Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Gold Warriors ❯ chapter two ( Chapter 2 )

Part 2

It was a lovely morning. The sun rose from behind the mountain, peeking out its bright face to cast a beautiful ray of red and purple light onto a lonely mountain home. The birds sang and squirrels ran about without fear for this home was part of the landscape. No different than the trees or the rocks it was one with nature. No others houses or structures could be seen anywhere among the trees. So alone and silent it sat unmolested among the mountains. It was a special house, for it was what a certain beloved Saiy-jin had called home.

The home now belonged to Chi-chi and more recently had become the permanent home of the Ox-King. The lovely house sat physically untouched by the androids, but mentally was another story for sadness hung in these hollowed halls. A sadness that had settled almost 18 years ago, and had only gotten worse the year Gohan died at the hands of the Androids. Those were long dark days when the clouds covered the sun and rain mixed with tears of a mourning mother. Then slowly but surly the toughness and will to live, out won the sadness beating it back until it was only a thought. Always there but not consciously noticed, and Chi-Chi with her father was learning to smile and live again.

This particular morning Chi-Chi was cooking a great feast for breakfast. It was Son Goku's birthday and in his memory Chi-Chi was working up a grand feast, enough to even satisfied him. Of Course Chi-Chi wasn't going to waste the food. After the morning was said and done she would go the nearest town and would feed those poor souls that have suffered so much in the past years.

Warm memories of Son Goku always made her eyes mist, but he had been dead so long that it no longer burned. Yet even after so many years it only seemed like yesterday when she saw his beautiful smiling face. Sometimes she dreamed that he would come back just to say hi. But of course he was never there when she woke up. In fact she had a weird dream last night…a very vivid and real dream. Just thinking about it made her blush. Oh Goku you lug, still able to send shivers down this old spine even after all these years. Yet even though today was such a nice one something seemed to be amiss, a feeling more than anything else like something was different, not necessarily wrong just weird. In fact something felt truly right for the first time in a long time. Chi-Chi's mind was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice a slow creaking sound. It came from the bedroom and if she turned around she would have noticed the door swing open. But she didn't turn around so unknown to her a lone pair of eyes faded into view from the darkness of the bedroom. They quietly watched her as she frantically ran back and forth. They shifted between the two only inhabitants of the small hut. The Ox-King was at the table quietly reading the newspaper, cup of coffee in hand. Nether noticed the eyes nor felt them yet. Suddenly the Ox-King looked up startled.

"What is it Dad?"

"Oh I don't know? Do you ever feel like someone's watching you?"

"Well…?"

Chi-Chi stopped chopping vegetables and turned to face her dad, a large knife in hand. She looked positively menacing.

"Now that you mention it…I've been feeling that way since last night. I don't know but I think something weird happened? Something very weird."

"But I wonder what it means?"

Chi-Chi shrugged and started back on the meal she was preparing.

"I don't know dad. But I'm not sure I like it. This place was just starting to get back to normal after…(sob)…after Gohan."

"Chi-Chi you shouldn't do that to yourself!"

"I know, but it's hard to forget! So hard! And (chop) now (chop) we are hallucinating (chop) eyes in the bedroom!"

"Eyes in the Bedroom?"

They both stopped and slowly turned toward the bedroom door."

"Um…dad?"

The Ox-King dropped his newspaper and stood up preparing to protect his only daughter from the intruder with his life if need be.

Slowly a lone figure walked from the darkness. Then slowly ever so slowly a shaped started to form, a familiar shape.

(Back at Capsule Corporation. One week later)

"Trunks? You're back? Any luck."

Trunks tossed his coat onto the couch. He was once again filthy, tired and soaking wet. Even after searching for a whole week the z-fighters still remained missing. He had finally decided to come home.

"Must you always state the obvious!

"Don't you take that tone of voice with me boy!"

"Sorry mom. I'll just tired. I haven't seen hide nor hair of any of them. I'm beginning to wonder it that Dragon gypped us."

"Now son. Your have to have more faith. After all this is a big world and they may be hiding out until they understand what's happening. They have been dead almost 18 years."

"I just don't know?"

"Well Trunks. Here's an idea. You go up to Chi-Chi's and the Ox-Kings' if Goku and Gohan are alive. WHICH THEY ARE! They will go up there first."

"You're right mom I'll go right now!"

"Not so fast. First you take a bath. Ugh have you even taken one this week? You stink like a dead fish. Second take GoAkia with you."

Trunks eyes narrowed as he gave his mother a disapproving look. She was standing firm hands on her hips with a queer little smile on her face. He didn't like the idea of taking GoAkia into possible danger.

"But mom do you think that's a good idea?"
"Why not! The Androids are dead besides she needs to meet her Grandmother!"

"She might not be Gohan's you know." Trunck smiled teasinly.
"Oh Ya smart guy. I did a DNA test just to make sure and she is related to Gohan although I couldn't get a good match. Besides who else can be her father then?"
"Ha well the DNA test you did only proved she's related to Gohan. Hahe She could be Goku's secret love Child."
"Oh please that ain't even funny! Go get dressed and go!"

"OK…um where is GoAkia?"

"She's in the graviton. Oh and Trunks please for her sake take a bath first."

Later after Trunks finished his bath. He grabbed a pair of pants, a towel and headed to the Graviton. It's seems like forever since I last came here. He remembered vividly the long hours that he and Gohan spend in this small room. Will he still want to train here? Has he been training in the after life? Will he be proud of me?

With so many questions he found it hard to think. Things were so strange and out of place. He felt like a small kid again so scared and unsure of himself. Trunks hated to admit it but Gohan's approval meant more to him than even his father's. Gohan was his master, his friend. He was the one that was there and had kept the light of hope burning into his dark world.

