A/N: This is the final chapter.

"No, no, NO!" Lazuli cried when the portal shut, trapping her husband on a dying planet. "Trunks! Gohan, quick, heal her!"

"I…I can't," Gohan said despairingly. "I barely have any energy left from the fusion…I was lucky to fly here."

"Azure, senzu bean!"

The child quivered from the forcefulness of her mother's voice. "I gave it to Gohan earlier."

The Android was ready to tear her hair out from the frustration. "Dammit! Dammit!" She felt helpless, a feeling she hated, but there was no other way to restore Gohan's power; Korin had been one of the unfortunate victims of Zamasu's Lightning of Absolution. "Okay, fine," Lazuli said, trying to calm down as she approached the unconscious Chronoa – and slapped her. "Wake up!"

A second slap brought the Supreme Kai out of her condition and she winced at her stinging cheeks. "Was that necessary?" she asked of the Android.

"Yes. You need to get Trunks here right now."

"Oh…right, I'll get onto it…be warned, it'll take me a short while."

Lazuli didn't care; she just hoped that Trunks was still alive and that Black wasn't waiting for them, waiting for his opportunity to exact his revenge.

-X-

Trunks tumbled over backwards and he clumsily drew his sword – Black's Aura Slide sliced down and narrowly missed the half-Saiyan; he barely had any energy left from the fusion, but if anything, Black didn't seem as strong as usual; he wasn't even in his Super Saiyan Rose form, his body a mishmash of purple goo, but Trunks had no desire to underestimate him just because the doppelganger was weaker now – he just needed to delay the body thief and somehow survive…not quite an easy task.

He deflected Black's Aura Slide, still trying to find his footing, as Black's goo-encrusted fist crashed into his jaw, dropping him. Black snarled and slashed viciously at Trunks; he blocked with his sword, but Black's strikes wheedled away at his defences, trying to find the opening – in desperation, Trunks lashed out with a kick at his opponent's knee – Black was so intent on killing him, he didn't see the strike and he stumbled back, allowing Trunks to get to his feet.

"You're mine," Black growled, goo and blood dripping down his face, his cells a complete mess from the fusion, due to the half-immortal nature of Fused Zamasu. "Before this planet withers and dies, I will add your corpse to the pile – even if I'm taken by the destruction, as long as you're dead, my goal is complete."

"I'm honoured that you're so fixated on me you're willing to die just to kill me," Trunks replied wearily. He needed to fight, even though he wanted nothing more than to rest.

Black fired a ki blast that drilled him in the chest. "You and your friend have ruined everything! The universe is meant to be pure and beautiful, but you insist on corrupting it with your vile existence! Mortals must pay the price for their desecration-"

"Oh, shut up!" Trunks shouted vehemently. "You honestly believe you are so righteous and yet you are the one stealing bodies and massacring people, because let's face it, Zamasu, you are nothing more than a weak, cowardly worm and using someone else's body was the only time you were ever strong."

Black snarled and lunged – Trunks narrowly dodged the Aura Slide and tore a cut across his foe's flank. He got smashed to the ground in response, but he pushed himself on, urging himself to keep fighting – he had to make it to the Time Nest, to be with Lazuli and Azure – the thought of his small family gave Trunks a boost and he vanished from the ground, the Aura Slice stabbing into the dirt. Black frowned and was struck from behind by a Burning Strike and he face-planted the earth. The imposter scrambled to his feet and deflected the sword, the pair trading blows as the world burned around them. Trunks fought fiercely, his body running on nothing but the desire to be with his family and he parried Black's ki blade, tearing another line across his nemesis' torso – Black responded in kind and Trunks stumbled back, a bloodied tear dripping upon his bruised torso. The half-Saiyan gasped against the pain, dizziness swarming around him and Black smirked, sensing death and he moved in for the kill – at the last second, Trunks, with one hand to his wound, thrust his sword forth – and pierced Black straight through the heart.

The body-snatcher stopped short in his attack and fell to his knees, surprise etched upon his face. With a grimace, Trunks tore his sword away and Black collapsed in a heap by his feet.

