, and he's not even my kid. It's insane."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"No, it's you." Goku responds. "You just have parental instincts, even at your young age. You see Goten like a son more than a brother, and Pan and Goken are your children." Goku then drops the grin and looks somewhat sad. "You are so mature for your age, it's insane."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Isn't that a good thing?" Gohan responds, concerned with his father's sudden attitude change.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"It is to a certain extent," Goku answers. "But it just seems like you're an adult already, and you're only eleven. It's like you skipped your whole childhood and…" Goku pauses for a second before continuing. "and I feel responsible for it. I turned you into a warrior even though you hated fighting. I even put you in situations where you would need to kill…" Goku is holding back tears at this point. "I-I just… wish you could've had a childhood that you greatly deserve. I never wanted you to have to go through what you did until you were a lot older, if at all."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Dad…" Gohan shakily responds, giving his father a reassuring hug. "It's okay… I don't resent you for putting me though what you did. I know you wanted what was best for the Earth, plus I wanted to help. I felt like it was my duty to help you since I had the power anyways... I never knew you felt this way before."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"I know. I'm sorry for this Gohan." Goku then softly chuckles. "I'm supposed to be the father here and yet, you're the one that's comforting me like you're the father. This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about. You shouldn't have to do this kind of stuff when you're not even twelve yet."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku breaks away from his son, and looks him in the eyes. A smile reappears on his face and a gleam appears in Goku's eyes as he continues, "It still makes me so proud of you though. Not only have you become the stronger warrior, you've become a great parent as well. I know I've only seen you act as a parent for a day, but I can tell already by the way you handled both Pan and Goken, as well as Goten."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">"Thanks dad," Gohan sincerely replies. "and don't worry about me growing up too fast. It may be too late for me, but you still have Goten. I will do everything in my power to make sure he has a full childhood. Besides, I like being a parent. I've never been happier than I've been today after meeting Goten, Pan, and Goken. It feels so rewarding and I can live my childhood vicariously through them. Never feel bad that I didn't have a normal childhood. I don't. For all we know, everything turned out for the best this way. You taught me that a long time ago."

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Goku is once again stunned at his son's maturity level. He really deals with everything like an adult would. "Once again son, you amaze me. Your words are truly wise. I promise to never feel bad about your childhood again. Thank you Gohan, you have no clue how much weight you've taken off my shoulders tonight." He embraces his son and they stay that way for a couple of moments. He then lets go and tiredly addresses his son once again. "We should probably get to bed. How 'bout it son?"

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">Gohan only responds with a nod before following his father down the hall to the room they're sharing. His mind is still going through everything Goku had said. He never realized that his dad had felt that strongly about him having a normal childhood; his mother perhaps, but never his dad. Still, the somber conversation he had with his father doesn't ruin the happiness that meeting his kids brought him. All he has to do is think about them and his worries melt away.

<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana;line-height:16px;">For the first time since his ascension to the second level of super sayian and discovery of his inner voice, Gohan doesn't have any nightmares that plague his dreams.