"Not Much Between Despair and Ecstasy"
By Ani 

Chapter Fourteen - Tender In a World So Tough 

      "Zandre. Zandre, where are you?" Bulma's calling pulled her awake.
      "Over here, Bulma. Not so loud, he's still asleep," she replied, her hand moving from her slowly expanding stomach to little brother's sleeping head pillowed on her knee.
      Bulma walked around the bushes to find Zandre leaning against a tree. "Why is he so tired, anyway?" she asked as she sat on Zandre's other side.
      "He's trying too hard to learn everything as fast as he can. It doesn't help that your son is trying to train him so he can do everything I can," Zandre replied, reaching for the sketchpad between them.
      Bulma picked it up, about to hand it over when she realized part of the picture looked familiar. "This one looks like... is this...?"
      "Yes, it's these two," she replied, stroking her stomach, "or at least how they looked in the dream. I can't shake this feeling that it means something. I thought that maybe if I drew them I could shake it, but it still there."
      Both women sat in silence, trying to reason an answer, when Zandre suddenly started giggling. She blushed furiously as Bulma asked, "What's so funny?"
      "I... I just remembered... the night we..." She paused. "I probably shouldn't."
      "Aahh, you can't build me up then stop. Come on, tell," Bulma joked, prodding.
      "Well, not all the details. Anyway, as we... we started hovering."
      "That's fun."
      "As it hit, he turned Super Saiyajin."
      "Oh, that's even better!"
      "So it does happen a lot. Anyway, as soon as it was done, he reverted back and we flopped on the couch, laughing," Zandre finished.
      Bulma seemed lost, remembering. "He always had something new to try. I still wonder, though..."
      "About what?"
      She shook herself back to the present. "Vegeta always tried to convince me into flying and..."
      "Oh, you should have, you should have, Bulma! It's like a whole night rolled into one time!" Zandre exclaimed, almost waking little brother.
      Bulma fought her way out of her memories, her fantasies, and said, "You sure know how to torture a person."
      "Hey, you brought it up! You had to know!" Zandre joked, suddenly getting serious as little brother sat up, worried. 
      "What is it, Zandre? What's going on?" Bulma asked, concerned as she helped Zandre up.
      "I thought they were just sparring," she mumbled, catching herself at Bulma's gasp. "I'm not sure, Bulma, but Trunks is barely conscious and Gohan's slipping. You take Aiko and bring the airvan. I'll go on ahead and see what I can do," Zandre replied as she started flying away.
      "Please be careful; I don't want to explain to Gohan why you got hurt too," Bulma called to her retreating form, knowing nothing she could say or do would stop Zandre. 

(Present/Normal Timeline) 

      "Sure, you guys can use the gravity chamber, but Vegeta gets furious when he's interrupted, so be careful," Bulma said as she led Goku and Gohan to the room.
      "Thanks for the use and the warning, Bulma," Goku said, father and son both stopping and scanning the sky. "Tien, Chaotzu, nice to see you guys," Goku said as they landed a few feet away.
      "Why did you guys come here? You want to use the gravity chamber too?" Bulma asked.
      They looked at each other briefly before Tien turned to them. "No, but we were..." was cut off by a loud boom and a flash of light across the Capsule Corps. compound. They ran toward the source, amazed to find Vegeta standing there stunned in front of a giant spider-like vehicle. The dome on the top suddenly lifted, turning to the back, and a being stood, trying to see through the settling dust cloud.
      Vegeta, ready to attack, started hovering to the top of the vehicle as Goku called out, "Vegeta, get back here. We have no idea what this is."
      "Kakarotto, I was going to attack before it had a chance to respond," Vegeta yelled.
      "Vegeta, Goku. I made it, thank Kami! We don't have much time. We have to get back," a voice called out from the vehicle.
      A sudden breeze cleared the area, showing everyone who was there. "Zandre," Goku called.
      "Yes, I came again. We don't have much time; an alien has shown up and says he's gonna take the halflings alive or dead. Gohan and Trunks both fought him off for a while, but they need help."
      "Why?" Goku asked, concerned for that son.
      "Gohan's barely alive, and Trunks is barely awake. I did what was needed and came to get help. So, who's coming?" Zandre said, her chair lifting to reveal the extra seats.
      "I'm going," Goku called.
      "Me too," Tien said as Chaotzu nodded at him.
      "I'm going," Gohan added.
      "NO!" three voices said in unison. Piccolo slowly lowered into view. "You're staying here, Gohan. You'd just be another target for him."
      "He's right, Gohan. This maniac said he wants the halflings so he can rebuild Frieza's empire. He'd go after you too, or use you against your father," Zandre said, turning to the others.
      "Let's go," Goku said, hovering up to Zandre and Piccolo, followed by Tien.
      Zandre turned to Vegeta. "There's room for one more."
      Vegeta sent a cursory glance to Bulma before saying, "There's no way I'm letting you get this one, Kakarotto!"
      Zandre smiled, winking at Bulma as Vegeta joined them. 