Opening the door he walked into the large room. The atmosphere was heavy and the walls were stained with the red glow of high gravity. Hum must be at least 200 g's in here. It still amazed him how well GoAkia was taking to the style of fighting he was teaching her. She learned to fly in only a few days and was improving by leaps and bounds. She might end up being a super Saiy-jin in a year or so.

"Yo GoAkia! You in here!"

Suddenly a blur landed in front of him. Like a graceful dancer she spun around and tossed her hands up then gave him a beautiful smile.

"Walla! Perfect 10! Hey cutie what up? You miss me?

GoAkia gave him a wink, and he was reminded yet again why he was so uneasy to be near her. He had found out quickly when he started training her that she was a huge flirt. And the worse part was that some of her remarks hit too close to the mark.

"Very funny GoAkia!"

GoAkia smiled even bigger at the deep blush. Giggling she leaned forward evading his space. Trunks gulped nervously. Suddenly she yanked the towel from his shoulders and wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Just kidding you don't have to have a fit."

She winked again and shoved him playfully. Trunks watched her as she walked over to the control panel and turned off the graviton. He liked the way she walked; it had a smooth rhythm to it, like a dance.

"So what's going on. Have you found them yet."

"No, not yet. Um I'm going to Chi-Chi's to see if they are up there. You want to come."

"Really you'll let me go. That's Great! I can't wait. Is she nice? What's she like? Do you think she'll like me?"

"Whoa settle down GoAkia. She'll like you just fine. But we should get going soon."

"I'll be ready in 10 minutes."

Trunks sighed as GoAkia took off toward her room. He walked over to a bench and sat down. Slowly like gears in a clock his mind started to run over the things bothering him. It was a habit he learned from his father. He didn't really like it but at least it made him more prepared for what ever came up. The main thing bugging him besides finding Gohan and the others was GoAkia herself. She was living with him and his mother for now and to say the least Trunks was uncomfortable about it. He was sure his mother had that in mind when she suggested it. Bulma had the worst habit of playing matchmaker. Not that it would be horrible if…

"Whoa! Settle down boy. Don't let your hormones take control. This is Gohan's daughter you're talking about. She is strictly off limits, hands off, all that stuff."

Trunks closed his eyes against yet another headache started by the pretty Saiy-jin.

At that moment GoAkia walked in. She was wearing a pretty flowered dress that used to belong to his mom, way before his time. It had sensitivity to it that he found appealing. The light blue material hugged all the right areas. Mother sure had her head on straight when she gave GoAkia this dress. GoAkia long unruly hair was pinned up and she was in the process of trying to get it to stay. She once again took his breath away.

"Who ya talking to?"

"Oh no one just myself."

"Well that proves it."
"Proves what?"
"Your nuts."
"Oh shut up! So why ya dressed up?"

"Why do you think I am! I'm going to meet my grandmother for the first time! I want to look nice."
"You don't have to dress up for that."

"OH Trunks, is that a complement…from you?"

"Not if you don't shut your trap and get moving."

"Fine! I'm moving! Lets go."

(Chi-chi's)

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

Chi-Chi's scream echoed off into the mountainous woods surrounding the house. All animals large and small stopped their wanderings to listen to the high-pitched sound. After a moment they went about their business, for it did not concern them. However it did concern the inhabitants of the small house. Inside all hell was breaking loose. Chi-Chi had already fainted and the Ox-King was trying not to. For before him stood the likeness of Goku. The smiling face he knew so well was shining down on him like a ray of sunshine. It was like something out of a dream. But something was wrong. He didn't look exactly like Goku. For the differences small and large alike were very noticeable. The most prominent, hit you in the face difference, were his eyes. Instead of being the warm dark black they use to be, they were now a striking fiery, very unnatural gold. But the changes didn't stop there. On the side of his face and neck were black tattoo like markings. The Ox-King couldn't really put his figure on it but other changes had taken place as well. One he couldn't see, and these changes he was sure would prove to be the most striking.

"Umm hey Goku?"

"Hey Ox-King good to see ya. Opps I guess that was a little much. But I wanted to surprise you all."

Goku stared deeply at the fainted Chi-Chi and smiled. The Ox-king didn't know why but that smile unnerved him. It was a smile suggesting he knew something they didn't

"Ox-King listen I'm really glad about the way you helped Chi-Chi

these pass few years. I would have liked to help…but as you know I was kinda dead! Ha ha ha!"

"No problem Goku. Speaking of which why aren't you dead now?"

"Well it's kinda of a long story. Which it can wait until Chi-chi wakes up and Gohan gets here."
"WHAT GOHANS ALIVE TO??"

"Ya we were wished back."

Something in Goku's expression changed. He was no longer the worry free look that the Ox-King knew so well. It actually scared him. Was this really Goku or something different? How could he be wished back? There were no dragonballs and he had died a natural death. This Goku's expression was dark and foreboding a look that never had crossed the face of the Goku that he knew. Goku then spoke a soft whisper as if he was talking to himself. The Ox-King wondered if he knew that he could hear.

"Yes we were, but not for our own pleasures, there's work to be done. Bloody work."

"What's going on here?"

The fear in the Ox-Kings voice was evident as he laid Chi-Chi down on the sofa. He then stood between Goku and daughter. Never before had he felt such a need to protect her from her own husband. Goku noticed his change and nodded. His eyes bore into the Ox-King and he felt the weight of them.

"You never cease to amaze me."

Goku smirked and walked toward the Ox-King. His steps were light and he eyes never left him. Those eyes so strange, like two golden disk piercing his very soul.

