A burdened heart

Within 2 years after Goku's return a new deadly virus spreadded Ginger town and within 3 months a whole epidemic broke out.

People were dying even more than any desire breakout in history.

The Z gang started hearing about it and remained clear from the population.

Goku and Gohan asked If Bulma and Vegeta wanted to temporarily move in with them since the virus hasn't spread to Mount Paozu.

Bulma has been working around the clock,dripping a serum into a bottle carefully,There have been reports that many people are succumbing to this strange rare disease.

shes been living with them for a while but days seemed like minutes to her.

The other Z warriors have been informed about it,Krillin remained at the turtle hermit residence and Piccolo remained at kames lookout.

Gohan also avoided contact with people as much as he could,there was no need to go to the city since food can easily be gathered from the forest.

she heard the door rang and had a look in the security camera, It was her friends.

Bulma smiled and carefully padded to the door while holding onto her large stomach.

Her lab door opened allowing the Saiyans in wanted to show them the cure she has been working on.

"It's still not done but this could slow down the virus from reaching the heart" Bulma said. "All I need to do is test it on my self to see if taking the serum is worth it"

"But what about you Bulma?" Gohan asked.

"Ill be fine,besides If I do get effected by the heart virus then the baby will send stemcells to cease the heart condition and since he's half Saiyan the stemcells are stronger"

"and like any other Virus,It strikes women less harder" Bulma said.

Goku and Gohan looked at eachother and then back at her, they had no idea about that.

"But Bulma you don't have to test the syrum on yourself, we can help with that" Gohan continiued.

"What if it has bad effects on you and the baby,?"

"Thanks for the concern Gohan but I only need a sample of my blood." to test the strum and when it does work we will never have to worry about this wretched virus again" Bulma smiled.

Goku had faith in his friend but still he could feel trouble ahead,and it's not the virus that sets his vigilant senses off.

-/-

6 months has passed,and the virus has reached all the way to the east district of Mount Paozu,Chi-Chi has fallen victim and passed away before the antidote to slow down the infection effectively has been created.

It started from feeling fatigue and sleeping long hours to horrible pain and trouble breathing,. Goku was heartbroken but Chi-Chi left them behind with a smile having her loved ones holding her hands.

She was not afraid of death,and said she'll wait for them at the other side before breathing her last,

Gohan grieved for his mother but still found comfort because she didn't die alone,

The dragon couldn't bring Chi-Chi back because it's a natural cause,it brought Goku in a deep depression,what If he infected her without knowing?"

The virus remained in the cities only,how could this have happened?"

Gohan found Goku at Chi-Chis grave in a meditating position,wondering is she could hear him talking to her in thoughts.

"Dad"? Gohan said carefully touching his shoulder.

Tears rolled down Gokus face and placed a hand on Gohans smaller one.

Gohan teared up with joy,this is the first reaction he got from his Father in days.

He didn't eat nor slept well after the dragon mentioned Chi-Chi can't return to the and hasn't spoken a word ever since it was like his spirit was gone.

"Dad I'm sorry about mother," Gohan said starting to cry.

Goku stood up turning around and embraced Gohan,they cradled each other as they stood infront of her grave, a sun ray shined upon them and both looked up.

They sensed Chi-Chis ki for a split second,bringing them comfort all the way from the afterlife.

If only Goku could be with her now but he can't leave a Gohan behind,together they will find a way to save more victims.

When Bulma's baby was due she didn't make it,due to the blood loss and no medical equipment dicreases her health,leaving a baby boy behind,

The baby was sick and very weak and Goku feared that he might not make it.

They called him Trunks,the name Bulma picked for him,it was an strange name but it suits the small boy well.

But Goku's suspicion has finally got confirmed,3 days later close to west city 2 deadly androids attacked the city turning the city into a mass grave within seconds.

It was very hard to leave Trunks behind by himself but he couldn't let his friends fight alone,The Z warriors were ready but got killed before they could lay a hand on them.

Goku grieved when he couldn't save his fallen comrades, Gohan turned into a Super Saiyan seeing Piccolo and krillin die.

