*What's that light? It's so bright! I can't see anything!* Everything was a haze. Trying to move forward was like trying to walk through a swamp. *Am I dead? Where am I?*
The grew smaller, but no dimmer. It came closer and Trunks realized it was a person. As the figure drew nearer, another beam of light appeared. They seemed unaware of him. They were talking about something, but he felt he was intruding by being here. He had no control though, and was unsure of whether the figures were coming nearer to him or he was moving toward them.
"My daughter, I'm so proud of you. You found out how to use your power." the first, a thin, pale woman with silvery blond hair spoke. She wore a white gown that ran past her feet and had ornate angelic wings on her back.
The other was dressed similarly. She wore a long white gown, though not as ornate as the first woman's. Her hair was a light brown with small streaks of blonde he supposed she had inherited from her mother. He had a feeling he knew who it was before she even turned toward him. His heart ached to be near her as she spoke.
Her face lit with a smile, "I'm so glad I found it too Mother. I... I didn't really know what it was like to live in a time that didn't know peace. Everyone is so sad there Mother. They've lost their hope."
The queen nodded, "Are you ready to come home?"
Chibi hesitated. She knew this was more than just a simple question. Her mother was testing her. She had to know what had happened, but if she knew that, she would also have to know about Trunks. "I..." she started, but broke off. "Mom... I... I can't..." Chibi felt a tear roll down her cheek. "I want to come home, I really do Mother, but I feel... I feel like there's still things I need to do."
Trunks sighed. Nothing made sense anymore. He hoped this was all just a dream. Chibi wouldn't leave, would she? *I never thought she'd really leave...* his own voice echoed in his mind.
Neo Queen Serenity smiled, "I knew you'd make the right decision. You have a kind heart, my daughter, but please ask yourself this: Is your sense of duty the only reason you wish to stay? I have a feeling you'll be surprised at the answer."
Chibi blushed, "yes... well... Mother how can I leave him? I feel so torn! I want to stay here and help Trunks achieve his dreams, I would give up everything for him! But I miss home!"
Trunks' heart skipped a beat. They were talking about him! He held his breath for a moment, millions of thoughts flooding his mind. Two thoughts hit him dead on, both a heavy blow. First, *She likes me?* and second, *but she won't be happy here...*
"If there's a way, you'll find it my child," Serenity said knowingly. Her words enveloped Chibi like a warm blanket. Serenity gave a final smile before fading from the dream.
Trunks watched it all with a heavy heart. Chibi would have to go back someday. He couldn't let himself fall in love with this girl. He couldn't hurt her! *When she leaves, I don't want her to have any regrets... I don't want her to ruin her life for me... I know she'll be happier wherever it is she's from...* Trunks felt a gaping hole in his heart. *For my own sake as well, I can't let her love me...* He longed to go to her and comfort her. Her eyes still gazed into the distance and he saw in her eyes a look of pure serenity. He knew he could never make her feel that. Her gaze shifted suddenly and for the first time, Trunks felt like she saw him. She turned to him and reached out her hand.
His head screamed at him to walk away, but his heart wouldn't let him. He came toward her, the dizzy blur of the dream becoming sharp and real. He took her hand and reached forward to embrace her, but he stopped himself. No, he wouldn't hurt her. He wouldn't lead her on when he knew what would happen.
She looked confused, but smiled at him, "Thank you so much Trunks."
Now it was his turn to be puzzled, "huh? For what?"
"It was you." she held his hand tightly, "you helped me find my power, Trunks. I know we only met days ago, but I think... I... love you Trunks."
Trunks almost cringed. What could he do?! It's just a dream, right? Right?! He sighed. *Just say what's in your heart.* A voice seemed to whisper in his mind. *It doesn't matter what happens, you know you'll always love her! Don't just throw her away!*
Trunks swallowed hard, "Chibi... I need to know the truth. You say you love me, but what am I left with when you have to go home? A broken heart. I'll never see you again, will I? It's not like you live somewhere else in the world, you don't even live in this dimension! How can you say you love me when I know you don't mean it enough to stay?" *No! Tell her you love her!!*
Chibi bit her lip, "I'm sorry..." She turned her back to him and started to walk away.
"Wait!" Trunks took her wrist. "I..." He couldn't find the words! They came into his mind, but his tongue seemed to make them slippery and garbled.
She looked at him again. He expected hatred, coldness, anger, but all he saw was pain. Tears were running down her cheeks and she was helpless to stop them. He stood there with his mouth open, unable to speak. She wrenched her wrist out of his grasp, took a few steps backward, then turned and ran away, leaving Trunks alone.
*Smooth Trunks, real smooth...* he thought, cursing himself.
*************************************************************
Trunks woke from his strange dream, finding dull house lights much too bright. He shielded his eyes with his hands, amazed to find that his arm was no longer broken and he wasn't covered in bruises.
"You're awake; it's about time." Bulma smiled at her son and gave him a hug. "I'm glad you're okay, you guys had me worried sick!"
