Chapter 01: Prologue
It was a Friday night and Trunks had managed to get Gohan, Goten and Tora to a dance club for the evening. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, but Gohan still seemed a bit distant in a sense as if emotionally giving the others as much space as they needed. Trunks looked up from dancing to that his older self seemed distracted; he followed Tora’s gaze to see Gohan and Goten sitting at a table and talking. With all the other distractions he couldn’t quite make out what they were saying and neither could Tora. Bringing both of them a tad bit of concern because it was obvious something was making their best friends unhappy. Trunks had noticed that Tora always seemed hyper sensitive of anything having to do with Gohan. For example if you mentioned the words “Gohan” and “trouble” in the same sentence anywhere within Tora’s hearing ability. Next thing you knew you were under interrogation by a SS 2 half blooded Saiyan prince who was holding you by your throat. This lesson was taught to them by Yamcha when he was talking about Gohan and trouble with relationships. It had taken some time to calm Tora down and explain what the conversation was about. It was slightly amusing but very scary.
*I am sure he is alright* Trunks said trying to soothe his older-self’s anxiety.
*I wish I knew what they were talking about* Tora responded. *Neither of them seem very happy about it.*
*I’ll ask chibi, about it* Trunks promised.
This seemed to be acceptable to Tora, and he continued dancing with Sarah, a girl he met shortly after he returned to the current timeline and was becoming good friends with.
“You okay?” Sarah asked.
“Just thinking about an old friend.” Tora answered.
“Gohan Son?” Sarah asked indicating to the table not far away.
“I guess, but there has always been someone he reminds me of.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the past.” Sarah answered.
“You’re right. Have skeletons in your closet do you?” Tora asked.
“Doesn’t everyone?” Sarah answered with a laugh. Tora laughed with her but had to admit that she was right. There were some things that were hard to bury in the past whether you wanted to or not.
“I thought you’d be out of my mind
And I’d finally found a way to learn to live without you”
‘Gohan-san’ Tora thought to himself sadly. It had been a while since he thought about his old friend and teacher. He couldn’t forget him, and he never wanted to. But Gohan-san would have wanted him to move on with his life wouldn’t he? Tora had avenged his teacher’s death as well as the deaths of other friends, family members and all of the other innocent people the monsters of his time had destroyed. Then he had helped them rebuild their wartorn lives. Things were better now and they no longer needed him there. In the last seven years there had been no threat in his own world. Unfortunately, at the same time his mother began noticing things that she had only suspected before one was that in their late twenties (by Earth years anyway) Saiyans stop showing physical signs of their age. You could be in your fifties and look in thirties. Second, Saiyan’s were not used to inactivity. They had to keep at SOMETHING training, fighting, etc. Or else they got restless. Third although their world was healing the survivors of the androids were very suspicious and anxious. Looking for new monsters and threats behind every corner. It was getting increasingly difficult to act human all the time. So perhaps it was better here, but part of him still longed for a piece of the past the one where he still had his old friend and mentor. The man he had secretly began “Crushing” on years ago, not that he would ever reveal this fact to anyone. It was sort of complicated to explain to anyone else, in fact there were times even he wondered if he understood it all. Especially now that some of those feelings were starting to spill over a little into the feelings of friendship he had for the Gohan of this time. Talk about headaches. Where did his feelings about his mentor end and his feelings for his younger friend begin? They were two separate people, he knew that, but sometimes it seemed like they were one and the same, and not just in the DNA sense. His Gohan was dead, he just would have to keep reminding himself that. If any chances he had ever existed he had lost them when his Gohan had died. Now was the time to act like he had these last 7 years or so, the time traveling always made things very confusing. He suspected that his mom made a mistake in calculations because he was the same age but the boy that was nearly ten years his junior was now within 4 years of his current age. Which was odd to think about. And Goten and his younger self were in there teens. Something had to have gone wrong. But no one else seemed disturbed by all this so who was he to complain? He sighed, no matter where he was no matter what he did a piece of him longed for one Gohan or the other friendship or not, like an addiction that he couldn’t alleviate he NEEDED Gohan Son in his life in one way or another. His life felt barren and empty if he didn’t sense that familiar ki near him.