"So you know…"

Then slowly like a fog a strange feeling settled, dark and dense, the sense of fear and death in it almost caused the Ox-King to gag. But he didn't dare let down his guard not even for a second. For among the swirling atmosphere a question formed, a question that had to be answered now! The Ox-King wasn't about to let any harm come to his beloved daughter. He wouldn't let her down, not like he did Gohan.

"Are you really Goku?"

"I can't hide anything from you can I? The answer is both yes and no. I am Chi-Chi's husband and your son-in-law. But I am not the same Goku that died nearly 20 years ago. The otherworld can change a man, and so can the Gold Dragon."

Goku then smiled and the shadow that had settled lifted as quickly as it settled. The Ox-King once again began to breathe, he wondered if Goku had done that on purpose, to test him somehow? Something was really weird yes, but this was Goku. With a single smile he had proven it. And the Ox-King knew with all his heart that that Goku was telling the truth. He wouldn't question the fact again. Goku smiled and looked lovely down on Chi-Chi. She didn't nearly look as old as she was. But more surprises were to come and Goku had a feeling that Chi-Chi would probable gain a few wrinkles off them.

"Just wait until the real damn breaks. Then you'll see a show. But lets not talk anymore about it now. There is a time and place for everything. Some things need the cover of darkness to bring forth."

GoAkia watched as Trunks flew on ahead. He seemed really excited about finding these people. Not that she could blame him; she was just as excited. It was weird and hard to imagine that just a week ago. She didn't have a home, a family, or a species for that matter. All she was to the world was a homeless tailed freak. The memory of her murdered friends and adopted family still hurt like hell but it didn't burn so bad now. The Androids had paid the ultimate price for their sins, although it wasn't nearly painfully enough. So hopefully her family was resting peacefully now. I wish I could take Trunks home and show Mama. She would have liked him.

A single tear slowly slid down her face. Trunks with his unnaturally sharp eyes noticed and slowed down.

"Is something wrong?"

"No not anymore…thanks to you."

The sweet smile that she gave him cause Trunks to falter. He then cleared his throat uncomfortable before starting again. His voice however was a slightly pitch higher than before.

"What do you mean?"

"Trunks what do you think I mean? You were able to avenge everyone on the planet and now those that are gone can rest…I don't think I told you but the androids killed my family."

"GoAkia, you shouldn't worry about that. As soon as we get on our feet we'll get a new dragon and wish everybody back, including you family."

Trunks heart swelled at the look of pure joy that sprang into her eyes. It made him feel guilty for not wishing everyone back before. But with the dark forces the dragon predicted he had deemed it wise to wait and ride it out. No sense in those poor people dying twice.

Trunks thoughts were interrupted by a bone-crushing hug and before he could get his wits together, GoAkia grabbed his head and planted a passionate kiss on him. Never before had he ever felt anything like it, his head seemed to spin clean off and float around in the clouds. It was like a bolt of lighting sending tingling electricity all the way up and down his body.

As her lips left his he felt sure something important was happening. His chest tightened as he tried to catch his breath. He then looked at her surprise was written all over his handsome expression. His whole world narrowed to her beautiful golden eyes. They to had confusion written in them also. It seemed that even she being the flirt she was hadn't expected the seer magnitude of feeling one single kiss would bring. But is it lust I'm felting or something different, something more? Her mouth parted sensually and all he wanted to do was kiss it again. The urge was almost more than he could handle. But as the seconds ticked by each feeling like an eternity he slowly got a hold of himself. Questions then sprang into his head. Why did she do that? Why did I react like that? What's going on…would he approve?

"Trunks…?"

He shook his head gently, his long purple hair whipping about their faces, and placed a finger on her lips.

"Lets not talk about it now."

GoAkia nodded grateful not having to talk about something so intimate so soon.

She then slowly backed off trying not to look him in the eye. How could she have been so stupid? GoAkia didn't understand what just happened, she had just wanted to kiss him saying thank you. Nothing major or passionate, which it turned out to be. Trunks had felt it to, she could she it in his eyes. But why? True she was attracted to him, who wouldn't be? He was probable the hottest guy on the planet. And nicest, smartest, strongest, most passionate. GoAkia shook her head trying to oust the nagging little thoughts in her head. If they kept up this way she would be kissing him again…and more. Never in GoAkia's life had she felt this way about a man. Not even my first boyfriend was like that. Did that mean something? Or was her mind and body playing tricks of her? She had heard that the biological clock thing could mess with ones mind but that was for humans. Could this have to do with my Saiy-jin blood? Bulma said they were more animal like than regular humans were. Am I just trying to satisfy a primitive need? She didn't have an answer, but one thing was for sure, it wouldn't happen again. This GoAkia promised herself, she wouldn't become just a fling with Trunks. If anything were going to happen it would be for love and love only! Which I fear will be entirely too easy to do.

Suddenly Trunks skidded to a halt in mid-air. So unexpected was this move that GoAkia almost plowed into him.

"What?"
"GoAkia go. Hid in those trees down there. I sense something weird."

Trunks grabbed her arm almost painfully and pushed her toward the ground none too gently.

"NOW!!"

GoAkia wide eyed and took off toward the cover of the trees. It was weird how Trunks could be so sweet and sexy one minute and then seemly deadly the next. But what did one expect. He had been fighting his whole life and lost almost everyone he loved. It was a miracle that he wasn't just a fighting machine and that he had a bit of humanity in him.

GoAkia quickly hid herself behind some bushing. She didn't sense anything but she surpressed her power anyway. If Trunks felt it then something was out there.

Trunks waited until GoAkia was hidden and her power surpressed. He was very glad that he went ahead and taught her how to do that. Now Trunks waited, the object of his worries was coming. It would be here soon, already Trunks sharp eyes could make out a vapor trail heading toward him. The power he felt was strange. Never before had he felt anything like it. Suddenly the trail blinked out of existence, Trunks eyes widened in surprise. Where did it go? Trunks felt the familiar tensing of muscle as he readied for a fight. He searched the air in vain looking for any sign or energy signal.