"Where's Chibi? Is she awake yet?" Trunks inquired.
Bulma bit her lip. "No..." She put a hand on his shoulder, "Trunks... her condition hasn't improved at all, if anything it's gotten worse. She might not make it..."
Trunks shook his head, "How... what happened Mom? She was fine when I saw her last!"
Bulma looked troubled, "She was fine. She's the one who brought you here. Trunks... You were dead when she brought you here. You weren't breathing, you had no pulse... She used her own life energy to bring you back."
"What? Why would she do that?! Where is she now?" Trunks was almost frantic.
"I put her upstairs on the bed in your room. There wasn't enough room down here, so I've been moving equipment back and forth all night. She's breathing and her heart is still beating, but they're slowing down. It's like she's gone into a strange coma." Bulma's shoulder's dropped as she sighed, "I just don't know what to do for her."
Trunks held his mother's hand for a moment before walking slowly up the stairs and down the hall to his room. Before he entered he could already hear the somewhat unsteady blip blip of the heart monitor. He put his hand on the doorknob and crept quietly inside.
The lights were on, but there was still a gloomy feeling in the room. His eyes skimmed over her. She wore the same outfit as she had yesterday, a baggy green sweatshirt and a denim skirt. One sleeve was rolled up since she had an iv in her arm. Her hair was down and flowed messily on her pillow. Her face was pale and her skin was almost cold to the touch. Trunks knelt on the floor beside her bed and took her hand. He flinched at the chill of the skin.
"Please wake up Chibi. I need you." Trunks whispered.
Bulma came to the door, "I don't think she can hear you Trunks. My equipment is fairly basic. I can't do much to help her."
Trunks stood, "Well who can?! I won't just let her die!"
"Trunks, did she say anything to you? Do you remember anything of what happened?" Bulma asked.
"No, nothing, but..." Trunks trailed off.
"But?"
"Well, it's strange... I had a dream before I woke up. She spoke to me then, but I don't know if it was real..." Trunks looked dazed.
Bulma nodded, "What happened?"
"Well, first I overheard her talking with a woman, I think was her mother. She's not from this world, is she mom? Her mother wanted her to go back, but she refused, she said there were still things here she had to do. I..."
Bulma smiled softly, "you didn't want her to go back either, did you?"
Trunks sighed, "No... Mom, she makes me feel like, like I'm really alive! I want her to stay so much it hurts! But... she also told her mother how much she had missed her home. I want to be with her, but I also know that if she did stay, she wouldn't be happy here. I want her to be happy Mom."
"So you blew her off?" Bulma rolled her eyes.
"Well, she talked to me after her mother had gone. She said she loved me, but... I didn't say anything to her. I couldn't! If I told her I felt the same, it would only make it harder when she has to go home!" Trunks looked to the ground.
Bulma smacked him upside the head. It didn't hurt him much, but it knocked him out of his train of thought, "Baka! What were you thinking?! Men! Vegeta had the same problem. He could never say he loved me... I always knew he did, but Trunks, you HAVE to tell her!"
"But she has to leave someday! I..."
"You don't KNOW that. I think she'd be happy just to be with you. It's better to have loved and lost... well you know. I think you two should enjoy what time you have together. It's selfish not to let her know how you really feel..." Bulma explained.
". . ."
***********************************************************
Trunks sat on the front porch sulking again. It had been three days since the incident. Chibi showed no sign of improvement and Trunks could think of no one to blame but himself.
He had spent most of his time in Bulma's Gravity machine, practicing away. It was a way he could keep his mind off of his problems. Bulma said that the time machine would be fit for travel again sometime in the next few days.
Trunks stood up slowly and headed back to Chibi's room. When he wasn't training, he was with her. Bulma was already there, checking all of Chibi's vital signs.
Trunks sighed heavily as he sat down. "Any change?" he asked hopefully.
"...none," Bulma frowned.
Trunks nodded. He scooted his chair closer to Chibi and held her hand tightly. He closed his eyes, wishing there was something more he could do for her. When he opened them, he was surprised to see a small orb floating above Chibi's body. Inside was, what appeared to be a small figure. Trunks stared wide-eyed as it addressed him.
"Trunks, I am Neo Queen Serenity. The princess needs your help. She used her crystal, her life force, to save you. If this had happened in our world, she would have recovered because of the close presence of the moon to our kingdom." the image of the future queen continued. "But there is something stronger than even the healing power of the moon."
"What is it? I'll do anything to save her! Please, you must tell me!" Trunks pleaded.
"Love dear boy, love is the strongest power of all. The princess needs to know there are those who love her in this world. To her, this world is a sad, bleak place. Her sleep is haunted by twisted realities of this world and her own. Please Trunks, you are the hope of this world. Trust me that all will be well. I will allow you to enter her dream once more, but you must be careful. Don't let the dream consume you too." she finished.
