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TRUNKS TV SPECIAL
Released: 24 February 1993

DEFIANCE IN THE FACE OF DESPAIR!!
THE TWO REMAINING SUPER WARRIORS - GOHAN AND TRUNKS

Gohan runs, jumping over a small stream. At the Son home, the Z Senshi are gathered outside. Baby Trunks, held by Bulma, cries. Everyone waits, looking distraught. Piccolo, Kuririn, Chaouzu, Oolong, Tenshinhan, Yamucha, Puar, Bulma, Trunks, Vegeta, and even Yajirobe are present. Oolong's face lights up. "Ah, Gohan!"

Puar, "Hurry up!"

Inside the house, things are looking grim. Chichi, Muten Roshi, and Gyuu Mau are at Goku's side when Gohan runs into the house. They all turn to see him, gasping. Gohan looks at his father, sleeping peacefully on the bed. "Father..." Back outside, everyone looks even worse now.

Kuririn looks up. "Goku is...

Everyone is stunned. Vegeta, "K...Kakarott...o..." Goku's face fades away against the background of the area surrounding the Son home. Son Goku is dead.

Six months later, on the southern island, explosions erupt. A city is leveled by two people as they easily take down in seconds what took years to build up. The Z Senshi take them on, but all of them, even Piccolo and Vegeta, are killed. The only remaining Z Senshi is Son Gohan. Piccolo, Kuririn, Vegeta, Yamucha, Ten, Chaouzu, all killed by the devils who appeared on the southern island. We see different scenes of their deaths, as Piccolo swings at the woman and misses. He turns around and is promptly hit. Piccolo falls to the ground, dead. Nearby, the woman lands. Next, we see Vegeta. It seems he finally reached Super Saiya-jin, but it doesn't help him out much now. We see quick images of the deaths of Yamucha and Ten. Next, Kuririn is killed when both of the Artificial Humans fire blasts straight at him. The world falls into chaos.

Thirteen years later...

We see a normal, peaceful city. People go about their daily business. All of a sudden, a small dome-shaped building explodes. The people scatter. Another beam slices through a building. "It's the Artificial Humans! They've come for us!" Artificial Human 18 sits on a sidewalk with 17 standing right beside her. They watch the frightened humans.

Number 17 smiles, and the people scream as they try to get away. "I'll give you ten seconds to escape. Run as fast as you can."

Number 18, "I don't think it will do you any good, though." They count down from ten, alternating every two numbers. Artificial Human 18 rises and holds her arm out, preparing to fire when they reach zero. They speak together when they reach zero and fire. From above the city, we see a tremendous explosion near the center.

A frightened citizen screams. "They're monsters! Nothing but monsters!"

A reporter near the blast speaks. "The Artificial Humans have appeared in Pepper Town. The city has become a hell on Earth. Since the army has been destroyed, there's no one to stand in their way!"

The TV at Kame House shows nothing but static. The entire house is empty. Nearby, a submarine lurks in the ocean. We look at the periscope, and through the scope, we see Oolong's eyes. Puar, "They're pretty far away. We don't have to worry."

Oolong, "But we don't know when they'll show up here."

Muten Roshi listens on a small radio. "The Artificial Humans are attacking everyone indiscriminantly! It's just a matter of time before Pepper Town is destroyed!" The turtle lowers his head and Oolong falls to his knees.

Muten Roshi, "If I don't defeat the Artificial Humans, there will be no future. It's my turn to..."

Puar interrupts him. "Muten Roshi, it's impossible!"

Oolong, "He's right! They killed Piccolo and Vegeta and Yamucha!"

Muten Roshi clenches his fist. "Goku...if only Goku hadn't died..."

Artificial Human 18 tries on some clothes at a store in Pepper Town. She smiles and admires herself in the mirror as she tries different outfits. Behind her, the store owner is obviously terribly frightened. He trembles and his voice shakes as he speaks. "Please! Just spare my life! You can take all the clothes you want!" The Artificial Human finishes and turns around, carrying a stack of clothes.

"These are some very nice styles. I'll take these." She walks out to a waiting number 17.

The store owner is relieved. "Thank goodness!" Artificial Human 18 drops the clothes in the back of the car and 17 blasts the store.

Number 18, "Ah, damn... Why did you do that, 17? I told you not to destroy any of the clothing shops."

Artificial Human 17 turns to her. "Oh, I forgot."