Suddenly from the bushes GoAkia's voice screamed at him.

"Look out behind you!"

Trunks never got the chance to turn as a hard hit sent him crashing to the ground. Debris and dust was sent hurling into the air. Trunks rolled onto his back in the hole he created, he couldn't make out the guy that attacked him. Dust was obscuring the sky and eloping the figure in billowing clouds. On the ground Trunks gasped for breath, buying time, hoping GoAkia was getting farther away. He then slowly got to his feet. Once up he stretched, just to show how little the attack hurt, and glared up at the shadowy figure in the dust.

"I don't know who you are but you just made a BIG mistake! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH"

Trunks didn't waste anytime transforming. He stood there a moment, gold light surrounding him. Then he attacked, to his surprise the attacker met him punch for punch. Suddenly a right hooked came from nowhere and sent him flying again into the ground. Except this time the attacker went with him and gave him a violent punching combo into his stomach. Trunks was being punched into the ground and almost into unconscious. He saved himself by slamming his forehead into the face of his attacker and throwing him into the air.

"You're good I'll give you that! But now I'm done playing."

Trunks was very angry. How dare this person endanger the peace he had fought so hard to win. How dare he attack for no reason without even stating a name. Hot burning hate flared into Trunks chest as he saw a stray energy attack hit not to far from GoAkia's hiding place. He wouldn't live to regret it!

With that Trunks powered up. It was a magnificent sight. Blinding light flashed, thunder rolled, and the very air simmered with power. The power that he gained in the time chamber crackled and simmered, it was well worth the hell he went through to get it.

Some how Trunks realized that he hadn't even seen his attacker yet. Trunks smirked, it didn't matter. This person wouldn't live to see another day!

Suddenly he attacked the attacker. A gasp of surprise was all Trunks heard as he pounded into flesh again and again. The attacker didn't even get a punch in when Trunks felt something give and the figure fell into the dust onto the ground. A loud thud confirmed that he hit bottom and Trunks followed, he wasn't going to let him get away.

"I hope you're ready to die!"

The figure sputtered and coughed before answering with an all too familiar voice. Trunks gasped as it cut into him mind and body. No way it can't be!

"Don't count on it boy!"

"Vegeta?"

The dust suddenly disappeared and there was Vegeta his father lying battered and bleeding on the ground.

"It can't be! Vegeta?"

"How do you know my name!?"

"Vegeta I can't believe its you! I'm Trunks YOUR SON!"

Vegeta visually startled. His eyes were wide as he looked over the man before him.

"How long was I dead?"

"Almost 20 years…father."

"20 years…I had no idea…"

Trunks could see the confusion on his face. Vegeta really didn't know. Suddenly Vegeta snarled and lunged for Trunks. Trunks was taken off guard and fell under his attack. He couldn't fight back, couldn't harm his father.

"It can't be! My son is a child. YOU are not him. I have not miss his life. YOU are in league with the enemy, pretending to be Trunks."

"Father!"

"Don't you call me that!"

Trunks was to startled to do anything but fall back. Vegeta was on him like a wild animal. Trunks grabbed his fathers hands as something flashed by his face. A tiny tinkle of blood swelled and ran from a small cut created by the knife that Vegeta was suddenly holding. Father wouldn't use a knife? Trunks then for the first time noticed that his father looked kind of different. Looking into his eyes he realized they weren't the cold black coal eyes he had grown to know, instead they were gold. Just like GoAkia's…and the dragons. Did the dragon do something to him? There were other differences as well. Vegeta he noticed had strange dark red markings on his face and neck. His hair was also different there were black stripes in it, and his eyebrows were black not gold as they were suppose to be. Trunks eyes narrowed as he fought to keep the blade from his face. Something was weird about the knife, and although it had been years since he feared a knife. For some reason he knew without a shadow of a doubt that this could kill him and worse.

"I am Trunks. But who are you really?"

"Does it matter to a dead man."
"IMPOSTER! My father would not be so cowardly as to kill with a knife."

"You're right! Normally I wouldn't, but this is the only way to rid the universe of your kind."

A evil smile touched his lips as the knife was forced ever so slowly toward Trunks face.

"Now I am a Sadacar, Warrior of the Void! I was touched by the Gold Dragon. So I have the power to rid the universe of you. The dark one will not harm GoAkia!"

A suddenly scream erupted from some bushes and Trunks saw a dark blur attack Vegeta. He was thrown back and the blur followed. It was GoAkia. Kami no he'll kill her! Trunks got up and ran toward his father and GoAkia.

Vegeta didn't waste anytime getting the upper hand and as Trunks raced toward him. Vegeta spun GoAkia around and put the knife to her neck. Trunks stopped, and glared at his father hate burning in his eyes.

"Don't move!"

"Trunks!"
"Don't call him that HE isn't Trunks."

"I'm sorry sir but…he surely is!"

"Please don't hurt her. I'll do anything you want."

"Yes that's a good boy…now answer me. Who are you!?"

"All right. I'm the son of Vegeta who died at the hands of the android, and Bulma Brief president of what is left of Capsule Corp."

"You're an impressive liar!"

GoAkia gasped in surprise. How dare this asshole call the man that saved her life a liar.

"He is not lying you bastard!"

"GoAkia please don't he might hurt you!"

Trunks looked up as Vegeta gasped in surprise. His father then spun GoAkia around so fast that she nearly fell down, but Vegeta held her up and looked deeply into her eyes. Gold eyes met gold eyes.

"You're GoAkia? You're the one?"