(Back in Mirai/normal storyline) 

      Another boom and flash of light and the dome and Zandre's seat were moving. She stood and slowly lowered herself out, saying, "So, how are they, Bulma?"
      "The same as they were. They can't heal completely in the five minutes you were gone," she replied, making three of them jump. As they got out, Bulma stood in the doorway with her back to them, calling down the hall, "So, who did you bring back?"
      "Bulma?!" Goku uttered, amazed.
      She slowly turned, her hands going for the doorframe, shocked to find four long-dead friends standing there, almost as old as the last time she saw each. As the shock wore off and her mind kicked in, she chuckled briefly and called down the hall, "So you brought the fathers with you."
      Tien got a little nervous as she started down the hall, waving for them to follow. They entered a room to find Trunks sitting up in a bed; Zandre bent over Gohan in another, her hands and his chest glowing green.
      Gohan slowly groaned and tried to sit up, being stopped by Zandre. He took one of her hands in his and said, "Just stop the bleeding, Zandre. We don't have the time and you don't have the strength."
      She was about to protest when she realized its truth and the true extent of his injuries. As she finished, he sat up, his hand absently stroking her stomach. Gohan got up and stood beside Zandre, her back still to the others, and looked at them. "Zandre, why did you bring them here?"
      "Gohan, you need the help. If this maniac can do everything Trunks said, you two won't last long," she replied, stroking his cheek.
      Gohan sighed loudly, "You're right. I'd hate to find out what he'd do if he found out about the rest of you," he replied, pulling her close.
      Zandre turned around, Gohan's arm still around her as Goku asked, "What do you mean, Gohan?"
      Zandre turned to Gohan, smiling as his hand slid from her shoulder to her waist, revealing her condition, and said, "You guys are gonna be grandpas, sort of."
      Zandre turned to her father, her smile turning to confusion as Goku said, "Guys?"
      Her eyes never left her father's as she said, "I told you where... you still haven't, Papa?"
      Tien stared at her as the others tried to understand what they'd just been told, Gohan answering what he could. Tien's face stayed stern and unreadable, but Zandre could sense all the pain, fear, and doubt her still carried about their situation. She turned away and left the room, Gohan, Bulma, Trunks, and the others following.
      Tien slowly followed the others, overhearing Gohan ask, "Where is...?"
      "With your grandfather," she replied, glancing at Piccolo.
      Piccolo's brow furrowed at their words as he asked, "Okay, kid, what's up here?"
      Gohan turned into the living room, sitting on the arm of the couch, Zandre staying at his side as he replied, "I'm not exactly sure, Piccolo. Trunks and I were helping with some rebuilding across town when some of the kids came running to us. They said this monster suddenly appeared, asking 'where are the halflings'."
      "They led us to him and he said he was taking the halflings, alive or dead. We fought him off, but all those trick attacks he did overpowered us. He pulled back and set a pack of robots on us, thinking he had us, and left. We got rid of half of them when Zandre showed up and helped," Trunks finished.
      "If you want to call taking care of two helping, but you guys really needed us afterward. I just wonder if he knows..." Zandre said, turning to Bulma.
      "That they're still alive, that should be obvious," Goku questioned.
      Vegeta slapped him upside the head. "No, you idiot! That he's found out about her, what she can do!!"
      Gohan's face fell as that sunk in, his arm going around her waist as the next thought bobbed up, coming out in a whisper, "About the twins!"
      An alarm system suddenly going off stopped all questions as Trunks and Bulma went to a computer within the far wall. "There's about two dozen of those robots coming this way," Bulma stated.
      "From the north, and it looks like he's with them," Trunks added.
      Gohan stood, turning to Zandre as she said, "Go, stop them, I'll stay here where it's safe."
      "But if he knows... he'll try..."
      "Then keep that in mind, use it," Zandre said, walking him to the door.
      Piccolo turned to Goku. "She really does know him."
      She smiled at them as Gohan hugged her and said, "Don't forget, I'll let you know if he's getting too close. Now, go."
      He pulled away, seeing only belief, trust, and faith in her eyes. Steeling himself on that alone, Gohan turned and ran outside, the others quickly following. Once all were out, they took off as one.