It can be interesting how easily your life can change. How such little things can change your life forever. When he had first asked Gohan to train him he would’ve never guessed what would happen as a result. What caused him to do it was questionable, but whatever it was the day he asked… okay he’d be honest BEGGED Gohan Son to train him became the first step of an interesting journey. It could be questionable whether it was for the better or not. He had many questions on what would’ve or could’ve happened if something had happened differently. But if he wanted to tell himself the truth there where too many what if’s, and if only’s to think about them all and to have them happen, there would be ZILLIONS of alternate timelines and dimensions and universes than could even be imagined. Seeing Gohan in the past did help a little but it had been a two edged sword. Sometimes it made him miss his master more, but after awhile they became friends, and together with the Z warriors they were able to save at least one time line from his own’s fate. He even got to meet his father, who by the end finally accepted him and may have even loved him. He learned that Vegeta loved all his children, he just didn’t always know how to express his feelings. He had also been concerned about how his younger self felt about him just moving in like this but he seemed okay with it.
*Of course I am.* came a reply to his mind
*Sorry just deep in my own thoughts*
*You are right about dad, and yeah I guess I felt a little insecure when you first showed up but I got over it. I guess part of me wondered I was no longer wanted because you were their favorite or something.*
*Chibi helped with that I hope.*
*Yeah he did. he’s been my best friend for like ever…* Trunks trailed off in thought. *But anyway you are welcome here*
Tora couldn’t help but smile to himself, there were times Goten and Trunks relationship reminded him of his friendships with Gohan. Both were slightly different but in many ways the same.
“Penny for your thoughts.” Said Sarah’s voice gently breaking him out of his thoughts
“Gomen,” Said Tora. “I got distracted.”
“That’s okay.” Said Sarah “It was a pleasant stroll down memory lane I hope.”
“It was.” Tora assured her.
“That’s… good.” Said Sarah. She was no longer looking at him however something else had gotten her attention. “I’m going to get a drink.” Said Sarah, Tora’s saiyan hearing could pick up something not quite right with her voice. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, I’ll be here.” Sarah nodded and melted away into the throng of people
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‘I am going to Fucking KILL her! Just who the HELL does she think she is?’ Sarah fumed mentally as she marched single mindedly towards the one set of doors like a soldier on a mission, a mission to maim, torture and otherwise SERVERLY INJURE the woman she had her sights on.
“Sarah.” Said the girl in a sickenly sweet voice. “How have you been?”
“Crystal.” Sarah hissed “What are you doing here?”
“What do you mean? This is a public place, dear cousin.” Answered the rainbow haired girl in front of her.
“This isn’t your scene and we both know it. What are you doing here?”
Crystal took a slow sip from her drink. “I heard some interesting news.”
“What news is that Crystal?” Sarah asked.
“That the love of Gohan Son’s life has come back into town.” Crystal replied.
“What are you talking about?” Asked Sarah.
“The mysterious Tora Vegeta Ouji.” Said Crystal with a nod towards the man on the floor. “You didn’t know Gohan was gay?”
“Bi maybe.” Said Sarah “He’s been on dates since his time with you dear cousin. The sarcasm was not lost on her cousin.
“But I can guarantee you he hasn’t slept with any of them.” Said Crystal.
“What any man with the sense to turn you down has to be gay?” Asked Sarah.
“You know it.” Said Crystal with a wink. “I’m just here to meet the competition.”
“There is no competition, Crystal.” Sarah interrupted “Gohan doesn’t have any feelings for you.”