He nearly escaped the horrid battle,His Father was deeply injured and at the brink of death,adrenaline went through Gohan as managed to carry Goku back despite being in a critical condition as well.

Seeing the corpse of Piccolo and Krillin haunts him,why didn't he turn into a Super Saiyan sooner!? Maybe he could have saved them. Tears mixed with blood dripped down his face,hopefully they can contact the Nameks in the future,

Gohan brought Goku back he placed him on the bed and his hand darted towards the senzu bean bag.

Gohan crunched it shoving it in,Gohan anxiously waited for a gulp and all the horrible wounds over his face arms and the broken bones underneath his Gi healed within seconds.

The pained expression on Goku's face faded opening his eyes.

The first thing he saw was Gohan making his face wet with waterfalls of tears.

"Daddy" Gohan said grabbing ontop him," I'm ok kiddo" Goku said patting his back as he cried into Goku's shoulder.

"I'm so glad I got you back home in time!"

Krillin Piccolo everyone theyre dead!" Gohan said through sobs.

Goku held on to Gohan, "I know im hurt too," Goku said feeling a lump in his throat thinking about Krillins death.

" But we will bring them back Gohan" Goku said pushing him back and Gohan noticed that his Fathers eyes were lights teared up.

"But planet Namek is light years a way" Gohan said.

"I know but I can reach them with instant transmission" Goku said.

"Im not fully in control of it,but the Yardrats taught me a lot and maybe I can perfect it myself" Goku said.

"You mean the ppl who patched you up after Freeza?" Gohan said.

"Yes"

"But it will take time before I master it" Goku said a bit disheartened.

Goku grabbed a senzu bean and lifted Gohans chin up brushing a tear away with his thumb,

"Here have this" Goku said feeding the senzu bean to Gohan.

"Oh Gosh where is the baby" Goku said almost forgetting about him.

"He was asleep when I left him in the crib" Gohan said and padded after his Father.

Trunks didn't move much but he was alive thank goodness.

Goku carefully picked him up,he moved but remained asleep,it was almost time for his dinner and Goku prepared him something.

He had to get used to it again,he only done it a few times when a Gohan was a baby.

and always leaves cleaning diapers to Gohan since he can't get over the smell.

-/-

The Earth became more cold relying on the open fire and heaters to create a warm space for Trunks.,Goku and Gohan battled the androids whenever they could and made sure they reach the hideout without being tracked down.

So far it worked but,they couldn't afford getting hurt or get one of them killed since Trunks is always left alone,and because of that they decide to train under gravity hopefully their bodies will be strong enough to enter the Hyperbolic time chamber,

Its a dangerous zone,and there is no guarantee that they'll come out alive but it's the only last resort they have.

Goku gave Trunks the Orange Gi off his back,and made sure it's little feet were folded into it.

,Winter time was gentle but for a premature little baby it was freezing,the poor thing only had tiny trousers and a thin blouse on.

gently Goku picked him up from the craddle and kept him close.

Gohan arrived back home with some supplies to make it through the week,before Bulma died she was busy repairing a radio and thanks to that they can predict where the androids will be next,

"Dad I got some things for us and the little one" Gohan whispered coming to their side,

Goku smiled happy that Gohan returned home,Goku pulled his son's head closer to him,affectionatly resting his forehead against against Gohan's.

greeting him in silence,"Hey Dad" Gohan greeted caressing his scalp aswell and moved away to see little Trunks neatly tucked away in his Father's arm.

Gohan moved his finger over the soft lavender spikes and stroked his rosy cheek,

Trunks moved in response waking up,Gohan alowed the child to grab onto his finger.

Trunks eyed Gohan attentive and he gave him his first smile.

"Dad!..he smiled" Gohan said "he smiled at me"

"Hey little guy" Gohan said acknowleding and Goku looked down happy at the baby aswell.

a loud bang startled both of them,immediately kept their guard up to defend the baby from the intruder,

some recently washed pots and pans fell down to the ground because one of Bulma's cats leaped over the stove,

both sighed in relief but Trunks didn't calm down, frightened he whimpered and cradling him didn't help.