      'Be careful of those claws, they shoot a power web that's twice your own,' Gohan sent the thought to the others.
      "So you can't escape on your own," Piccolo said over the rushing wind.
      "Yeah, and watch it so you..." Trunks started, getting sucker punched as the crab-like robots started appearing all around them.
      A gravelly, echo-like laughter started about thirty yards above them, causing both half-Saiyajins to go Super. "So you got some help? I didn't sense any of them until a few minutes ago." He paused, pushing buttons on his claw. "Oh, I see, time travel! I'll have to get the machine when I retrieve the green-haired female. It was wise of her to stay behind, having little fighting experience and that useful healing ability. As for your help, they're not exactly what I want, but they can still be used."
      "What do you mean?" Tien asked.
      "Well, Saiyajin blood is very scarce in the universe. And as your companions prove, halflings tend to be stronger. The same hold true for your race, Xanthan. That's why the female is so important to my plans; a half-Xanthan carrying quarter Saiyajin children. What power!!" he replied, patiently explaining.
      "Raktho, if you even mention her again I'll rip your heart out!!" Gohan yelled, his anger causing the power to surge around them.
      "Then come willingly," he replied.
      "No!"
      "My droids will change your mind," Raktho replied, motioning them to attack.
      The droids all took a battle stance, a strange black aura surrounding each. Goku and the others were about to power up, surprised when Gohan and Trunks powered down out of Super Saiyajin.
      "They determine your power level and absorb some, especially blasts, when they glow like that. Trunks tried to warn you," Gohan stated before they could ask.
      "Very observant," Raktho said as the droids attacked, "something I'll have to instill in those children."
      "That's IT!" Gohan screamed, slipping back into Super Saiyajin, suddenly attacking the large crab-man from behind.
      "NO!!" both Trunks and Goku yelled as the droids used their shock, overwhelming both temporarily.
      Soon droid parts were everywhere, as each of the fighters powered up, avoiding the power webs. Energy was flying in every direction; avoided, blocked, or destroying a droid. A rage-filled yell caused the remaining six to jet straight up. "Now prepare to join me, halfling, while I go get your mate," Raktho said, kicking Gohan to the droids.
      "NOOOO!!" he screamed as the six encircled him, firing their power webs. His heart-wrenching, pain-filled scream filled the sky as the webs hit their mark.
      "Gohan, NO!!" Goku yelled as he headed for the two above him. As he brought his hands together, motion caught out of the corner of his eye told Goku he had help.
      "Kame-hame-ha!"
      "Beam Cannon Fire!"
      All six were obliterated in a flash of light, Goku teleporting to barely stop Gohan from hitting the ground. "Daa... Goku. The teleport. Go save Zandre," Gohan groaned as he was sat on the ground.
      He didn't even respond, Goku was gone and suddenly back with Zandre in the space of a heartbeat. Her face fell as she saw the state he was in. "No arguments, Gohan. Just stay still so I can make it so you can at least stand," she said, her hands glowing green as she forced him to lay down.
      Gohan reluctantly agreed, allowing her healing glow to encompass most of his upper body. She closed her eyes halfway through, opening them slowly as they both rose. Taking a deep breath, Zandre suddenly stopped as Gohan and Trunks turned from each other to her.
      "He's realized she's here," Tien guessed.
      "He seems surprised by the teleport," Piccolo said as the others honed in on Raktho's position.
      "What are you waiting for, Kakarotto? Get her out of here," Vegeta almost yelled.
      "What about your place, Zandre? That's just as far in the other direction; it'll keep us between you and him," Trunks suggested, offering the obvious safe haven.
      "Okay, just picture it in your mind," Goku said, taking Zandre's hand, his other going to his forehead.
      As they suddenly disappeared, Gohan called out, "No, wait!!" then abruptly took off.
      The others all followed, Trunks and Piccolo trying to overcome Gohan. "Slow down, Gohan. What's wrong?"
      "Think about it; if he was asking for the halflings, somebody's bound to have told him about her," Gohan yelled over the wind.
      Trunks was suddenly running even with Gohan, "So he's probably got some of those droids at her place. Let's just hope Zandre's realized as much," Trunks said, using his guilt and anger as fuel. 