“So?”Asked Crystal. “He didn’t love any of the others either really, except for maybe that Satan chick. But then again he never slept with any of them. Makes you wonder if he ever did, you know with him.” Crystal’s eyes went back to Tora.
‘I have got to get rid of her. She’ll never give them any peace. Please Dende, if you exist help me get rid of this bitch!’ Sarah mentally prayed and then gave the overconfident slut in front of her a hard shove through the doors.
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“Shit, you bitch that hurt!” Said Crystal gently touching where her cousin had hit her.
“Good.” Answered Sarah. “You deserve it for all the hell you put people through.”
“You know what…” Crystal stopped as she saw a figure appear.
“Is there a problem here ladies?” Asked a calm voice.
“Yeah that bitch hit me!” Accused Crystal.
“She is not welcome here, she needs to leave.” Said Sarah calmly.
“Now just wait a minute…” Started Crystal
“I agree, she should.” Said the calm voice again.
Crystal was taken back. “ExCUSE me? Why do I have to go? She the one that came after ME!” Crystal’s rant was cut off by what she saw. “What the HELL are you?”
“What do you think I am?” Asked the figure flashing his fangs and showing an hand that seemed to have claws.
“Some type of Demon.” Crystal answered.
“Demon? Don’t be ridiculous.” Said Sarah. “The only creature of the pit around here is you. So why don’t you just leave?” Crystal seemed ready to say something about that but stopped and with a glare from whatever it was by her cousin and flew out of the building like a bat out of hell. Sarah watched her cousin leave.
“Thank you Piccolo.”
“No problem. Should I follow her?”
“You probably should.” Sarah agreed “And Piccolo?”
“Yeah?”
“Try not to kill her?”
“Oh alright, have it your way.”
“Thanks, I will.” Said Sarah and went back to join her friends.
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As Sarah ejected her less then desirable relation from the dance hall, Trunks caught up with his childhood friend on the floor.
“You okay, chibi?” Trunks asked his friend with concern.
“Yeah I’m fine.” Goten answered.
“Sure look it.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Goten answered.
“Okay.” Said Trunks “You have a secret, that is not allowed.”
“It’s not my secret to reveal Trunks, it’s Gohan’s and if he wants anyone to know he’ll tell them himself.”
There was concern on Goten’s face. “You sure everything is okay, chibi?” Trunks asked gently. “It’s not HER again is it?”
The look in Trunks eyes was murderous. Goten shook his head. “Nothing to do with her.”
Trunks nodded “Alright what does it have to do with?”
“Trunks…” Said Goten with an exaggerated sigh.
“You don’t have to give me the details just the subject.” Said Trunks.
Goten thought carefully. “Gohan’s in love I think, but there some complications with the issue.” He looked at Trunks, Trunks had the same look on his face he had in meetings when something had his full attention. “I see and I guess he’s going to my father to learn how to not let his feelings get in the way?”
“Yep and to spar of course.” Goten answered.
Trunks shook his head. “I don’t get it, but I am guessing that if he said there are complications there really are complications.”
“There are.” Goten said quietly feeling sorry for his brother’s situation. Oddly enough it was one he could probably relate with, his thoughts were interrupted when his childhood friend’s hand touched his shoulder. “Chibi?”
“I’m okay Tru-chan just thinking.” The look Trunks gave him said that Trunks didn’t quite believe him but Trunks smiled. “If you say so, ‘Ten.” He said and went off to find another dance partner.