A portal opened and there was Chronoa, with Lazuli by her side. Trunks smiled wearily and headed for the portal – and howled when Black's Aura Slide pierced his calf. Tearing the ki blade away, Black wrapped one corrupted arm around Trunks' throat and held the Aura Slide to his temple.

"I'm going to make her watch as I tear the life from your body," the body-snatcher taunted in Trunks' ear. "And then, I will slaughter all who remain, including your little brat-"

Black suddenly went flying and he crashed into a pile of debris, as Gohan helped Trunks to his feet. "Let's go, buddy."

"How?" Trunks questioned as he hobbled alongside his best friend, fire burning in his leg.

"Chronoa opened a second portal so I could help if I had to."

"No, NO!" Black screeched in a rage and he chased after the pair.

"Come on, guys," Lazuli called out to them.

Black lunged at the half-Saiyans, his Aura Slide at the ready to tear through them – a High-Pressure Energy Wave collected him in the chest and drove him away, allowing Gohan and Trunks to safely pass through the portal. Black roared his anger, but Chronoa simply smirked at him as she shut the portal, trapping him on Earth. He vented his rage and punched the ground; the planet burned and crumbled around him and he could do nothing about it, even with his divine power. His cells were fluctuating too much to be relied on and without the ability to ascend to godhood, he was trapped.

"I, a god, bested by mortals. It's like the universe is laughing at me for my failure. Not even the Potara could help us – I am a disappointment, just like Gowasu said when I slew him," Black mused. "This is unacceptable, but what other option do I have left? Perhaps in another timeline, Zamasu and I were successful in eradicating the stain of mortal-kind. Yes, that is always possible. Very well, mortals…I give this round to you, because in another world…you are erased."

Lava burst from the ground as lightning raged overhead, while Black stewed in his frustrations. And then, after what felt like an eternity in waiting, Earth finally collapsed in on itself, the core splintered and the entire planet erupted into a massive explosion that shredded Black to pieces, obliterating every inch of him; it was like a giant cosmic firework display, much like Planet Namek decades ago, bursting until there was nothing left of the world, a price unfortunately paid to save the universe.

-X-

Trunks and Gohan tumbled to the ground when they landed in the Time Nest and were immediately set upon by their loved ones. However, even as he was smothered in hugs and kisses, especially from Azure and they were rejoicing in their victory, Trunks couldn't help the heaviness that weighed in his chest, the uncertainty that bore upon his mind: they had won, but the Earth was annihilated and the human race had been reduced to a handful of survivors with nowhere to live. With Ocarin's death, the Namekian race was now extinct, which meant no more Dragonballs to fix the problem.

Trunks looked up at Chronoa, then at the people that remained: he had to do something for them, given his accidental hand in destroying their home. But first, he was injured and exhausted; some rest wouldn't go astray and thankfully, Chronoa seemed to take note of that.

"Alright, so how about we get you guys to the med bay and checked over, huh?" the Supreme Kai suggested. "We get celebrate and work things out after. Sound good?"

"Sounds fantastic," Gohan agreed with a worn smile.

-X-

As it turned out, Chronoa had a fully functional hospital. It was part of a small city that she called Conton City and the place was something she cooked up with Ocarin after the whole ordeal with Demigra. Regardless, Trunks was thankful for it, as his wounds were healed and he'd gotten several hours sleep, alongside Gohan and anyone else fatigued by the tribulation.

When he woke up, Trunks wasn't surprised to find Lazuli by his bedside; he moved slightly, felt a weight against his body and realised it was a sleeping Azure, curled up into a ball against him.

"Hey," Lazuli greeted softly.

"Hey, yourself," Trunks replied. "How's everyone?"

"Chronoa's been running herself ragged trying to get all the people sorted, finding them places to stay…kinda serves her right for taking so long to help out. Could've saved a lot more if she'd showed up earlier. Luckily for her, this place is big enough for everyone and she's got enough places."

"I think from what Ocarin once told me, she wants to build some kind of group that can protect history from aberrations; I know we haven't heard of them in five years, but Towa and Mira are still out there," Trunks said and then he lowered his head. "I guess not just protect history from them, but also from idiots like me…after all, Black was entirely my fault."