GoAkia was obviously surprised and so was Trunks. Never had he seen his father act like this before. Vegeta then looked up at Trunks and moved so GoAkia was behind him, a protective move.
"Harm her and you dead!"

"Wait No! Trunks isn't going to hurt me. He was trying to protect me from you!"

Vegeta looked from GoAkia to Trunks, his golden eyes lingered on the boy.

"You the one would not lie…and you would know if he was an impostor…is he's really Trunks…my son?"

"Yes…"

"Well I guess things have changed, more than even I thought."

"Father, what happened to you? You're so…different?"

"The Gold Dragon."

Vegeta looked cautiously around before returning his new golden eyes on his son.

Trunks felt unnerved by those eyes, on GoAkia they were beautiful beyond compare, but on his father they look deadly. Very deadly.

"Father? You said the Gold Dragon did this. How and why?"

"How I know not, Why? Simple protect GoAkia."

"Protect her from what?"

"For one of the three you know nothing! The Gold Dragon let us see into the void! So we would have the power to protect GoAkia. Once we were touched, our very souls were changed and reshaped so we could survive the voids deepest perils. I am not the Vegeta of old and unlike you boy I am immune to the dark lords poison. It is the only way."

"I'm sorry you lost me at the `one of three'."

Vegeta sneered at his son shaking he head slowly. He then turned suddenly and set his golden eyes on GoAkia. Trunks felt a surprising stab of jealousy as his father studies her up and down.

"Umm so you are the one…not surprising. I don't know why I didn't see it to begin with you look like him."

GoAkia gave him a `confused' look.

"Look like who?"

"Your father."

Trunks suddenly startled something wasn't right.

"How do you know that! You shouldn't even know who she is much less who her father is!"

"Ha you think you know everything, just like your mother! Tell me Trunks how was she this morning, is she doing all right."

"What?"

Vegeta smiled at the look of panic that flowed his son's face.

"Humf! Don't worry boy she's fine…in fact she's probably doing better now than she has in a long time."

Trunks swallowed and nodded. He wasn't sure if he could trust his father but he felt he was telling the truth.

"Come! We got to get going and meet the others."

"Others?"

"Yes Kacorotto and Gohan are waiting for us. We have to discuss the future."

Gohan…

The Ox-king couldn't believe it! Gohan was exactly like his dad. His beautiful soft black eyes were now a fiery gold and he had the same markings on his face.

"Gohan…what happened?"

"Ah don't worry Grandpa it's cool…um is mother all right?"

"Yes son she is."

Goku moved up to stand beside his son. His face was cracked with a big smile as he laid his hand on Gohan's shoulder. The Ox-king smiled as well. How many times had he envisioned Goku standing beside his grown son just like they were. It was meant to be and although there were differences in reality and dream the Ox-king felt truly happy for the first time in a long time.

"Sure she's fine now but wait until she wakes up and sees the two of you here."

Goku laughed and nodded in agreement. Sure Chi-Chi was going to blow a circuit.

"Ya but wait until the bomb drops and she learns about…"
"Gohan! Hush!"

The Ox-king nearly jumped out of his seat at the harsh rebuttal. Never had Goku even yelled at someone like that, especially his own son. What ever was up was big, and by the way Gohan was blushing he figured to wouldn't be good.

"Sorry dad I didn't mean it…"

Gohan actually shank under Goku's harsh stare. Goku then stepped up so he was face to face with his son. Gohan gulped nervously as he stood his ground.

"Listen Gohan I'M the leader of this mission! You don't do anything unless I tell you to. Especially talk about HER!"

"Yes sir!"

"Give the kid a break Karrottoo. Everything's all right."

Goku turned toward Vegeta anger flashing in his eyes.

"Everything is NOT all right! You Vegeta should realize this! I will not have our mission jeopardized by a loose tongue!"

Vegeta's expression sobered at Goku's words and nodded his head. It was true they had to be careful. If they weren't everything would fall apart and everything they held dear would go with it.

"You're right Karrottoo. Just kill the kid now and get it over with."

Goku startled at Vegeta's harsh words. Shame creeped into his face as he sighed and ran his figure though his hair.

"You're right Vegeta. Yelling at him won't help us."

Vegeta smirked, strangely glad that Goku agreed with him.

"By the way there is someone you should met."

With that a timid GoAkia and untrusting Trunks walked in. Trunks had heard the interplay between them and he didn't like it. The Goku he knew would never treat is son like that.

Carefully and discretely he kept himself between GoAkia and Goku. Goku nodded as if

he approved. Trunks then sidestepped toward Chi-Chi keeping his eyes on Goku.

"Chi-Chi?"

He gently shook her just to make sure she was all right. She groaned but did not wake.

"What's going on here."

"I should be asking you that!"

"Kaccortoo! He doesn't know! Neither of them know anything!"

"What do you mean!"

"Hell she doesn't even know who her father is."

Goku looked unbelieving between Trunks and Vegeta.

"Is that true boy? You don't know…?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Goku nodded as he started to pace. Back and forth he walked muttering to himself.

"Well what now fearless leader!"
"I'm thinken!"

"I don't understand!"

"You are one of the three! You were suppose to have already prepared her! Told her everything!"

"kacorrotto how about you tell her."

"Me? Tell…her?"

Goku glanced at Trunks uncertainly. It was true he didn't know, nobody knew. And now their time table was totally screwed. How were they going to survive the dark one now!

"Does it matter now. Everything is screwed! Not even the Gold Dragon can save us now."

"Dad don't."

"Ya Kacorrotto we certainly won't win without a fight."

"And dad…she should know who her father is?"

"Damn it Kaccorotto! GoAkia, Trunks, I believe you have a guess who the mystery man is. Who do you think the father is."