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“I thought it was a matter of time,
until I found a hundred reasons not to think about you”
Gohan sat by himself in a special place he found years ago. He used to come here when he need to think and now, he REALLY needed to think. It was happening again, although the training he had been getting from Vegeta still was working. It seemed like it was no use, the feelings he had for Tora weren’t staying as locked up as he wanted them to and it wouldn’t be long until the dam broke and he would reveal more to Tora then he would probably ever want to know about Gohan’s obsession with him. ‘I don’t get it.’ Gohan thought to himself. He had been doing fine until a couple of days ago, the training looked like it was working, he could focus on being Tora’s friend and not worry about any of his other feelings about Tora, and Tora still was in the dark about Gohan’s crush on him. At least he was still doing a good job with that, funny thing was Gohan couldn’t think of when his feelings for Tora really started. Probably when he first laid eyes on the mysterious teenager. Tora was definately strong and powerful and had to be one of the most gorgeous things Gohan had ever seen in his life. Not that he would ever make that comment OUTLOUD of course. Gohan couldn’t help but wonder at one time if the beautiful boy was an angel, then he learned who Tora was. That made it even better but harder too a little. For one thing it’s difficult to compete with well, YOURSELF. Then Tora admitted to Gohan that his other-self in Tora’s timeline was dead, that he died fighting the androids. All of the Z fighters in Tora’ s time did. This was revealed one night have Tora had been having nightmares and Gohanwas comforting him. Gohan slept with Tora that night to help him. It worked because after clutching the younger man to his chest Tora had drifted to sleep and didn’t rise to late the next day. Gohan stayed there as long as possible hoping the man that was slowly capturing his heart was alright. When Tora had left Gohan felt like his heart had been ripped out of his chest and felt a pain he couldn’t explain. That was when he realized that he had fallen in love with the beautiful warrior from the future but he also knew that the chances of him ever seeing Tora again were next to nothing. Tora was needed in his own timeline, but it figured that two days after Tora left was when Gohan realized what was happening. Why the aching didn’t stop that the pain he felt wasn’t only the death of his father but the loss of the one that may have in time been his mate if things could have turned out just a little differently.
Gohan sighed, he had been over all this in his head a million times before. He had been fine for a while and for a short period of time thought that he had moved on, that he could move on after all there was no hope that Tora felt the same way was there? Tora seemed to be with Sarah and he would respect that. Tora just didn’t feel the same way, but they were still friends right? Gohan hoped so, even if he couldn’t have Tora’s love the idea of losing him completely pained him. Another thing that bothered Gohan was that Tora was distant today. There was something wrong he could tell. Problem was he knew exactly what it was too. The question was what did Tora want to do about it? Gohan was more than willing to assist his friend in anyway he needed but wasn’t sure if he should ask. Fighting the andriods of this time, his own time line, Cell and… the death of his own Gohan today was the mark of a three day slump that Tora would go into as he remembered and in his own way mourned these events. Gohan knew because Chibi (Trunks) had told him. Gohan looked at the starlit sky pondering his options. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the Saiyan that for so many years held his heart but knowing what to do, that was difficult.
“But it just is not so And after all this time I just can’t let go”
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(else where)
“So I can have him?” Baba asked King Yemma and the elder Kai.
“You can have your new fighter, Baba.” Said the Elder Kai.
“As long as he agrees to it, I don’t really have any problems either.” Said King Yemma “Although I am a little curious on how you are going to talk him into doing this.”
“Simple.” Said Baba “I have something he wants. I believe we can negotiate an agreement.”
“So basically you are going to manipulate him into captivity by bribing with his heart’s desire?” Asked King Yemma.
Baba scowled at him. “It’s not like that, but he will agree when he sees what I can offer him.” She answered and walked out the door.
“Hopefully it has absolutely nothing to do with what she is insinuating.” Said the elder Kai.
“Amen to that.” Said King Yemma and they both shuddered at insinuated ideas.
“I heard that!” Called Baba.
“Old as dirt, wisdom of the ages, and good hearing.” Muttered Elder Kai.
“And you wonder why I do what she says when she looks the slightest bit angry?” Asked King Yemma.
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Gohan found himself getting frustrated. What was WRONG with this damned thing? The warrior he won it from said it would allow him to see what he wanted and he had yet to find Trunks anywhere in their world! He wasn’t dead Gohan would know if he was. He had always been hyper aware of everything that involved his young friend. Yet for some reason his request for this infernal device was being denied.
