Life With You

Part 28: Fallen Warrior

Goku paced himself as they flew to South City. They will arrive after nine flying this slow but with the heart virus making itself known, Goku knew he had to take it easy. All those visits to Dr. Sims told him overexerting himself will make the virus spread faster. Piccolo flew alongside him, conserving his own energy, too, but Gohan flew ahead of them eager to reach South City. He put a lot of distance between him and Piccolo.

"Gohan!" Goku called to his son. "Slow down. We'll get there in time. You're gonna burn yourself out before we even fight."

Gohan slowed his pace. With Piccolo confident he can defeat the Artificial Humans but still having a sense of dread about today, his own health issues, and calming Krillin whom they met along the way, Goku put on his best acting job he was as cool as a cucumber.

When they arrived at South City, Yamcha and Tien were waiting for them on a mountain but so was Bulma with baby Trunks in her arms.

What the hell? Goku thought as he landed. He knew Bulma would have a child but he didn't think he would be meeting them today. "What are you doing here?" Goku scolded Bulma. "The Artificial Humans will be here soon. This whole area could be destroyed. You're putting yourself and your baby in danger."

"Oh, hush," Bulma ignored Goku's worries. "I just want to see what they look like and I'll be off."

Goku slapped his forehead amazed at Bulma's foolishness. He made some mistakes with Gohan when he was a baby but he never would've done this. Goku tried again to convince Bulma she needed to leave. He did not want his friend to die because of her own curiosity. As kids, Bulma got herself in over her head and it was up to him to save her. Knowing he was infected with the heart virus, Goku knew his fighting could be hindered.

"Bulma, you really should go back now while you still can," Goku warned. "If you don't care about yourself, think about your baby."

Bulma remained happily stubborn. "Like I said, once I see the Artificial Humans, I'll go home. Besides, with you here, I don't have to worry. You'll take care of the bad guys like always."

Goku threw his hands up. Stubborn as always.

"So, how did you really know?" Bulma asked Goku suspiciously. At Goku's questioning gaze, she said, "You really knew Vegeta is Trunks' Dad by looking at him and guessing his name was merely a coincidence?"

"Oh," Goku laughed nervously. "Maybe I discovered psychic powers in these three years."

Bulma wasn't entirely convinced. "So, you really haven't seen Vegeta and he didn't tell you about me and his baby?"

"Bulma, the last time I saw you two was three years ago. Honest."

Bulma took a step closer to Goku. Goku wasn't a mind reader but even he noticed Bulma looked a mixture of hurt and disappointment. "I haven't seen Vegeta in months. Like I said earlier, we're not living together." She pressed a kiss on Trunks' temple as he babbled. "Not all Saiyans can be domesticated I guess."

Bulma sat on the grass preferring to sit as they waited. Gohan entertained baby Trunks while Krillin looked on repulsed Bulma had Vegeta's kid. Goku loved Gohan's friendly approach to Trunks. Gohan was good with little kids. Aki's daughter always followed him around when he visited. Goku could see the same thing happening with Gohan and baby Trunks or his own baby brother or sister.

Perhaps after all this is over, me and ChiChi can try having another kid. Gohan will be a great big brother.

The remaining hour passed in peace but when the clock turned 10am and minutes passed undisturbed, the group became anxious. Goku considered they enter the city looking for any suspicious activity when Yajirobe's car exploded in the air. All watched as the remains of Yajirobe's car crashed in the ocean. Piccolo was the first to spot the Artificial Humans but it was Gohan who brilliantly guessed that because they were Artificial Humans they didn't have Ki. After giving orders to everyone to search and not engage the enemy and for Gohan to check on Yajirobe, Goku ventured into South City.