A reporter continues on with the action in Pepper Town. "The terror continues in Pepper Town! What are those cold blooded killers thinking?" The Artificial Humans fly in with an aircar, zipping through the crowd as people dodge. The reporter himself barely gets out of the way.

Number 17 yells as they fly through the city, "Move if you don't want to be run over!"

The reports continue on over the radio in Bulma's car. "Pepper Town is in the depths of terror! The Artificial Humans are completely out of control!"

Bulma, "Damn Artificial Humans! I can't let this continue. I don't know what they're planning, but they've killed their creator, Dr. Gero, and all these innocent people. They're like monsters, killing for the sake of killing. I wish there was something I could do."

Trunks, sitting beside her, turns his head. "Mother, go home without me."

She gasps and stops the car. "Trunks, what are you going to do?" She looks down, seeing his hands clenched. "You...can't..." Trunks turns and jumps out of the car, flying toward Pepper Town. Bulma turns around, watching him. "Trunks!" He's already long gone, though.

Back in Pepper Town, frightened people run from the Artificial Humans and their aircar. Artificial Human 17, "Welcome to the Death Circuit! You unlucky bastards are on your way to hell!"

Number 18 stands off to the side, watching as 17 barrels down the road, chasing the humans. "Number 17, how long are you going to keep playing? Hurry up and destroy this city." Number 17 lets the car slam into a building, and they continue with the destruction. A fire starts at a gas station, a tanker goes up, and the entire place explodes. The two Artificial Humans walk through the flames. "Let's go, 17."

Trunks stops above Pepper Town and gasps at the devastation. "I'm too late..." He walks through the remains of the city, happening upon an abandoned doll. He picks it up and examines it briefly. Looking up, he sees someone flying in. Son Gohan has arrived. "Gohan-san, why are they doing this?"

At Capsule Corporation, Gohan stares out the window while Trunks sits behind him, crying. Trunks, "I can't stand it, letting them get away with this. I wish I was strong enough to beat them! Gohan-san, please train me to be stronger! I feel like I'm going to explode if I don't do anything. I can feel the Saiya-jin blood of my father flowing through my veins." Gohan doesn't respond, but simply continues staring out the window. "Gohan-san!"

Gohan finally speaks, "It reminds me of when I was a little kid. Even though my mother didn't want me to, I loved to fight." He turns and walks toward Trunks. "Trunks, don't underestimate their strength."

Trunks lights up a bit and nods. "Yes, I'll do my best."

Gohan nods in return. "Okay, Trunks."

Bulma interrupts the conversation. "Trunks!"

They both turn. "In here, mom!" He turns back to Gohan and rubs his forehead. "Gohan-san, don't tell my mother what we just discussed."

Bulma walks in, a sack of groceries in her hand. "I'm glad you're back, Trunks. I was worried you'd gone to Pepper Town."

Trunks, "I wouldn't."

Gohan has returned to the window, and Bulma finally notices him. "Ah, I didn't know you were here, Gohan." Gohan turns from the window. Bulma continues. "This is perfect, I bet you're hungry. I bought a lot, so I'll make extra." She walks out through a different door, but looks back in for a moment. "But don't do anything dangerous."

Trunks and Gohan sit at the table while Bulma stands behind them, finishing up the cooking. "Lately, it's been hard getting ahold of the things I want because of the Artificial Humans. So I have to make do." She turns and carries some food to the table. "Eat up!" Gohan takes the food and begins shoveling it into his mouth, much like Son Goku used to do. Trunks lets out a little chuckle and begins eating. Bulma stands behind Gohan, and when Gohan finishes, he hands her the bowl and asks for more. "You're just like your father."

Gohan, "What do you mean?"

Bulma, "The clothes you wear and the way you eat remind me of your father, Son Goku."

Gohan turns back to the table. "I want to become as strong as my dad, so I made these to remind me. But I'm still not there yet."

Bulma, "But every so often, I hear rumors of you taking on the Artificial Humans all by yourself. I'm proud of you." Gohan raises an eyebrow, stutters a bit, and then Bulma continues. "But Trunks worships you and tries to act like you. I don't know what to do. I wish you'd talk to him." Trunks doesn't react well, but refrains from speaking. He shuts his eyes and stops eating for a moment.

Gohan sits on a rock at the beach with Trunks in front of him. Trunks' back is to the water, and he faces Gohan as he begins raising his ki. As is the custom, he screams, and his hair, as well as some of the ground (in this case, sand), around him begins rising up. There are those small shocks of lightning around him, those are also a must during any DBZ power up. "You've got excellent potential. It's obvious you're Vegeta's son."

