Bringer of Death

Android Saga - Part 4: Modus Operandi

Android Saga - Part 4: Modus Operandi 

His arms stretched straight forward, Krillin flew in the rear next to Trunks, whose presence was overshadowed by Goku and Vegeta and allowed him to slip into the background. Despite being one of the weakest Z fighters, he still took the threat of the androids seriously. He intended to use the opportunity flying to Bulma's to be the first to individually discuss things with the time traveling half Saiyan. 

"So, Trunks, do you really think that if you team up with Goku and Vegeta that the three of you will be able to take on these androids? Not that I'm doubting you, man, I just realize that my own contributions to the team are pretty small. You Super Saiyans raise the bar to a place I just can't go." 

Trunks' long silvery hair rippled violently in the wind. He had heard Krillin's question, but he was still somewhat distracted by inward reflection. Today was the day he had looked forward to for so long, a day in which he could experience hope for the first time in his life. He had gotten to meet his father, his young mother, Goku, Piccolo, Krillin, and Tien. He had even gotten to see Gohan again. His warning had been delivered and received; the plan he once considered to be a long shot had actually succeeded, at least in stage one. Now, the future was going to depend on how hard everyone trained. 

"Well, Krillin, I honestly don't know if we can win. In our current state, I highly doubt it. Which is why I've decided to stay and train with you guys. Seeing Goku and Vegeta fight Cold made me realize that I have a lot to learn about battles. If, and from what Mom told me it's a big IF, but if my dad will agree to teach me then I definitely think it will help. The androids have mind-blowing power, yet Gohan was always able to strategize against them. I guess that's how we both managed to survive as long as we did; maybe honing more than just my strength will be able to make the difference. I guess we'll have to wait and see." 

"Hmm. I think I understand. If all the great masters of martial arts are dead in your time, there was only Gohan left to train you. And I don't imagine that you could focus all that well or practice consistently because of the continuous threat from the androids." 

"Yeah, well to be honest, Krillin, I'm not the most disciplined warrior either. I was constantly distracted by the death I could sense. As lives around me faded, I would become too emotional to continue training and would foolishly rush off to try and save who I could. Most of the time I was too late anyway, but I had to try. Now, without the worry that I'll be letting innocent people die, maybe I can set my mind straight and learn from the best...my father." 

"Well, don't you worry about a thing while you're here, man. You can finally get a haircut, a shave, and even a home cooked meal; not to mention some clean clothes that aren't so beat up. It's been a while since you had any of those I bet!" 

"Thanks, Krillin. It has; in fact I can't remember the last time I ate a meal in peace. And thanks for trying to be my friend. I haven't had one in a while, and seeing all of you today has meant more to me than you can imagine. Mom always said you guys were the happiest group of people she ever knew, and now I see exactly what she meant." 

The pair swooped downwards, rotating their feet from behind them to proper landing position beneath. Vegeta led the way, as he wanted to be certain he was first. Everyone else followed, heading in unison for a landing in Bulma's back yard. 

"And Krillin, you DO have a part to play in this. We'll all do our best to train, plus when the time comes you should know that you provide strength to this group in more ways than just one." 

"Thanks, Trunks. Together I believe we can do this." 

As the group of Earth's protectors dropped out of the sky onto Bulma's lawn, Gohan suddenly began to worry. He had left his mom in a huff, dashing out the door to investigate the threat to Earth earlier in the day. Before, while fighting Cold, they had been safely in the middle of nowhere, but Chi Chi was bound to check for him at Bulma's sooner or later. At least his dad was back now; surely that would make everything ok. The thought didn't prevent Gohan from searching out his mom's energy to see if he was safe from her for the moment.