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The Earth has been in a state of war for the past four years.
The androids stormed like a hurricane over the planet, razing cities to the ground. Thousands and thousands of people were killed or disappeared with their property.
The planet's residents lived in constant tension and fear. The androids could disappear for weeks or months and then reappear, causing chaos. No one knew when and where they'd strike again.
Android 18 was the deadliest of the two. She slaughtered people and demolished cities without a doubt. Android 17 saw it as mere entertainment, playing a cat-and-mouse game with his victims before their assail.
The Dragon team tried to stop them, but they failed. The androids took them down, one by one. Without Goku, they didn't stand a chance.
The only one who made it was the ten-year-old Gohan.
Later, Bulma explained to him that Goku wouldn't survive the heart virus in any way. When Bulma performed an autopsy on Goku's body, she discovered he suffered from rheumatic fever.
"You see, Gohan, your father lived alone in the woods until age twelve. Goku didn't receive any medical treatment and probably got a streptococcus infection. His Saiyan body managed to heal and overcome the disease, but the damage was done."
Bulma furrowed her eyebrows, "At some point, the illness progressed, and the virus finished him. I assume the situation got worse after his Super Saiyan transformation. This form consumed a lot of physical resources."
Gohan nodded slowly, staring at his father's pale, emotionless face. In the cold light of the overhead lamps, covered with a white sheet, Goku looked like a ghost.
Bulma sighed, covering Goku's head with the sheet.
Gohan sat behind the dining table in the kitchen in his mother's house, sinking in thoughts. He buried his fingers into his messed hair, chewing his lower lip. A bowl of fried rice stood beside his elbow, but he had no appetite.
Gohan was all by himself now. Everyone has gone- his father's friends, his mentor. No one left to guide or assist him.
He and Trunks were the only hope for the Earth. However, Trunks still was a toddler, and he was a teenager. They were no match for the androids.
Gohan had to train Trunks, raising him as the future protector of Earth. But can he handle this task? Can he take away the boy's childhood? Would he be a good mentor?
Gohan hated to admit it, but his childhood ended at age four. His late uncle kidnapped him, his father died protecting him, and Piccolo took him to train against his will.
Since then, Gohan's life has turned into a never-ending fight. His great fighting potential was his biggest curse, leading him into risky situations. Because of the androids, Gohan would never achieve his dream of becoming a scholar.
And little Trunks had to deal with this role without any alternatives.
Damn it!
"Are you okay, sweety?"
"Huh?" Gohan raised his gaze, blinking. Chichi stood next to him, giving him a concerned look.
Gohan shook his head, wincing, "Sorry, mother. I was thinking, that's all." He licked his lips, nodding, "That's all."
Chichi pulled a chair, sitting next to him, "I'm so proud of you, Gohan. Your father was proud of you as well."
Gohan's lips trembled, and he hugged his mother, burying his face on her chest. He wished to be a child again when his only concern was a scratch on his knee.
But, the Earth's fate is resting on his shoulders now. He has to protect everyone.
Chichi hugged him, "Do you plan to visit Bulma today? Little Trunks have missed you."
Gohan nodded, still hugging her. A big lump raised in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.
"Good!" Chichi smiled, caressing his hair, "I've made a little present for him. You know, I have plenty of time now, so I'm crafting a lot."
"Hmmm." Gohan sniffed, swallowing thickly.
Chichi sighed, "You should finish your meal and read something before you go. Maybe you will defeat the androids and then enroll in college."
Gohan pulled away, giving his mother a sad smile, "I'm glad to see that you are optimistic."
"Sure thing, Gohan-chan!" Chichi frowned, "Life is full of unexpected situations. I know you can't predict anything, but you should be ready for any situation as much as possible."
Gohan scratched his head, "Okay, Mother. What did you get for Trunks?"
"A-ha!" Chichi grinned, "You'll see when you reach the Capsule Corp. Now, finish your meal, and I'll do the dishes. Is there any particular discipline you want to read about after the dinner?"
Gohan raised his gaze to the ceiling, thinking, "An astronomy will do."
Chichi winked, "Great choice, Gohan! You have practical experience as well."
She got up from the chair, "Oh, and Gohan?"
"Yes?"
Chichi turned her gaze away, "Be careful, please."
***
"Oh, look at this, sweet mama's boy!" Bulma cooed, looking at the teddy bear, "Aunt Chichi got you a great present! Isn't that nice?"
Trunks mumbled something, raising his tiny hands toward the plush toy.
Bulma sighed, "Trunks is almost three, but he doesn't talk yet. He understands everything, though."
Gohan laughed, "It's okay, Bulma. Mom said that I didn't talk until age three as well."
"Hmm, maybe it's a Saiyan thing." Bulma tilted her head, "Too bad I haven't asked Goku...or Vegeta..."
She rubbed her arm, staring at her feet. Gohan saw a tear gleaming in the corner of her eyes.
Bulma cleared her throat, "You wanted to play with Trunks outside, right?"
"Oh, yeah!" Gohan was more than happy to change the subject, "We will stay in the yard."
"Good." Bulma forced a smile, still avoiding Gohan's gaze, "The androids have been away for a week, so I'm taking Trunks outside. The weather is nice."
Trunks plopped on the floor, still holding his new toy. Scratch, the Briefs' family cat, hopped from the table next to his little owner, purring and rubbing against his back.
"Come on, little guy, " Gohan picked Trunks from the floor, "Let's go and play! I'll give you a piggyback ride."
The toddler laughed while Gohan adjusted him on his back. Bulma gave them a weak smile, "Have a great time, kiddos."
"See you later, Bulma!" Gohan headed to the door, and Scratch followed them.
When the door closed behind Gohan, Bulma collapsed on the chair, sobbing and hugging herself. She had a tough day, and remembering her childhood friend and... mate was the last straw.
Bulma always was happy to see Gohan. He was a living reminder of her life before the androids. When the androids killed the last Dragon team members, she vowed to help Gohan and protect Trunks.
But, sometimes, it was too much for her.
Gohan came out to the backyard, breathing the fresh air. It was an August summer night, and the velvety blue skies were clear. The mountains' blooming peaks were visible afar, and a warm breeze played with the boys' hair. The only sign of the war was the quarters' ruins around the Capsule Corp's residence.
Like his mother's house, Capsule Corp's residence was another island of tranquility for Gohan. A place where he could take his guard down and enjoy life like a regular kid.
Gohan let Trunks down, and the boy stood beside him, sticking his fingers into his mouth. Scratch sat next to his owner's legs as if he guarded him.
Gohan raised his head, staring into the starry night skies. The stars' soft light calmed his restless mind, soothing his taunted soul. He needed those moments of peace.
Suddenly, two falling stars appeared, leaving bright trails in the sky. One of them was golden, and the second was silvery blue. Their routes were tangled as if they chased one another.
Gohan let out a suffocated cry, and two large tears ran down his cheeks. Is this a sign that their fathers are still here, watching them from above?
He crouched next to Trunks, pointing into the sky, "Take a look, Trunks. Look at the sky."
The toddler raised his head, holding his teddy bear. Scratch meowed, raising his head as well. The falling stars had disappeared, but their glowing trails were still visible.
Gohan smiled, "Our fathers are still protecting us, Trunks. They are still here."
He hugged the toddler, "There is still hope, Trunks. As long as we believe in it."
All he has to do is to believe.