They spar atop a cliff, Gohan having no trouble against Trunks. Trunks tries to hit Gohan, but Gohan vanishes and Trunks stumbles forward. Gohan comes in behind him, kicks him in the head, and Trunks flies off the cliff and into a whirlpool below. "Gohan-san...he...help!"

"What? Giving up already?"

After finally getting out of the water, Trunks sits on the ground, breathing heavily. Gohan hands him a towel. As Trunks dries off, Gohan sits beside him. "Gohan-san... What kind of man was my father? He died right after I was born, so I never knew him well. My mom won't tell me much about him."

"He put up a tough front, but he was strong and full of pride."

"I see. That's what my mom always says."

Gyuu Maou enters the Son home at Mt. Paozu. "I'm back."

Chichi's waiting inside. "Welcome home. How was it?"

"They showed up in another city. I think about half the people on earth have been killed. Everyone's living in hiding. Oh yeah, I heard a rumor about Gohan."

"About Gohan? What's happened to him?"

"He and Trunks are still fighting the Artificial Humans. It looks like they're trying to get vengeance for everyone."

Chichi stands up. "He should have been a great scholar by now..." She walks over to a table and picks up a photo of herself, Goku, and Gohan. "Gohan, hurry home. I don't care about the Artificial Humans, just hurry home."

The sky is full of stars, reflected by the water near the area where Gohan and Trunks train. Trunks begins to power up, once again trying to reach Super Saiya-jin. Gohan encourages him, "Get angry. Even angrier. Anger is the source of a Super Saiya-jin's power." Trunks develops a golden aura and his hair goes up and back, but he doesn't go through the whole transformation. He continues raising his ki with the obligatory clicking sounds and screaming. Suddenly, it all disappears and he falls to the ground, breathing heavily.

He looks up toward Gohan. "Damn it..."

Gohan thinks to himself, "I hope he can become greater than me... and defeat the Artificial Humans."

"I bet this is the last amusement park still operating."

A man agrees. "Yeah, we still have an army, so the Artificial Humans won't dare attack this city." A roller coaster pulls in and the passengers exit. As the line begins streaming in, two people skip it and walk past everyone else, getting in the front row of the roller coaster.

The operator turns. "Hey! You can't just hop on the ride, you have to get in line."

Artificial Human 18 turns around. "Stand in line? You must be kidding."

The man walks up to them. "Come on, just get in line."

She faces her palm toward the man, turns to 17, and says "I don't like him." Her hand begins to glow with ki, and from out in the rest of the park, an explosion can be seen. The roller coaster takes off, carrying the Artificial Humans with it.

In the building, a burned up man reaches for the phone. "Hello? Is the army there? Hello? Hello?"

Out in a field, all kinds of weaponry lies smoking in the ground. Missiles, tanks, planes... all of them lie in ruins. A phone hangs off the hook, the man at the amusement park talking on the other end.

Back at the amusement park, the two Artificial Humans are on a ride similar to the tea cups. They're enjoying themselves, and 18 says she wishes they'd come sooner. The get on another ride. Number 17, "It's a waste to let humans use this!"

Trunks and Gohan fly over the park, and they look down as people run out, screaming. "There they are, Trunks!"

The Artificial Humans board a carousel. "Hurry up, 17!" Before it can get moving, Trunks and Gohan land.

Number 17, "What? You again?"

Number 18, "We just started having fun. Number 17, hurry up and kill them."

Artificial Human 17 walks toward them, "Right."

Gohan prepares to fight him and tells Trunks to get out of the way. Trunks stands back, and in a bright flash of light, the battle begins. Number 17 flies at Gohan, but Gohan jumps and 17 slides under him. The Artificial Human sends a blast at Gohan, but Gohan dodges it, and the blast explodes against a building in the background. Gohan turns Super Saiya-jin as 17 moves up to meet him. Gohan and 17 both throw a hit at the same time, and each cancels the other out. They kick, same effect. Gohan dodges a hit, but 17 kicks him, sending Gohan into one of the roller coaster support columns. The Artificial Human is right there for him, and almost as soon as Gohan has smashed into the support, 17 hits him in the face. As Gohan falls, 17 hits him in the back, and Gohan falls through a building below. Number 17 follows him in, while 18 stays on the carousel the entire time, watching the battle.