Trunks looked at the people he had wished back. He had thought the father was Gohan, but even when he decided it must be, something had always bothered him. Now that assumption didn't seem right. Luckily for Trunks though the spot light was removed when Chi-Chi started to mumble and stir.

"Dad…I ohhh I had a terrible dream."

"I'm here Chi-Chi. Don't worry everything is OK."

Chi-Chi eyes opened slowly and rested on Goku. She didn't move merely stared. The Ox-King held her hand worriedly.

"Its OK dear. It really is Goku, he's back. He was wished back."

"Goku?"

Chi-Chi didn't move at first then slowly with her fathers help. She then stood before her late husband and stared.

"By Kami…is it really you? Goku?"

"Ya Babe its me!"

Goku gave her a beautiful smile then suddenly cringed when Chi-Chi's confused face became a mean frown.

"Who told you that you get contacts MISTER! AND HOW DARE YOU SNEAK IN MY HOUSE LIKE THAT! I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE BEEN DEAD ALL THESE YEARS…I CAN SEE THAT YOU STILL HAVEN'T GOT ANY MANNERS WHAT SO EVER!! AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAA GOHAN AND YOU MISTER WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO GET A TATTOO!! FROM YOUR FATHER I EXCEPT THIS BUT YOU GOHAN. YOU'VE ONLY BEEN DEAD FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND ALREADY YOU'VE BECOME A PUNNNNKKKKKEEEEERRRR.(sob)"

"Chi-Chi please settle down."

Goku stood back as his father-in-law comforted his wife. Vegeta managed to work his way over to him. He smiled at kaccorrto's uneasiness.

"I think we should leave Vegeta. I'm sure the dark one has heard this woman's rambling all the way into the void."

"Your right…but you should tell her about GoAkia…they all think that she's the boy's daughter. That could be a dangerous assumption."

"I know but if Chi-Chi reacts the way she is now the dark one will for sure feel her thoughts and come."

"If she starts up again I'll kill her."

"No your boy would react negatively to that, he could very well kill us and what good would that do."

"OK Kaccorrto I'll just knock her out."

"No…um lets just tell the boy and GoAkia…Chi-Chi doesn't need to know!"

"Oh don't chicken out Kaccorroto! You promised the Gold Dragon that someone would tell her the truth!"

"I can't!"

"Fine Kaccorroto I tell her!"

"What!"

"HEY CHI-CHI!"

Everyone startled as Vegeta yelled above the crowd. All eyes turned toward him and Goku. Trunks noticed with confusion that Goku was very white. He looked terrified.

"I have something to say! Kaccorroto was suppose to tell you but he chickened out…that girl over there GoAkia. She isn't Gohan's daughter as Trunks believes…she is Goku's."

There was stunned silence. No one could believe it…Goku had a daughter. And since she was younger than Gohan and definitely not Chi-Chi's that meant that he cheated on his wife. Trunks couldn't believe it what was going on. But now that his father pointed it out, Trunks had to agree that she kind of looked like him. She has his hair! Oh how stupid! Why didn't I see it. But how could Goku do that! Oh man Chi-Chi will kill him!

Goku blushed deeply.

"I don't know what to say…Goku."

Chi-Chi didn't cry, scream, or faint. She just looked at Goku a sad painful look on her face.

"Goku it…is it true…she looks like you?"

"What can I say…yes she is Chi-Chi."

More stunned silence.

"Mother it's not as it seems."

Gohan sat beside his mother trying to comfort his mother.

"Gohan did you know? All this time?"

"I didn't know while I was alive. I…we only found out recently…the gold dragon told us."

Two small tears rolled down her face as Chi-Chi tried to control herself.

"Goku…did you love her...that girl's mother?"

Goku looked deeply into his wife eyes. His new gold irises didn't show a speck of emotion. Making a rude noise in his throat Goku turned and walked out of the house. No one said a word, they just watched as he left. Finally Gohan spoke a sad note to his voice.

"Mother he didn't know what he was doing. Let me explain. The woman was an alien species called a fremenica…they were destroyed by the Saiy-jin's long ago. Shortly before dad died one landed on Earth. Her name was Lady Cira, she was the only survivor of her race."

Gohan trailed off and Vegeta's ruff voice followed suit.

"The reason we killed their kind is because they have the ability to control minds. She kidnapped Kaccorrotto and took over his mind. No one knows why she released him…but she did and not long after both she and Kaccorrotto died. But the amazing thing is that she was a seer.

There is a place far away…more like a power. The greatest power in the universe. This place is where the energies of souls go after death for the dead. But for a chosen living few they have the power to see this place and even visit. They are extremely powerful because they had the power of all the dead and more. This place is called the void. It is were the Gold Dragon resides and gets her enormous powers. It is the reason us three are as we are now."

"But father what has this to do with GoAkia?"

Vegeta gave is son a fierce look at the interruption.

"GoAkia's mother was such a power. She could see what was only darkness for others. The power is usually passed from generation to generation so GoAkia isn't different by that aspect, the difference between GoAkia and her mother is that she wasn't born on earth."

"I wasn't?"

"No GoAkia you weren't. A reengage power of the void killed your mother shortly after Goku. But instead of simply dying and waiting to join the void. She opted to save you and go to the void right away. It was a great sacrifice, more than any mortal should do. You were born in the void itself and transported to earth. That is why you are the one. You have a great power in you that only needs to be unleashed."

"What I don't understand is if GoAkia's so powerful why does she need protectors."

Gohan looked intensely at Trunks as he answered.

"Because Trunks the void has cancer."

"Cancer?"