Lazuli frowned at him. "What makes you say that?"

"I changed time to save Gohan from Mira…because Gohan lived in that timeline instead of dying at your hands, Black used his body to attack us…if I had never done that, Black wouldn't have happened."

"How can you be sure about that? Black saw an opportunity and took it; he was relentless about his 'kill all mortals' plan that he would've done it even if you hadn't changed time…he would have stolen someone else's body…imagine if he stole Goku's body or even your father's from another timeline."

Trunks shuddered at the thought. Gohan Black had been difficult enough, but a Goku Black or a Vegeta Black? No way. "Still, it doesn't absolve me of my crime or change what's happened…Earth is gone and we're virtually homeless, we small band of survivors. There's, what, thirty humans?"

"About fifty or so, last I checked," Lazuli replied. "Yes, it sucks, but aren't humans adaptable? You were able to grow up in a literal apocalyptic world thanks to yours truly."

A small smirk appeared briefly on Trunks' face. "Aren't we quite the pair of screw-ups?"

Lazuli looked at their sleeping daughter. "Oh, I don't know…it hasn't been all that bad."

Trunks couldn't disagree there, however, the reality of their situation started to sink in. "What are we going to do now? So much has happened...everything and nearly everyone is gone. I mean, last week, we had a big dinner party to celebrate our one-year wedding anniversary…now, everything has changed: Mom's gone, Ocarin's gone and even Earth is gone, because why not?"

"We'll work it out; trust me, Trunks, it won't be all that bad."

"You're so calm about it."

The Android gave a small shrug. "The Earth being non-existent is a step-up from it being a constant wasteland, but I'm used to this kind of disarray. Don't get me wrong, the peace was great while it lasted and I want that again, but right now, we have to get through the chaos first. We'll deal and we'll make it through. Together, as a family."

She had a point and he let out a low sigh as he took her hand. "You know, never in a million years would I have imagined we'd end up like this, you and me, but right now…I'm glad you're here."

A smile slowly spread across her face. "Well…that makes both of us."

-X-

Chronoa hummed as she watered her garden, one of the few relaxing hobbies she enjoyed and after the stress of organising homes for a group of refugees, she needed it…but to be honest, she enjoyed the feeling of helping those in need…while her job and title as Supreme Kai of Time was quite important, there wasn't really much to do outside of caring for Tokitoki…helping the survivors of Black and Zamasu's rampage gave her a sense of accomplishment and it made her feel good about herself…not that she never did, but the moment made her feel…useful.

She looked up when she sensed a presence and smiled at Trunks. "Feeling better?" she asked.

"For now," Trunks replied and he bowed his head. "Supreme Kai, I'm sorry. This was all my fault."

"What was?"

"Black's existence, the destruction of Earth, flooding the Time Nest with people…it's my fault…if I hadn't changed time when I wasn't supposed to, none of this would've happened."

"You're not the only one who should shoulder the blame," Chronoa stated simply. "Perhaps if I had been more vigilant and actually fixed incorrect timelines, it wouldn't have happened. then again, Zamasu was a zealot…he still would've carried out his plan even if you didn't change time."

"Lazuli said the same thing. Regardless, it's because of me that people are dead and we have no home. We'd come back from the brink of extinction in one apocalypse, only to be reduced to a mere handful in another apocalypse…because of me."

"Blaming ourselves isn't going to change a thing, Trunks."

"You're right…as penance, I wish to take up Ocarin's position here, to prevent changes like that from ever happening again. It's the least I could to make things right."

"Well, I accept your offer, even though technically, you still work for me," Chronoa said, trying for a comforting smile.

"Thanks…but, what about the rest of the people? What are we going to do about them?"

"Don't worry, Trunks. There's plenty of space for them here if they wish to stay permanently. And, if some of them want to, we could train them to be part of the Time Patrol as well. You and your family will always have a place here and I am more than happy to accompany you all."

A glint of light appeared at the end of the tunnel and Trunks couldn't help but feel grateful towards her. "Thank you, Supreme Kai. You didn't have to-"

"Oh, don't worry about it. I was happy to help. Please, make yourself at home here."