Inside, Gohan lands and looks up, preparing a ki blast. He throws it, but 17 dodges it. As soon as 17 gets close enough for a physical strike, Gohan punches him in the side of the head. From off to the side, Trunks cheers Gohan on. "He's winning! Gohan-san is winning!" Gohan and 17 fight, with neither side gaining the upper hand. They're pretty much throwing punch for punch and kick for kick. Gohan finally gets a good kick in, and 17 falls back. Gohan goes in for a follow-up, but 18 appears in his path. She hits him, and Gohan falls into a glass wall. Number 17 recovers, reaches 18's position, and tells her to stay out of this.

Number 18, "Quit acting like you're losing, kill him and let's get back to playing."

They both blur as they move off in opposite directions. "Gohan-san!"

Number 18 flies at Gohan. Artificial Human 17 moves out from behind her, in the exact formation, and they fly in side by side. Gohan gets back to his feet. Number 18 hits him in the leg, knocking his feet out, and 17 follows her up by kneeing him in the stomach. Gohan gets hit in the face. Trunks runs in for support, but 18 meets him with a quick blast, and Trunks is taken by surprise. He moves in to fight her, and they both move up the side of a ferris wheel. They meet on opposing cars at the top, facing each other. Number 18 brushes her hair back, and Trunks lunges forward to attack. The Artificial Human dodges his punches pretty easily and gets in a few hits of her own, but Trunks gets a good hit into her stomach. She gets really angry and throws him off the ferris wheel. Before he hits the ground, she grabs him by the collar. "D...damn..." She raises a hand, holding him over the ground with the other.

Her hand glows, the area is bathed in yellow light, and Gohan turns. "Trunks!" He moves to rescue Trunks, but 17 fires a blast at him.

"You're not getting away!" Gohan gets there just in time, knocking 18 away from Trunks. Trunks falls, and Gohan and 18 are thrown in opposite directions. Number 18 throws her blast, but Gohan catches Trunks and gets them out of the way. They land in the ensuing explosion and run off down an alley. The Artificial Humans throw blasts, hoping to stop their escape. Gohan and Trunks take cover behind a wall while the Artificial Humans level the rest of the city, hoping to either destroy them or force them out. The Artificial Humans look around when the blasts have cleared, but apparently, Gohan chose a good spot. Gohan's getting very nervous, because the Artificial Humans aren't more than 20 feet away, but they don't find him. Number 18 raises her hand and an explosion sweeps over the entire surrounding area.

She looks around. "Damn. We can't play here anymore."

Number 17, "We're going to have to kill them."

Number 18, "We'll meet up with them again. Let's go home." Number 17 agrees, and they leave.

Although near death, Gohan manages to make his way to Trunks, pulling out the senzu bag as he moves. He unties it with his teeth and empties it, finding just one senzu left. "This is the last senzu..." He struggles toward Trunks. "Trunks... you... you take it..." He puts it in the mouth of the unconscious Trunks and collapses.

Bulma sits at a computer in a dark room at Capsule Corporation. Coming closer, we can blueprints for the time machine on her computer screen. Suddenly, Trunks stumbles into the room. "What's the matter, Trunks?" Bulma turns around and sees Trunks, with Gohan slung over his shoulder.

"Gohan-san protected me. We have to hurry him into bed, and then call a doctor."

The doctor tells them that Gohan is okay, and his life is no longer threatened. Trunks stands over Gohan, and Bulma has her back to them as she stands near the far wall. "I knew what you were doing all along, fighting alongside Gohan." Trunks turns around and tells her he's sorry. Bulma turns to him, carrying some clothing in her arms. "If only Son-kun were still alive. The time machine will be done soon. I want you to ride it back to when Son-kun was still alive."

Gohan begins writhing and talking in his sleep. Trunks and Bulma stand over him. "Damn... Artificial Humans..."

In a field near a stream, Trunks is training once again. He screams as he begins raising his ki, trying to reach Super Saiya-jin. Gohan stands a few feet off, watching him. "You have to get angrier than that!" Trunks' aura flashes on and off a few times as he continues powering up.

He thinks to himself, "Damn! While I'm doing this, there's no telling what the Artificial Humans are doing..." The two Artificial Humans' faces are shown back to back, fading in front of Trunks' own face. He develops a golden aura and his hair rises. His ki generates a strong wind that blows at the grass around him. Finally, he reaches a point where he can't go any higher, and he loses it all and collapses again.