"Yes. The part of the void that protects it has mutated. Just like cancer it now threatens everything. You see the void needs a seer. Maybe not one as powerful as GoAkia but it needs a living interface with the universe. Without one the void loses all contact and basically the universe ends. The cancer killed Cira believing she was a threat."

"So the universe almost ended right then!"

"Yes if it wasn't for Cira's sacrifice…all would be lost."

"but why was she a threat."
"Well technically Cira was harming the void by looking into it. It's a long complicated story, but every time she used the void a part of it was erased."

"Erased…weird."

"In seconds entire species were wiped out, what they felt, said, and thought all gone just like that. The void is all that was left of these people, and the only record that counts was destroyed. This is natural, kinda of like getting a hair cut or something. But the cancer didn't see it this way. So it attacked Cira, and if it finds GoAkia it will try to kill her too." Unexpectedly Goku soft voice broke though the moment of silence.

"I'm so sorry Chi-Chi. I can't say if I loved her or not…but don't ever doubt that I love you!"

Everyone turned at the sound of Goku's voice. Chi-Chi sobbed at the look of pain on his face. Never had she seen him so sad. This secret and what she had to say really meant a lot to him. She realized that now.

"Oh Goku I love you to! I forgive you…from what I heard you didn't have a choice. And well now we have a beautiful daughter."

GoAkia smiled at Chi-Chi heart felt forgiveness. Tears sprang up in her eyes as Chi-Chi ran up to Goku and gave him a big kiss. She looked over at Trunks and saw that the scene touched him as well. She loves him so much. Will I ever love like that?

The two love birds left everyone else to their thoughts as they went to get reacquainted. Gohan, Trunks noticed was nodding with a funny little smile on his face.

"Gohan what is it?"
"Oh nothing really I'm just getting my payment."

"Payment?"

"oh ya, umm…I guess its all right to tell you. You see we took on a very dangerous assignment, and although the void gave us power and immunity the gold dragon thought we deserve more. So each of us get one wish anything we desire. As a type of payment to protect GoAkia."

"What did you wish Gohan?"

"I'm not telling…hey Vegeta how about you tell the boy what you wanted!"

Trunks looked in surprise at the deep blush that settled on Vegeta's face. He looked very uncomfortable.

"mmmmshi"

"What! I can't hear you!"

Gohan laughed at Vegeta's discomfort and Trunks smiled with him. If felt good to be with friends again.

"OK! I wished for Bulma to be younger."

Trunks mouth hung open in disbelief. And it fell wider as Vegeta finished explaining his wish.

"and to age like a Saiy-jin."

"but why?"

Trunks smiled tears springing in his eyes. Maybe things would be better than he hoped. Maybe they could be a family.

"Listen I have to get home. I've been go way to long and I'm sure moms worried sick."

"Nay she probable thinks you're just taking a little time out with you know who."

Trunks blushed as he turned from Gohan's smiling face. He couldn't face him now not after what happened between him and GoAkia before he met up with his father. But he acted to knowingly, but he couldn't know…could he?

"Yes we should start back! We need Bulma to set up her scanners!"

"Why father?"
"Because boy! The dark one will come…someday. We know he isn't on earth now so he will be coming from outerspace. With Bulma's scanners we should get a early enough warning to hid GoAkia in a suitable place."

"All right sounds good lets go."

"Hey you guys go on ahead. I'll stay here with grandpa for awhile."

Vegeta nodded at Gohan and took off, followed by GoAkia. Trunks hung back not really wanting to leave yet.

"Hey you better get going."

"I know."

"It's about GoAkia ain't it?"

Trunks felt a familiar blush creep into his cheeks. Man! Why did he have to look so guilty, they didn't do anything. Gohan just nodded staring as if he uncovered a great mystery.

"Listen Trunks…"

Gohan looked over his shoulder just to make sure Goku was still out of hearing.

"I don't know if I'm suppose to tell you this. Do what ever you feel is right, don't worry about what others will think. Whether you believe it or not your one of the three, I'm thinking your probably soul."

"Soul? Soul what?"

"There are three teachers on earth. Each one has something to teach GoAkia. She will need these skills to survive the void when she enters it for the first time. Every seer has them, the void creates them when the they are born. GoAkia's case is strange…she was suppose to have at least an understanding of the void now, if not already entering it. The mother is usually teaches them first."

"But GoAkia's mother died."

Gohan nodded and Trunks for the first time realized how dangerous of a game they were playing.

"So that's why the Gold Dragon was so freaked out."

"The three teachers besides the mother, are Mind, Body, and Soul. They are born with the knowledge to teach her but will be unknowing until they met her."
"I don't know what to teach her and we've known each other for about two weeks."

"I know that's what's so scary, and what's worrying father. We know you're one of three because the dragon told us you were. That's why I'm saying to do whatevers natural, just do it…if you know what I mean."

"Umm…I'm going now!"

"Bye Trunks!"

Trunks took off at top speed embarrassed to the core. Was Gohan suggesting what he thought he was suggesting? And what if I am soul…what do I know about them. I can't teach GoAkia anything about Souls! Looking ahead Trunks was relieved that his father and GoAkia weren't to far ahead. Speeding up he fell in beside GoAkia. Not really willing to met her eyes he stared off into the horizon.

"Wow Trunks this is one weird day! I met my father and brother AND learn my mother was an alien too! This is really weird!"

"Trunks! We'll be stopping by Roshi's island on the way to Bulma's!"

"What?"

"Ya Trunks! Your father says he sensed one of my teachers there."

"I don't see anyone that would be a good teacher…other than Master Roshi but what could he teach her that GoAkia would need?"

"You'll see boy!"

On Masher Roshi's island all was calm, all was peaceful. Since the androids had been destroyed Oolong, the sea turtle and Master Roshi had moved back into the house. Nothing seemed different this day. Oolong played cards with the turtle and Master Roshi lay sleeping in the back yard with a magazine.