"Thank you again…thank you so much."

-X-

Lazuli sat on the mountaintop, overlooking Conton City. She had to admit, it was quite a lovely place; Chronoa had outdone herself in creating this small utopia and the fact that she was doing everything she could to make sure everyone else was looked after and tended to softened the Android's hard thoughts towards her. She felt a presence, but didn't look as Gohan sat beside her.

"How's Pan and Videl?" Lazuli asked.

"They're settling in fine, but it's going to take some getting used to," Gohan said. "Having your whole life uprooted and forced to move somewhere else, plus a dead family member coming back to life…there's some adjustments required. You and Trunks?"

"He's felt so bad about the whole thing that he's basically pledged himself for eternity to Chronoa in servitude. He's got a thing about wearing that guilt on his sleeve."

"That's Trunks. He's always been harsh on himself; always carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders…I'm glad that you've helped him lift it…somewhat."

"Well, he's stubborn and it's not always easy," Lazuli replied breezily and she glanced at her companion. "Does it feel good to be alive again?"

Gohan gave it a quick thought. "I didn't expect it to happen, so I'm just taking it one day at a time. Don't get me wrong, it's a great feeling; I get to be with my daughter, even though it's kinda strange, since really, I'm only about ten years older than her."

"So, that makes Videl a cradle-snatcher, huh?"

He chuckled. "Yeah…I guess we're just gonna ignore the age difference…my father told me that Saiyans age slower than humans once they're in their prime, so I'm using that as an excuse for now."

The Android sobered. "I do regret killing you. Not at the time, but when I was in Hell, running away from Cell, the constant looking over my shoulder…I understood how my victims felt…when you're in a crappy situation, you just reflect on how you end up there. It took me a while to come to terms with it after I came back, but it's true…I absolutely regret my past."

"I did always hope that perhaps you and your brother could give up your evil ways and reform," Gohan said. "Wasn't easy after every fight and sure, it took a long time before it happened, but at least you did. I've come to terms with my death, so I'm not going to hold it against you, and, in a way, dying helped because it gave me the power I needed to help Trunks. Not ideal, but you take what you can."

"Well, I guess, in a way, 17 reformed as well," Lazuli said wistfully. "He gave up his life so I could continue living. I definitely don't want to waste it, especially after having Azure…it's funny…we're both supposed to be dead, yet here we are, alive and with families, defying fate in that regard."

"I know it hasn't been easy, but I'm really glad you've made Trunks happy…after I died, he really had nothing left outside of Bulma-"

"Because 17 and I took it all away from him," Lazuli interjected.

"Yes, but you have given him so much in return…a beautiful daughter to begin with. It's strange how things happen, but I guess they happen for a reason and it's all worked out well…okay, Earth exploding and a straggle of survivors left aside, but we can make that work well too."

"It's not going to be easy."

Gohan shrugged. "Never said it would. The world came back from the brink before; here, it'll be no different, just on a smaller scale."

Lazuli gazed at Conton City. It was tranquil; she could see herself living and raising Azure here, which made it easier to accept Trunks' decision to work for Chronoa in penance. As long as her daughter was happy after all the crap she'd been through at her young age, then Lazuli was happy.

"We'll make it," she said. "After all, we're survivors."

She had once ruled the world through genocide in the name of hatred and fun; after being sent to Hell for her grievous crimes to suffer, she had returned to life to be used as a pawn, but instead of falling back to her old ways, she chose life instead and in doing so, had forged a relationship with the same person who she tormented and who ultimately killed her, the pair putting their past and anger behind them after much trial and tribulation, eventually bringing a beautiful life into the world together and sitting here on the mountaintop, Lazuli was thankful for all that had happened to bring her to this moment in life where she could finally appreciate the beauty of it all. She was meant to spend eternity in Hell, suffering for her sins and if she had never taken that opportunity for revenge, her daughter would've never been born and that was more precious to her than almost anything else. In a way, Lazuli had beaten the darkness of her soul to reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

Twelve years later…

There was a certain buzz in the air as a small family made their way towards the Time Nest. Trunks was leading the way, adorned in his Time Patroller clothes; beside him walked Lazuli, wearing a pink tracksuit similar to the one during her first time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Alongside the couple walked Azure – at seventeen years of age, she was as tall, slender and beautiful as her mother, her lilac hair reaching down to her shoulders; she wore a black tank top, a denim vest and jeans with a large belt buckle, brown boots and gloves and just like her father, she had a sword slung across her back.