"Trunks..shh don't be scared" Goku said fatherly adjusting the Gi around him and placed him against his chest.

Trunks piped down after letting out a whail,Goku's heartbeat comforted him feeling safe once more,

Goku wandered back to the living room with Gohan skipping after him,as they sat down next to eachother,Trunks fell asleep,Gohan watched Trunks suckle his little thumb.

He feels so safe with Goku,and he sleeps until the next morning many times when It's Goku's turn to look after him,

and rarely acts fuzzy.

but not with Gohan,he Often he wakes up multiple times at night demanding to be picked up and only remains content if he's not placed back in the crib,

It's exhausting dealing with an infant who needs so much attention from you but Gohan is willing to do so to help his Father,and there were also some cute bonding moments between Trunks and Gohan,and that made the not so fun stuff like making a bottle worth it.

"Dad, He's so small and..I so saddened that he has to grow up in a world like this.."

"No innocent soul deserves this,at times I stay up until dawn worrying about him because if he gets sick then we might not have enough resources to help him" Gohan said.

Goku looked down at the baby,who felt content laying against Him,Trunks eyes rolls back and forth like the little kiddo is trying to remain awake.

Goku held on to the scalp giving Trunks a gentle squeeze,Gohans words stroked a nerve,this baby is innocent and will never know what peace is and there is no day that goes by that he doesn't believe he's to blame for all of this,he let Gero go and now this happened.

But never again,no villain shall be spared.

"Gohan this world is hostile but Trunks has us,"

"He still has a family he can come home to,and no android or any other threat can take that away from him."

Gohan looked at his father,regaining his composure.

Goku smiled at him, "And you have me" Goku said warm.

"Your father will always protect you,no matter where I am"

Goku placed a firm hand on Gohans shoulder, "Together we will set this world free"

Gohan nodded and manage do to smile too,he felt hope in his heart,Hopefully the androids can be defeated before Trunks is old enough to understand what's going on.

"I hope so" Gohan said nodding a bit.

"We will Gohan, Please Trust me" Goku said.

"I do,I always have" Gohan said,

"Gohan you can start training without me," Goku spoke up,"I'll join you after I fed him".

"Yes Father" Gohan said.

"Avoid the androids at all costs you hear?" Do not face them alone"Goku said strict.

"I won't do anything stupid,I made a promise that we'll defeat the androids together."

"And that dream will come true" Goku said determined.

-/-

Night time came making their surroundings feel like they are in a freezer.

Trunks temperature was low,he started to become sick Goku and Gohan feared for his wellbeing, Even with Goku's Gi around him near the small heater didn't do much for him.

Trunks didn't move much and remained with his eye sight closed.

"Dad he's scaring me" Gohan said becoming upset,

"Gohan he just needs to be kept warm," Goku said picking him up,hoping that cradling and rubbing his tiny hands will keep him warm a bit longer.

"What If we wake up one day and find him dead?" Gohan said.

"Gohan stop it!" Goku said angry unintentionally, "Hes not going to die!" Goku said..

But Gohan tried to fight his tears away,not knowing what to believe,

"oh Gohan," I promise he's going to make it,I'll make sure of it,"

"Now calm down and stay strong for the little one" Goku said. Gohan nodded staying next to his Father,.They both looked at the bundle,he moved slightly now that Gokus warmth made him come to his senses.

" Hold him for me" Goku said to Gohan.

Goku removed his shirt tying it around Trunks, and let him rest against his chest,his face felt so cold but being pressed against Gokus frame Kept the temperature steady Atleast for now.

"Dad what about you?" Gohan said,

"I'll be fine, it's him I'm worried about" Goku said. Gohan pushed the heater towards his Fathers back,and kept his arm around His Fathers back to provide him warmth too.

Goku was the first one to wake up,he was sitting on the ground,With a large towel around him,

he looked down in his arms but Trunks was missing, Goku became alarmed right away and Gohan wasn't beside him either.