Trunks felt something swirl around him and heard his mother's gasp of amazement. He couldn't move toward her though, he was so very tired. He shut his eyes and collapsed to the floor. Trunks quickly fell into a comatose state as his heart rate and breathing slowed and he became a part of a dream.
************************************************************
"Aiiie! It's so cold here!" Trunks rubbed his arms for warmth, but found none. He quickly took in his surroundings. He had expected this dream to have the same warm, blurry feel to it that the first had. This was a stark, harsh reality. He was in a strange, crystalline city. It looked as though it had once been a paradise, but now it was in ruins. The main tower in the center of the city was mostly intact. He figured that this must be, or at least was, her home.
Trunks headed toward the tower, flying quickly. He hovered around it for a few moments, curious. He hadn't seen anyone since he got here. He got the same creepy feeling he got when he walked through a town that the Jinzoungen had gotten to first. He thought he heard someone crying softly on one of the balconies.
There was a maiden, wearing a silvery white gown which contrasted sharply with her brown hair. Her hair wasn't the only thing that contrasted sharply. As he looked around her, he saw a pool of blood, apparently not her own.
"Chibi? Are you alright? What happened?" Trunks landed softly behind her and she flinched at his touch.
"Trunks?! How did you get here? Hurry! We have to hide or they'll kill you too!" she said frantically.
"What? Who? Who did this Chibi?" Trunks asked.
"The Jinzoungen! We have to hide! Hurry!" she tried to keep her voice down as tears ran down her cheeks.
Trunks grabbed her shoulders, "Chibi! Listen to me, this is just a dream! These people aren't really dead! You have to believe me!"
"What are you talking about?" she cried even harder, "look around you! My parents are dead, the other senshi, everyone! They followed me here, now this place is dead. There is no hope because there is no one left alive to hope! They destroyed even the moon itself!" she pointed a shaky finger at the night sky.
Trunks shook his head, confused. She wouldn't listen to him, the dream was too real. He would have to find someway to prove it to her.
"Chibi, listen to me, I..." he trailed off as he saw two figures approaching them. He knew before they were anything more than dots in the sky that it was the twins. He scowled, then turned to Chibi.
"You have to believe me Chibi, this isn't real. It's a dream. Don't you remember, the fight? You brought me back to life, but you never woke up. I remember you tried to speak to me in a dream, but..." Trunks tried to explain before the androids came too near.
"You again boy? This should be fun," 18 smiled slightly. Her brother nodded, a smirk on his face.
"Chibi, you have to trust me, it's a dream! You can control it if you just believe me!" Trunks pleaded.
Chibi's eyes were wide with fright at the androids. He didn't even know if she heard him or not. He sighed. "Chibi..." he kissed her cheek softly, "It's up to you now who will win, please trust me."
He turned to the androids, anger burning in his blue eyes. He thought he heard her calling him, but it didn't matter anymore. If she trusted him and believed in him, he could win the fight. It was her dream, she could control the outcome. But... if she didn't trust him...
*Either way, this is all I can do. It's in her hands now.*
The twins were ready for him. They both took a fighting stance as he powered up to Super Saiyan. He charged them head on, a ki blast in each hand. He threw it just before he reached them. A cloud of dust ensued, but when it settled, the androids were unscathed. Trunks blocked, but both of them attacked together, throwing him backward.
"This time let's really finish him 17. I don't like to leave a job undone." 18 glared at Trunks.
"Fine with me." 17 began to charge up a ki attack as his sister did the same.
Trunks prepared to fight back with a burning attack, one of his most powerful ki blasts. "Chibi!" he tried calling to her one last time.
*Chibi!* The voice rang in her mind. This wasn't real, none of it! Trunks was right! She had to take control of this dream!
The blast from the androids threw him back a step, but he quickly countered. His ki attack was getting weaker by the second and by the look of it, the androids were getting stronger. He heard a soft voice, but it rang sharply through his mind, "Trunks! You can do it! I believe in you!"
He felt a surge of power coarse through him, and let it fly through his palms. It was the androids who stepped back now. Their power was shrinking rapidly. Trunks pulsated with the energy now, it was a part of him. His ki enveloped the androids, leaving no trace of them. They were really gone! Trunks breathed a sigh of relief as his hair became normal again. He turned to Chibi, who smiled up at him.
"Chibi, you did it!" Trunks landed next to her.
She hugged him tightly around the neck, "we did it!"
"Chibi..." Trunks pulled her hands from around his neck. "There's something I have to say... I'm a fool for not saying it sooner. Chibi, I've never felt the way I do with you about anyone... I'm sorry I hurt you. The truth is, I do like you Chibi, I want to be with you more than anything, but I also know that someday, you'll have to leave. My world has nothing to offer you. But, I want to make the most of the time we have together. I just hope you can forgive me."
"I feel the same way," Chibi whispered as she hugged him again, "I just know we'll make it Trunks. Somehow, we'll find our happy ending."