However, she wasn't the only child of Trunks and Lazuli present: at eleven years old, Jasper was considered somewhat of a child genius, with a gifted intellect that had been passed down from his paternal grandmother. Ever since he was young, he could usually be found tinkering away on something, be it robots or spaceships, preferring to build things rather than train or fight, although he was no slouch in that department; while he shared the same eye colour as his older sister, his short hair was violet and styled similarly to his paternal grandfather: windswept and he even had a small widow's peak. While at times he could come across as arrogant (probably due to his intelligence), Jasper was down-to-earth, usually made humble by his mother and sister.

Then, there was the youngest of the family: seven-year-old Eschalot, the only child to be given a Saiyan name: Trunks had learnt of the name during various travels through time, where Vegeta had originally planned that name for Bulla (Trunks thought it was cool that he had a sister in an alternate timeline, even though he has never actually met her); wanting to honour his father's original decision and the royal bloodline, Trunks suggested the name to Lazuli when she was pregnant and surprisingly, she'd agreed. Nicknamed 'Lottie' by her siblings, young Eschalot had inherited her father's eyes, while her hair colour was indigo. An unexpected child (but no less loved), she was shy around strangers, but once she warmed up to them, she was the sweetest, friendliest girl with perfect manners, always eager to please. Naturally, as the baby, she was somewhat spoiled.

A lot had changed over the past dozen years. The survivors of Zamasu's genocide had settled into their new home in Conton City quite well, despite the odd displeasure here and there. Gohan took it upon himself to train anyone interested in energy control, teaching his students how to fly and create ki blasts. This formed the basis for the Time Patrol, as Lazuli also trained them in martial arts, aided often by Pan. It took some work, but there were people with potential who soon became fully fledged warriors capable of high speed flight and intense energy blasts. With the threat of Towa and Mira making their presence known, Trunks led the new Time Patrol in missions against the demonic pair, stopping them from altering history for their own nefarious purposes. When he wasn't leading missions, training or spending time with his family, Trunks held sword classes with Tapion. The Konatsian had come to terms with Zangya's death, although he still remained single, refusing to see anyone else so he could focus on raising Minotia, something that he was doing great at. The young hybrid was a polite, joyous lad who took his training seriously and could usually be found hanging around Jasper, being one of the few people who could drag him out of his workshop.

Partaking in the classes as she grew up, Azure was a top student (theory, she wasn't perfect at, but practical stuff was a cinch for her) and she had wanted to join the Time Patrol, to travel through time and participate in the fight against Towa and Mira's Time Breakers…and today was her first mission.

"So, are you ready for this?" Trunks asked.

"Duh," Azure confidently replied, adjusting her scabbard's strap, even though she felt butterflies. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have trained for all those years."

"Yep, you're your mother's child."

"According to her, I get my stubbornness from you."

Lazuli gave a casual shrug at her husband's beleaguered look. "If it was a competition, you'd win hands down, so yeah, she got it from you."

"Hey, Azure, reckon you could get me some demon tech?" Jasper asked. "Or would that be too difficult for you?"

"Hey, Jasper, I think your sunscreen needs another application; wouldn't want you to melt outside of your laboratory."

"Envy is a sin, sister. Just because I'm smarter."

"Well, I'm prettier…and can turn Super Saiyan 2. Where's your transformation?"

"Okay, knock it off, you two," Lazuli cut in before Jasper could retort. "We get it: you love each other."

"Troll," Azure shot at her brother, ignoring her mother's exasperated look, and she turned to her father. "Okay, I'm ready to go now."

"Be careful," Trunks said as he pulled her into a hug. "I know you can take care of yourself and everything, but do please be careful. Your Mom will kill me."