"Hey what's that?"

Oolong glanced up at the sky nervously. He still wasn't really convinced that all was safe, not after 18 years of terror.

"What is it turtle?"

"I think its Trunks."

"Trunk? Well now what does he want?"

"I don't know why doesn't you ask him when he gets here."

"No need to be sarcastic."

"We better wake Master Roshi."

"Ah that old bag can wake himself."

Oolong got up and walked to the beach to meet Trunks. He could barely make out two other figures. A moment of panic ripped though Oolong as he thought of the androids. Could they be back and following Trunks, really to kill all in their path? No…Trunks could beat anyone up he was the strongest in the universe now. They had to be friends…but who? Trunks finally landed and beside him a pretty little black hair girl. Was it Trunks girlfriend? Where did the other one go?

"Hey Trunks long time no see. Who's your little friend?"

Suddenly a rough and familiar voice rang through the air almost scaring Oolong to death.

"Do not speak of the one that way!"

Oolong spun around and gapped in wonder a Vegeta, well at least he thought it was Vegeta. He looked kinda weird with the gold eyes and tattoo.

"Pig is Roshi here!"

"Ahh ya he's out back sleeping."

With that Vegeta turning and walked away toward Master Roshi.

"um Trunks…is Master Roshi going to be all right with mister personality…?"

"Yes he should be. I hope."

"You hope?"

"Well my father has changed a lot."

"That's needless to say. Where did he come up with that ridiculous tattoo gig."

"It's a long story. But first Oolong I would like you to meet GoAkia."

"Pleased to meet you miss."

GoAkia smile was beautiful. But Trunks mind was elsewhere. What did father want with Roshi? GoAkia went over with Oolong and meet the turtle. She was delt a set of cards and entered the game. Without missing a beat Trunks moved toward the back. He trusted his father but could Master Roshi truly be one of three? Trunks snuck a peek from beside the building. Vegeta was standing by a sleeping Master Roshi. He had a strange expression on his father. It was vacunt hollow look. Like he wasn't there? Trunks was about to ask him if he was alright. When without hestitation Vegeta raised his hand and shot Master Roshi.

The force of the blast rocked the entire island, and the light could be seen from miles away. The card game up front was rudely enterupted as contestent and cards where tossed everywhere.

"What was that?"

GoAkia grabbed both the Turtle and Oolong and flew off the indangered island.

"I'm not sure?"

Outback Trunks stood in stunned silence a moment before transforming and grabbing his father. He killed him…in cold blood! He is no better than the androids!

"Father what do you think you're doing!"

Trunks shook the body but the mind seemed to be gone. What was going on.

"Father!!"

Vegeta shook his head as if waking from a dream. His eyes were wide not in surprise but fear.

"Father Why…why master Roshi?!"

"He was…?"

Vegeta shook his head again like he couldn't get his thoughts togeather. Trunks softened a bit, but stayed transformed. He wasn't going to trust his father not now.

"He was…is…there."

Trunks turned in the direction Vegeta indicated and accually dropped his father. Although his features were hidden in a cloud of dust, Trunks could tell it was Master Roshi. His father was right. Master Roshi was standing right behind him. He wasn't dead…but how did he survive such a blast.

"Master Roshi?"

Slowly Roshi stepped out of the dust. Trunks mouth hit the ground with an audible thud. He was young! Master Roshi wasn't old he was Young!!!

"Hello Trunks!"

Trunks stared at the new master Roshi. He still was wearing the same cloths he was a moment ago expect now they didn't fit him. And instead of the old gray beard his hair was now a fiery deep red.

"I don't understand."

Master Roshis smile split his face and in one clean motion tossed off his sunglasses. He eyes they were dark brown. Trunks half expected them to be gold. Vegeta normally demanding voice was quiet and almost soft.

"A gift…"

Trunks glanced at his father. Ok he didn't kill Master Roshi but it should looked like he was trying to.

"Don't worry so much Trunks! I am one of three and now I'm ready to train her."

"YOU! You're the teacher?"
"Well who else?"

Trunks couldn't get his head on straight. Way to many weird things were happening today. Master Roshi on the other hand was taking the change rather well. Rubbing one hand against his beard his smile never leaving his face.

"Well you go and update the lady…I'm going to go shave!"

Trunks watched as Roshi went into his house then turned to his father. He was sitting on a rock looking to the horizen, the waves lapped gently against the beach. The air smelled like salt and burnt ozone.

"Ok Father you better start explaining!"

"Listen boy It was all part of the process."

"What process!"

"I took him to see the Dragon."

Trunks eyed his father…something still didn't seem right but Master Roshi wasn't dead.

"Ok I'll drop it…but please warn me before you do that again!"

At that moment GoAkia came running hold both Oolong and the turtle under her arms.

"What happened here!"

"Don't worry its been taken care of."

Suddenly Oolong noticed Master Roshi's destroyed barely reconizable chair.

"Oh my God where's Roshi!"

"Don't worry PIG!"

Oolong cringed at Vegeta's harsh voice

"Don't worry Oolong he's inside shaving."

"Shaving? Master Roshi hasn't shaved in 50 years."

Trunks shrugged as he ushed GoAkia and her passengers away from his father. Trunks still didn't trust all that was happening and he would be damned if his father freaked out again and killed one of them. GoAkia let the turtle and Oolong down and they picked up the forgotten card game. But Trunks noticed the stiffeness in GoAkia's shoulders. So she doesn't trust him neither. At that moment the new Master Roshi came out. Oolong and the turtle both stared in stunned surprise.

"Oh my Gosh HE's young…"

"Ya and he shaved."