Gohan and Trunks sit together on a rocky bluff overlooking a city. "Why can't I become a Super Saiya-jin?"

"You're almost there, Trunks. It took me a long time. You have to be angry to become a Super Saiya-jin. When Piccolo-san, Kuririn-san, and everyone were killed by the Artificial Humans... I remember that in order to become a Super Saiya-jin. You have the blood of Vegeta in you. When it's the right time, you'll become a Super Saiya-jin."

A tremendous explosion goes off in the city below. Before that one even dies down, another explosion, closer to Gohan and Trunks, goes off. Gohan and Trunks jump up. Trunks, "The capitol..." The glow on their faces begins to disappear.

"The Artificial Humans are attacking the capitol... I'll get them this time!" He screams and turns Super Saiya-jin.

"Gohan-san, you can't fight in the shape you're in..."

"Trunks, you stay here!"

"I don't want to if you're going! I want to go, too. I've gotten a lot stronger since last time."

"Trunks! You're underestimating their power."

"I don't want to be a spectator! I want to fight alongside you, Gohan-san!"

"Okay, let's go Trunks." Trunks turns and gets ready to fly off, but he never gets the chance. Gohan hits him in the back of the head, knocking him out. He sets Trunks on the ground. "Trunks, you're our last hope. If you die, there'll be no one left to protect the Earth. In a few years, you'll be strong enough to defeat the Artificial Humans." There are a few more explosions in the city below.

Artificial Human 17 has his arm outstretched, throwing off blast after blast. "Stop already, number 17! The city's destroyed and there's nobody left alive. Let's go home. There should be a bunch of humans hiding up north."

Number 17 responds, "I want to take my time. If we kill them too fast, we won't have any fun left." He throws another blast.

"We might as well kill them fast." A man begins to crawl out from under the rubble behind 18. "Let's chase them down in a car or something." Without even turning, 18 points a finger behind her and zaps the man.

"That's a good idea."

Number 17 suddenly gets hit and flies into the rubble, letting out a quick yelp. Number 18 looks up. Gohan lands in front of her as 17 stands up. Number 18 points and laughs at him. "You look funny, Number 17."

Artificial Human 17 walks toward Gohan. "You've really pissed me off this time. I liked these clothes. They're not as strong as our bodies. I only have four sets like this left. Anyway, Son Gohan, I knew you were still alive."

Number 18 lands near him. "We're not going to let you escape this time. We're going to fight at full power and kill you." Number 18 stands behind him, and 17 approaches him from the front.

"I'm not going to die, even if you destroy my body!" Number 17 smiles and continues walking toward him. "My spirit will come back..." Gohan turns to 18, who hasn't moved. She gets ready to attack as Gohan finishes. "...and destroy you damn Artificial Humans."

The Artificial Humans rush him from either side, but Gohan creates a ki blast and throws it down in front of him. They lose him in the explosion, but not for long. They follow as Gohan flies straight up through the city. They're faster than him, and climb higher. Number 18 has some ki blasts on her fingers as she climbs, and she throws them at him from above, as we see 17 do the same. Gohan screams and casts a blue aura in front of him, shielding him from their blasts. Number 18 moves in through the explosion, but Gohan blocks her hit. Artificial Human 17 flies in, hitting Gohan from above and sending him plunging into the city below. The Artificial Humans land on what was either side of him, but he jumps up just before they get there. He jumps back a few yards and throws a ki blast. The Artificial Humans counter with a blast of their own, and a short blast duel (well, that's what I call it... basically, when two ki blasts meet) ensues. Gohan's blast overcomes the Artificial Humans', but they're only thrown back, and not seriously damaged in any way. Gohan jumps into the air, but 17 shoots him with a blast from the palm. Gohan dodges the blast, but meets 17's waiting fist. Gohan jumps back through the city with 17 following him the whole way. Gohan flies up, throwing blasts down. One catches 17, and 17 is thrown down. Gohan grabs 18 by the ankle and slams her into the roof of a building. He lands on the ground, and the two Artificial Humans stand up. Gohan screams and his aura returns.