Goku pushed the towel off him and started looking for them, "Dad I made you breakfast." Gohan said poking out of the dining room, Goku came inside looking around

"Where is Trunks?" Goku asked dismissing any food offered to him,

"He's in his crib," Gohan said pointing at the cradle he placed in the kitchen.

Goku looked in and Trunks was awake wrapped in Gokus clothing like a caterpillar.

"Hey you're feeling better?" Goku said rubbing his cheek with his thumb.

Trunks Coeed at him in acknowledgment reaching his hands to him.

Goku smiled, "Can I borrow this little one?" Goku said taking his blue shirt to put it back on and carefully lifted Trunks out of the bed,.

"You gave us a scare,Trunks-kun, I'm so happy you feel better" Goku said looking down at him,Gohan smiled coming to Gokus side.

Trunks yawned and continiued resting holding onto Gokus shirt in a loose fist.

"Dad you were right all along,I feel a bit stupid for doubting you" Gohan said also takin a moment to look at the tiny baby.

"A human baby would have died that night,But Trunks isn't" Goku said.

"Have faith in him Gohan," He will make a difference" Goku said.

"I believe you Father,I always have" Gohan said.

Nightmares never last forever,one day we'll wake up without them

-/-

Another day has come, the blood red sun was visible over the sky,

Android 17 and 18 smiled demonically at their so called pest purge. Heaps of people died and burned alive because of their ki blasts.

Android 18 looked around "well looks like one pest survived" she grinned and pointed to a man who drawled his gun at them.

He fired a shot but Android 17s head only moved slightly to the side when the bullet connected,

The bullet fell off him and 17 drawled his gun too.

"It would have been better if you played dead old man" 17 said and shot him in the face with glee.

"I'm bored now" 18 complained, Where is Goku and that rat of his?"

"I'm ready for another warm up" 18 said letting her eyes glow,

"Well lure them out of their hiding place but remember sis don't kill them or it will spill all the fun" 17 said.

"Yeah yeah I heard you," 18 filed towards a different town to shoot as much people as they can.

Goku waited until until the bottle was ready to fill,and Gohan arrived at the underground hideout,

"Dad?" Gohan beamed,

"I'm here" Goku yelled back.

"Dad hey I got something to keep us warm for the night," Gohan said, showing bags of folded comforters warm sweaters socks.

and in the other bag was canned food along with delicious meals and treats that you can't find in the forests.

"You left the hide out?" Goku said a bit serious,

"Sorry I..I didn't want to wake you," Gohan said."And there was no report that the androids are close to the area I went"

"Some looters gave all of this after I helped them to a safer area" Gohan said hoping his humble deed will calm Goku down.

"Okay" Goku huffed, dismissing it. He wanted to scold Gohan because what if he was asleep and the androids got a hold of him? But he didn't want to ruin Gohans high spirited mood,he was only trying to be helpful.

"What did you got?" Goku said cheerful,

All sorts of stuff, like candy baby, formulas, even onanments,

I also found you a Gi that looks similar to the torn ones you got" Gohan said he wanted to grab it for his Father,

"Look" Gohan said. it looked indeed similar, a the fabric was thicker and the organge had a lighter colour.

"as an early Xmas present" Gohan said.

"Thanks," Goku said placing them on the table folded.

"I didn't get anything for you," Goku said.

"It's ok, you and Trunks are my present." Gohan said.

But then an fuzzy cry came from the crib, "Oh shit the milk!" Goku whined and hurried to the bottle,it became a bit cold but maybe Trunks will still drink it.

Gohan already picked an annoyed Trunks from his craddle and Trunks became quiet as soon as the bottle was in his sight.

"Yaa" Trunks cooed. And relaxed in Gokus embrace. "You want to give him his bottle?" Goku asked."I feel like gravity training for a bit" Goku said.

"of course Dad I'll have a seat" Gohan said and Goku left Trunks with Gohan on the couch.

"I'll help you unpack later, and take good care of him" Goku said leaving with a capsule.

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