“Here let me help you.” Said a voice from behind him. Gohan turned and saw Baba. “You want to see your student don’t you?” Gohan nodded. ” Then let me see it.” Baba prompted seeing that Gohan had made no movement to give her the item. Reluctantly Gohan handed the device to Baba, who examined it and started laughing. Gohan glared at her as he couldn’t see what was so funny. “Never mind boy,”Said Baba seeing his confusion. “This item does not do what you intend for it. So let me help you.” Gohan seemed a little weary at this suggestion. “No strings are attached.” Baba assured him and found Trunks for him. She watched interested at the subtle changes that came over the fighter as he watched his friend. “How old is this?” He asked.
“A couple of days ago.” Baba answered.
“He looks happy.”
“He is for the most part.” Baba replied. Gohan caught the catch in her voice.
“What’s wrong?” He instantly demanded.
“Watch.” Came the reply. And he did, however he gave a slight sigh of relief ‘Trunks’ he thought to himself. Then groaned slightly, he promised he wouldn’t do this. He had tried to put the younger demi in the back of his mind and it worked for a month at at time. He couldn’t help it, at some point whe he wasn’t looking his hear had given it’s self to the the younger saiyan. Of course, he knew better than to say anything the boy had been 13 for Kami’s sake! The question was why on Earth was it happening and how could he stop it? The problem was he couldn’t, but he did decide against telling him and for three years had managed to hide it behind friendship, brotherly love and the concern of a mentor. However he knew he would never force his intentions on the younger boy or in anyway push him towards things he was not ready for or interested in. So Gohan continued to keep his secret every so often looking for clues that Trunks knew or was interested and had seen none. He never told Trunks how he had felt, and he probably would never know that he was the only thing on Gohan’s mind when he died. Gohan shook his head and refocused on the matter at hand, when he happened to see a glimpse of something.
“What was that?” He asked Baba.
“What was what?” Baba asked sounding confused, but Gohan ignored her and took control of the object. He didn’t find what he had intended but what he did find was interesting. It was his other self, and from the feel of things… He was just concerned about Trunks as he was.
Baba watched as the wheels turned in her prey’s mind. She saw what he was seeing and some wheels of her own started turning and her plan evolved further than it had before. If she took her time and executed certain things correctly she could have more than she originally planned and there would be so much more gain in the process. However, the young Son may not be able to do it all himself. His mind had gotten to the point where it revolved around one thing, and at this moment his other self shared his condition both of their minds, hearts and well at this point lives revolved around the same thing Torunksu Vegeta Briefs and his happiness. This… weakness… could definitely be played to her advantage. She smiled a familiar smile. The kind that says “I am plotting and you’re involved.” However anything she would have done to cause it was no longer needed as Gohan disappeared from her side.
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“Something in your eyes keeps haunting me And I try to escape you
And I know there just is no way to, No way to chase you from my mind. “
Gohan moved from his place on the hill slightly as there was a flash and infront of him he saw.. well himself.
‘What the?’
‘What the?’
Neither of them had a clue what was going on, so they carefully looked each other over, both sensing the other was not a threat. This took a couple of minutes to digest. “You’re… you’re me aren’t you?” Gohan asked.
“Sort of.” The other answered “Well, biologically we are the same person. I think we may have had different experiences though.”
Gohan took in the scar and the missing arm and agreed. “So where are you from?”
“Other World.” The other answered.
Gohan shook his head, who knew he could be such a smart ass? “Very funny.”
The other shrugged. “It’s where I was before I appeared here. Seemed like a good answer. Earth was the other one.”
Gohan again shook his head, this was not really getting anywhere. The other him sat down across from him. “But joking aside I think I know why I came here.”
“Really?”
“We have a mutual friend… and a mutual concern.” the other answered.
“Tora.” Said Gohan not knowing how he knew but the other’s nod confirmed that he was correct.
