Trunks was the last to enter the time machine. With a press of the start button, the entire vessel flashed into a stream of brilliant light and shot toward the sky—vanishing into the horizon.
---
The Future
The time machine reappeared above the ruined Capsule Corporation. As it landed with a low hum, Trunks and the others stepped out one by one.
Hearing the noise, Future Bulma cautiously emerged from her lab. When she saw the massive machine several times larger than the one she had built, confusion spread across her face.
The current Bulma immediately recognized her older counterpart. Seeing the weary lines carved by time across her future self's face, her chest tightened with silent sadness.
Likewise, Future Bulma looked at her younger self — the woman she once was — and felt as though an entire lifetime had drifted by between them.
For a long while, neither spoke. The silence was thick and heavy.
It wasn't until Trunks said softly, "Mom," that Future Bulma snapped back to reality. She wiped the corner of her eye and smiled faintly.
"Trunks, you're back… and you brought guests."
"Mom?"
The younger Bulma froze. Trunks had never revealed who his parents were, but she had guessed the truth long ago. Hearing it now still left her stunned.
Trunks stepped forward and hugged his mother tightly, then began to introduce Chiga and the others.
He hesitated when his eyes met the younger Bulma's — unsure of how to introduce two versions of the same person.
Future Bulma chuckled softly. "No need to introduce that one. I think I recognize my past self."
Bulma folded her arms and tilted her head. "So… you ended up choosing Goku?"
"Chose Goku? Why would you ask that?"
"Because Trunks is a Saiyan. Who else could his father be?"
Future Bulma blinked in confusion. Based on the timeline, her younger self should have already met Vegeta and even developed a faint interest in him. Why would her past self immediately think of Goku?
Trunks quickly leaned toward Future Bulma's ear and whispered something. Upon hearing it, Future Bulma's eyes widened, her gaze shifting toward Chiga.
A new figure… someone who changed history itself, she thought, astonished.
Her surprise only deepened when Lazuli stepped out from behind Chiga.
She had been hiding deliberately, knowing that her appearance might trigger fear or anger. Still, staying hidden forever wasn't an option — she wanted to face the consequences of this meeting.
Future Bulma's expression froze. In her world, the woman before her wasn't Lazuli — she was Android 18, one of the monsters who destroyed humanity.
Seeing the shock in her eyes, Trunks quickly stepped in, explaining everything. He spoke of timelines, altered fates, and the truth of Lazuli's redemption.
After a long silence, Future Bulma finally exhaled. Though her heart still trembled, she managed a calm nod.
"So everything changed because of Mr. Chiga?"
"Yes," Trunks confirmed. "And he's here to help us. With him and Lady Vados, those androids won't be terrorizing the future for long."
Chiga smiled and said politely, "Hello, I'm Uchiha Chiga. It's an honor to meet the future version of Miss Bulma, even under such grim circumstances."
Future Bulma blinked rapidly, still reeling from all of this. She quickly caught herself — leaving guests outside was improper — and stepped aside to invite them in.
---
Inside, the Capsule Corporation was a shadow of its former glory. The grand labs and shining halls were now cracked, burned, and empty. Only one workshop remained intact — the place where Future Bulma still fought to create hope.
Younger Bulma looked around with sorrow. "This… this used to be my home."
Future Bulma sighed softly. "Ours, actually."
She brought out a few cans of homemade drinks and placed them on the table.
Vados, ever curious, picked one up and opened it with interest. She took a small sip, and her lavender eyes lit up instantly.
"This is delightful! Did you create this yourself?"
Future Bulma smiled. "It's one of the few things that brings me joy these days. There's a little alcohol in it — I hope that's fine."
"Of course it is!" Vados declared cheerfully. "Bulma, you should learn from your future self. Make some for us when we return!"
The younger Bulma sighed, half smiling. The divine image she once held of Angels was quickly fading.
Vados took another big gulp, her face gradually turning red. Chiga frowned, quickly snatching the can from her hand.
"Vados, are you seriously drunk already?"
The can was empty. Whether she was pretending or not, the Angel suddenly swayed, her head landing on Chiga's shoulder. Both Bulma and Lazuli exchanged amused glances.
Vados mumbled, her voice soft and unsteady,
"So tasty... Chiga, what are you doing? Give it back, I want more..."
Chiga rolled his eyes. "You'd be the first Angel who can't handle a soft drink. Stay put before you embarrass yourself further."
Her cheeks puffed up in mock outrage. "You dare talk to this Angel like that? I'm angry! I'll punish you!"
"Oh? I'd like to see how the mighty Angel plans to punish a mere mortal like me."
Their eyes met, stubborn pride colliding in the air. The tension was enough to make the others back away, afraid that even a playful clash between two divine beings could destroy the planet.
But the tension didn't last.
Vados suddenly wilted, throwing herself into Chiga's arms with a soft, tipsy laugh.
"This Angel won't argue with you… after all, you're the one I've taken a liking to. But don't be so fierce next time, okay?"
Bulma and Lazuli exchanged looks while Trunks rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
If Marcarita had seen this, Vados would never live it down — not for a thousand years.
---