The sky turns dark, lightning streaks across the sky, and it begins to rain. The Artificial Humans walk toward Gohan, looking at each other and nodding. They stand, side by side, staring at Gohan for a moment. They begin sliding toward each other, until only 17 remains, and 18 has disappeared behind him. They move at the exact same time, splitting in mid air and going to either side. Gohan takes 17, kicking him away, but he's totally defensless against 18, who stands behind him. He turns, but she hits him in the face. The two Artificial Humans begin to beat up on Gohan now, pushing him back. It's all Gohan can do to block their attacks, and he doesn't get a chance to throw a hit himself. Number 17's foot shoots out, throwing Gohan off his feet. Gohan regains his balance and springs off his hands. He flies off, and the Artificial Humans pursue. They throw blasts at him, and although the blast itself doesn't hurt Gohan, he's taken by surprise when the two of them are right there with him and throw him down into a building. They throw many golden blasts at Gohan, who's helpless to do anything but scream. The city glows gold as the Artificial Humans continue their onslaught.

Trunks awakens on the nearb cliffside. "Gohan-san!" He gets to his feet and looks down on the city. "I can't sense him! Gohan-san's ki..." All is still in the city as Trunks flies through the rain, scanning the destruction below. He sees Gohan in a puddle on the ground, and he's not moving. He lands and walks toward Gohan. "Go...han..." Tears begin to stream down his face. "Go...han... Gohan-san...Gohan-san..." He reaches Gohan. He looks down on Gohan's motionless body. "Gohan-san..." Gohan remains still. "It can't be..." He gets down on the ground and tries to shake Gohan back to consciousness. "Gohan-san! Gohan-san! Gohan-san!" He holds Gohan's head. "GOHAN-SAN!" He stands up and screams. He screams again, still crying, fists clenched. His pupils disappear briefly, then return as his eyebrows and hair turn golden. He continues screaming and falls to the ground. He pounds the ground, shaking it. Trunks has reached Super Saiya-jin.

Three years later...

Trunks walks in, arms full of boxes and bags. "I'm home, mother. I brought a lot of good food." The view shifts, and we see Trunks standing in front of the time machine.

Bulma sits under it, working on it, and Trunks sets the packages on the ground. "Welcome home. Hey Trunks, the time machine is almost fully charged." We get a better look at the time machine as the conversation continues. "You should be able to go back about 20 years. It takes 8 months to charge this thing, so I won't be able to test it. But I think you should be able to go there and come back safely." She stands up, finishing her work. "If only the lab hadn't been destroyed, I would've been able to make a better one."

"Mother, I think I'm strong enough to defeat the Artificial Humans, even without going back in time."

"You're underestimating them, Trunks. You've gotten a lot stronger in the past three years, but don't forget that they killed Gohan. I don't think that you're much stronger than Gohan was three years ago."

"But I've trained hard since then! To tell you the truth, I'm confident that I can win."

The radio interrupts the conversation. "This just in. The Artificial Humans have attacked Bridge Town, 900 kilometers south of the Western Capitol. Everyone living in that area is urged to be cautious."

Trunks turns back to Bulma. "That's not far from here."

"Just a second, Trunks! What are you thinking?"

"I'll be right back! I can beat them this time!" He runs out of the room.

"Trunks! Wait!"

Trunks buckles the sheath holding his sword as he flies toward Bridge Town. "Gohan-san, today I'm going to get vengeance for your death!" He turns Super Saiya-jin and speeds off. In Bridge Town, the Artificial Humans are just about finished.

Number 18, "Let's go home." Number 17 agrees, and they start to walk off as Trunks lands.

"Artificial Humans! Today, I'm going to destroy you for what you did to Gohan!" They turn to him.

Number 18, "Hmph. It's that brat again. I don't like you." She appears right in front of him and hits him, throwing him into a building. As Trunks flies back, he performs some odd arm movements and blasts 18, but she dodges. He throws a punch, but she easily catches it. "Damn brat! I almost felt that." She hits him in the face, throwing him back. He catches himself and unsheaths his sword as he flies back at her. She dodges a few swings, then jumps and stands on the end of the weapon. He raises his ki and swings again, slicing off some of her hair. Number 18 seems a bit alarmed as she gasps at that close call. Number 17 flies in, but Trunks jumps and dodges the hit. He swings at 17, but 17 dodges and moves back.

Trunks lunges at 17, driving the sword forward, but 17 catches the blade just inches from his face. Number 18 appears behind him, and 17 sticks his free hand out, planting a ki blast on Trunks that throws him back. Trunks' sword falls to the ground, blade sticking and pointing the handle up. The Artificial Humans follow up with a barrage of ki blasts, but Trunks flies through them, to the surprise of the Artificial Humans, and hits 17, throwing him back. He gets a few good hits in on 18, throws her to the side, and flies up. He throws a huge blast, hitting the target dead on. Trunks, "I did it!" He grins, looking on in amazement. His happiness is shortlived, though. Neither Artificial Human was seriously damaged in the attack.