"It's true. I will," Lazuli deadpanned as her daughter hugged her. "So, watch yourself, don't get cocky and come home safe."

"Don't worry, Mom, I'll be my best behaviour," Azure replied. She ruffled Jasper's hair and snickered at his scowl as he tried to reshape it to how he had it perfected. "Bye, nerd."

"I hope a big monster eats you," was the response.

"You love me," Azure smirked and she knelt before her sister. "See you soon, squirt."

"Have fun," Eschalot grinned. "Blow some baddies up."

"You got it," the teenager concurred and she felt her fist out; Eschalot bumped it with her own and then Azure offered the same to her brother and he grudgingly gave her a fist bump as well.

"I hate to say it, but time to go," Trunks said. "See you soon, Azure."

"Will do. See you guys later," Azure waved to her family and she joined the robot assistant, disappearing from sight as she was hurdled through time for her mission.

"Can't believe she's all grown up," Trunks said wistfully.

"They all do, too fast," Lazuli agreed; Jasper spotted Minotia and rushed off to join him, leaving Eschalot behind and the Android took her youngest daughter's hand. "I have to say, we've done a good job with all of them, surprisingly. I know I say that every now and again, but considering everything, being a mother was not something I ever expected to happen, but it's been the best thing to ever happen to me…and I'm grateful for it."

"I know the feeling," Trunks agreed, taking her free hand. "It's been quite the journey and a blessing to raise them…I just wish Mom and even Father got to see them grow up."

"I wish the same thing of my brother…I bet he'd spoil them rotten…good thing we work for a Supreme Kai of Time who could probably work something out for her top pet."

"Hey," the half-Saiyan cried indignantly, although he knew she was joking and he squeezed her hand affectionately. "But you're probably right. I'll talk to her."

The Android grinned. "I'm always right."

He hummed, deciding to let her have it. Even after all this time together, it still amazed him at how much they had changed and how far they'd come together. If twenty years ago, someone told him that he'd be raising three beautiful children with Android 18, he'd have that person institutionalised, yet here he was, living a mostly peaceful life with Lazuli by his side as they raised their family. They had both brought darkness to each other's lives: her by tormenting him and killing people he cared about and him by killing her and sending her to Hell, but fate, it seemed, had different plans for them, and now, they had brought the light to each other's lives, banishing the darkness with the birth of their first child and fighting side by side to protect the world and now, the timeline. It hadn't been easy, with the numerous ups and downs due to the conflicts of their past, the trial and errors of child-rearing, and the various threats they'd faced, but they had gone through them together and come out all the more stronger because of it. And Trunks wouldn't have it any other way, not with the slice of life that he'd carved out for himself, especially in the wake of Zamasu's rampage.

He squeezed her hand tenderly and she looked at him. "I love you," Trunks said.

A warm smile graced her beautiful face. "I love you too," she replied.

Azure stood among the trees, her highly trained senses on alert. Her first mission had been a complete success and she'd returned home to words of adoration and pride from Chronoa. However, if the Supreme Kai knew what she was doing right now, well…it wouldn't end too favourably for the quarter-Saiyan, but she couldn't help herself. It had started out as curiosity and evolved into Azure breaking the rules, stealing into the timeline in secret, aided by a robot assist who helped her under the threat of death.

"Hey, who goes there?" a voice demanded from her left.

"It's me, Azure," the quarter-Saiyan responded. "I thought you'd recognise me by now…Uncle."

17 floated from between the trees and grinned warmly at his niece. "Good to see you, kid. Man, you look more and more like your mother by the day. Come on, let's get you inside and you can tell me what's been going on since we last spoke."

"Sounds good, Uncle 17. Lead the way."

A/N: Oh my! After fifteen months, this story had finally reached its end and it's been one mammoth journey, the biggest I have ever undertaken. I want to thank everyone who reviewed and faved this story over the past year - thank you so much, without it, this wouldn't have been possible. A special shout out to Denizenn and The Writing Crow - thank you for the chats; it's been great talking with you guys and working things out, especially Denizenn for encouraging me to write the Lemon chapter - it was a push out of my comfort zone and I needed that. Once again, thank you all so much and farewell.