      "What the...? Where are we?" Goku said as they reappeared within a circle of trees.
      "We remembered that he was asking for the halflings, so I had us come out in the forest behind the house, just in case," Zandre replied, pulling Goku through the trees.
      They came upon the small clearing that she used as a back yard, finding two droids guarding the back door and two more flying over the house. Zandre stayed within the forest as Goku stepped into the clearing, all becoming one big blur as the fighting started. Forms suddenly became clear as Goku shot into the air, avoiding two power webs that entangled, destroying their droids. Unfortunately, Goku wasn't watching his back; the two remaining shot their webs, both ensnaring him. Zandre formed a ki shield around the twins as she blasted at the droids, forcing them to drop Goku. 

      "Zandre... Zandre, NOOO!!" Gohan called, his whole body glowing like a ki blast before he disappeared, stopping everyone.
      "So he can teleport too," Vegeta grumbled as he started off, kicking into high gear, pulling everyone back to the situation. 

      Gohan reappeared to find his fear come true. Two droids forty yards above him with Zandre in their webs being shocked.
      "Stop, my minions, we don't want to harm them," Raktho's gravelly echo suddenly filled the sky.
      "Let them go," Goku called as he tried to stop Gohan. Before he could, Gohan shot up to the droids, ready to tear Zandre free with his bare hands.
      "I wouldn't; the webs will adjust to yours, hurting her," Raktho called, stopping Gohan. Two more droids approached, flanking him as the others left with her. "I know you can find her. If you can rescue her within two hours, I will leave all of you and your planet alone. If you cannot, I will take all of you with me, alive or dead. You have two hours to decide their fate and yours," the others heard as they approached.
      Goku slowly hovered up to join them, the group hovering behind Gohan, still flanked by the droids. "You know it's a trap," Vegeta stated the obvious.
      "But we've got to save her," Trunks said, staring at Gohan. "Too many people need her."
      Goku turned to his 'son', seeing all his pain, and said, "Piccolo, Vegeta, you two in front. Trunks, we'll stick with Gohan, hopefully to keep him focused. Tien, you watch our backs. As soon as we free Zandre, you get her out of there. Got it?"
      A power surge made everyone turn. The energy formed around his 'arms', his left only a silhouette of energy. It suddenly burst forth from his 'fists', disintegrating the droids at his sides. "Got it!!" he replied, flying to the north. 

      "So you're awake already, Zandre, is that it? It's earlier than I expected, but then you're proficient in many unusual aspects of ki usage." That gravelly voice pulled Zandre awake.
      She sat up slowly, only to find herself in a protected cell. "Growing up in a chaotic world, you train yourself for anything," she calmly replied as she approached him, stopping a couple of feet from the shield wall.
      Zandre received what she could only guess was a smirk as the flesh on the left side of his face moved up, revealing more of the dark orange shell that should be his mouth. "Too true. And learning to absorb some of any energy attack is an extremely useful ability. I'll have plenty of time to determine any others. Your friends have less than two hours; if they don't manage to free you, you're all coming with me," Raktho agreed, turning to leave.
      "You'll find I'm full of surprises," Zandre called to his back, carefully revealing her true power level.