Number 17, "He's gotten several times more powerful than last time."

"But his attacks are too easy to read, and attacking like that will wear him out fast." Trunks hits them with several more blasts. The Artificial Humans are left unfazed.

"Damn! I don't have enough energy left to do any damage." The Artificial Humans just stare at him. Trunks gasps and throws several MORE futile blasts. He collapses. "Damn... I'm out of energy..." He stands up and notices the Artificial Humans are missing. "Where are they? Where did they go?!" Part of a building crumbles, and Trunks immediately turns to it, gasping. Part of the building behind him explodes, and 17 is right beside him. The Artificial Human hits him in the face with the back of his fist, throwing Trunks back. He comes to a stop in the building at the feet of 18. She kicks him, sending Trunks through a wall. He hides in his landing place, watching the jinzouningen.

Number 17 comes up behind, him though. Trunks runs, watching behind him. He turns and walks backward. From behind, he hears the voice of 18. "It looks like he's out of breath." He turns to see her, back against a wall, watching him with a mirror. Trunks flies through a ceiling, landing on the floor above.

Number 17, "Boy, our energy lasts forever. We're still as good as new."

Number 18, behind him, puts her hand on his shoulder. "It looks like you have no more fight left in you. Should we finish this up now, 17?"

Trunks flies through a wall, landing outside. The Jinzouningen land nearby. Number 18 shrugs, and 17 blasts him, propelling Trunks into a river. The Artificial Humans start to walk off. Trunks climbs out, and 17 looks to be getting pretty annoyed. He stops and blasts again as Trunks stands up. This one carries Trunks all the way across and to the other side. Trunks collapses, and the Artificial Humans land in front of him. Number 17 puts his foot under Trunks' chin, lifting his head to look at them.

Number 18, "Is he dead?" Trunks gasps for more breath, and 17 looks to be getting thoroughly pissed off by now.

"Why are you doing this?"

Number 17 smiles again. "We think Dr. Gero made us to conquer the world, but we're doing this for fun."

"Just looking at humans makes me want to kill them."

"I can't let you do this! I can't!" He stands up and takes a swing, but misses. He starts hitting them, but only because they don't bother to move. Neither Artificial Humans' expression changes as Trunks tries futily to attack them. Number 18 finally swings her leg out, knocking him off his feet. She grabs him by the collar and hits him, sending him through a building. Number 17 is waiting and kicks him up. Number 18 catches him this time, throwing him up, but in the other direction, then catching him and smashing him over her knee. She hits him one last time, and he lands at 17's feet. He fades out of Super Saiya-jin and out of consciousness. Number 17 steps on his head, grinding his foot on it for a moment, then sticks his arm out and creates a ki blast.

Number 18 jumps in between them right at the last second. "Wait. Let me kill him." She blasts him, lighting up the whole area. Trunks screams.

Trunks recovers in a bed at Capsule Corporation. Bulma stands over him. "Trunks, Trunks. Are you okay?"

Trunks awakens and his eyes focus. "Mother..."

"I'm glad you're awake. You've been out of five days."

"Mother, I'm sorry. It was just like you said. They were too strong."

"I'm just glad you came back alive. You're lucky, just like me."

"When I've healed, I want to ride the time machine."

"That's good. First, you have to go back 20 years and give Son-kun -- I mean, Gohan's father, the medicine. If he hadn't died from a heart problem, I don't think the world would be in this terrible situation."

"Was Gohan's dad that strong?"

"He was very strong...no matter how bad things got... it always felt like... he could overcome any problem." We see some still flashbacks to Son Goku's life.

"I'm looking forward to meeting my father."

"Don't set your expectations too high."

Birds chirp and play in the water. We see a closeup of the time machine, the word "HOPE!!!" inscribed on the side. "This is the special medicine for Son Goku's condition. Make sure he takes it." She hands him a small vial.

"Right. You can count on me, mother." Bulma wishes him good luck, and Trunks jumps into the time machine. He waves and bids her farewell,, then closes the top and starts up the time machine. Bulma looks on as he lifts off and vanishes, returning 20 years in the past.

Written by Dash