“So what do you think we should do?” The other asked.
“I don’t know if there is anything I can do. Most of this… funk he is in has to do with things that are from your timeline.” Gohan answered. “He doesn’t need me for comfort.. he needs you.”
“I wish I could.” Said the other, “but there is only so much I can do.”
“You should be the live Gohan.” Gohan answered. “He needs you more than he needs me.”
The other seemed to disagree with that a bit but there was a ring of truth in it. Tora needed his old friend and the one that would probably do him the most good was the one that had died. “He needs you too.” There, there was something he could say back to his younger self. He only thought of it that way because this one was slightly younger than he was when he had died.
Gohan laughed “Too bad we can’t do a fusion.” he said.
Mirai Gohan looked at him. “Fusion?”
“It’s when two fighters of similar size and power combine into a stronger being for a specific period of time.” Gohan explained. “Dad managed to do it with Vegeta. And Chibi did it with Goten. Our younger brother.” Gohan added realizing Mirai Gohan wouldn’t know who Goten was.
“Hmm.. but I am dead and you’re alive I doubt any fusion technique would really work, even the one Piccolo did with Nail.” Said Mirai Gohan in thought.
“Yeah Nail was still technically alive when it was done.” Said Gohan.
“Well, if you boys have come to a decision maybe there is something that can be done.” Said a voice. Both turned to see Baba had joined them.
“You know, you shouldn’t sneak up or eavesdrop on people like that.” Said Mirai Gohan.
Baba shrugged off the recovering Saiyan’s comment. “Do you want to do a fusion or not?” She asked.
“Don’t we both have to be alive?” Asked Gohan.
Baba sighed, “Didn’t you hear what I just said to you?”
“You didn’t tell us anything other than ‘do you want to do a fusion or not?’.” Mirai Gohan told her.
“You sure? Oh well, old memory isn’t working the way it used to I guess.” Said Baba. “You can fuse but I suppose it will be similar to Piccolo and Nail or Supreme kai and Kibito’s. In other words for most intents and purposes permanent. Do you think you can deal with that?”
Both Gohan’s looked at each other, before making their decision. Yes they could deal with being “stuck” with each other.
“Wait a minute… what do you get out of this?” Said Mirai Gohan sounding a little suspicious. Baba wasn’t evil or something but there was little doubt she would do something like this without something in return. Besides the dead just don’t just stop being dead without something involved.
Baba looked at the two Gohans, both were interested in the fusion but they weren’t going to take this without knowing the price. “We can talk about that later…” They gave her a twin look of apprehension. “Fine we’ll iron out the details later, but here’s the deal. I spoke to Yemma about this already.” She said towards Mirai Gohan before he could object. “I can bring you back to life and let you see your friend. There’s just one thing I want in return.”
“And that is?” Asked Mirai Gohan.
“Fight for me.” She answered. “Become one of my alternates for seven years, you can stay here when I don’t need you.” She added before either could object. “It pays pretty good and can’t complain about the hours or benefits. You’ll get to try yourself against different opponents, you don’t even have to raise your power half the time and can focus on style and what not. What do you think?” She asked the two Gohans. Who looked at each other and talked it over mentally before making their decision.
“Do it.” They said together. Fifteen minutes and a strange ceremony later (that did not involve dancing or bizarre jewelry I am just at loss to explain it.) it was done and an new fusion stood on the hill. He looked like Gohan, but he was five years older than the living Gohan was and he had a tattoo of a dragon on his back near his left shoulder.
“Not bad.” Said Baba admiring her handiwork.
“Where’s Trunks?” “The Saiyan” asked.
(Sorry I couldn’t resist, anyone who has seen the Cell Sagas knows what this is in reference to.)
Baba couldn’t help but shake her head at their one mindedness. “Check Capsule Corp.” She answered.
“Thank you.” He answered and surprising his ki so he wouldn’t cause a panic or something took off flying for Capsule Corp.
