Authors Note: I had a good time writing this chapter and I hope that you enjoy it. I haven't had any reviewers yet but, I won't let that discourage me. I've already begun working on some sketches.
Chapter Summary: Android 21 continues her search for Android 18.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z. I do not own the song "Skyfall". My story is only loosely based off of the lyrics.
I slowly crawled out of the subterranean structure into the brisk breeze of August. Yet in the silence of the night, I found solitude the best. It wasn't like I had much of a choice. I didn't hold memories of positive interactions with other beings. I observed the glowing stars above my head as I ascended further into the sky. Stars were lovely creations. They didn't have troubles or responsibilities and it didn't seem like they were bound to any place in the galaxy.
Below me, I could see the movements of tiny ant sized creatures. Humans...I thought of them with a bit of disgust. I had barely spent any time around humans when they were not trying to destroy each other. Greedy little mortals. They would cower at your supremacy. A smirk crept onto my features. It was the closest my mouth had come to a smile in . . . forever.
The little campfire I had lit was beginning to dim. I decided to rest under the foliage of the trees. The world appeared so serene. . .
I was dazed and could not stop observing the sky. It was so beautiful like this. I began taking in every sound of the night carefully. I remained aware of the world surrounding me. The stars twinkling in a sky. The sound of woodland critters creeping through the shrubs and tree tops. It must be nice living in a wooded area. I was stuck in between a state of meditation and anger. Why couldn't I have this? Why couldn't I have a family with a home and friends? It was so damn infuriating! Why was I cursed with such power? I wanted to cry and kick and blow things up, and I had a hard time restraining myself. Just do it. I felt as if I was going crazy.
I was becoming stiff. I was still sitting, unmoving, breathing shallowly. I felt like a sitting duck. What was I doing here? What did I expect to gain from pursuing Android 18? I wasn't going to kill her. Was I? No. That wouldn't be a clever move. If she was an Android that meant she was just as strong as I was. Did she have a Dragon within her also? She was older and probably had more training.
I shivered. Yes, it was a cold night. I would rather be alone on a cold night than surrounded by filthy parasites. All of the Red Ribbon soldiers were dead. They had been overpowered as if they were insects or bugs, only existing to be squashed. They ran and hid, cowering in fear.
After murdering them I felt . . . better. I had no idea if murdering other people would feel the same way. Was I a sadist? Somewhere in midst of the situation I had begun to disregard the emotions of others.
I made my decision. I would continue my search for 18.
The sun rose gracing the sky with its presence and providing light to my side of the earth once again. I glanced at my clothing. I had no idea the night could be so cold… and my clothing choice didn't help provide any warmth. The short black dress and green sneakers weren't the smartest choices for the cool night air. I cursed those who had made the selection during my stay at the compound. My entire outfit was splattered with blood anyways. I reached into the pouch attached to my brown belt and retrieved the GPS. I wasn't too far from her location. If she wasn't home then I would wait for her until she arrived.
I jumped into the sky feeling the swift wind pushing against my. My royal blue hair was now a mess. It was short and and filthy and I probably looked like a little boy. I hadn't seen a mirror since . . . yesterday.
The weather wasn't so bad during the day. I didn't feel as cold but, a jacket would be a pleasant addition to my wardrobe. My thoughts drifted for the next several minutes. I was so deep in thought that I did not even hear the monotonous beeping tone of the GPS alerting me of my close proximity to my destination.
The few palm trees about the island swayed below me as I landed on the crystalline white sand of the beach. A deserted towel lay among a small sand drift near the house. The soft crash of the waves approaching the sand and retreating into the ocean almost lulled me to sleep. A young blonde girl in a lime green swimsuit stood in the doorway of the home. Her eyes widened, surprised that I was standing on the island. Or even near it for that matter.
"Where is Android 18?" I inquired walking swiftly towards her. My voice was void of emotion. Her figure quickly retreated into the home as she slammed the screen door behind her. I clenched my fists in anger. I wasn't there to harm anyone. Had this imbecile ever heard the quote "Don't judge a book by its cover."?
I was within two feet of the door when another blonde woman came to the entrance of the door. Her hair was short and blonde and her azure eyes pierced through mine. "What do you want and why are you here?" She barked placing her hands on her hips in an authoritative manner.
I stood up straight and mimicked her stance. "I am looking for Android 18. The Android who killed Dr. Gero. If you aren't her then get the hell out of my way." I proclaimed narrowing my eyes. You can take her. A small sting of pain surged through my patched eye. The woman's stance changed again. This time it seemed as though she may be willing to fight me. "I am Android 18" She glanced at the Red Ribbon logo on my dress "Who sent you here!"
My hands twitched with anger and my will to fight intensified. She was challenging me. My mind began to recall my words earlier. She had more experience and training. Brute strength wouldn't be enough. "I am not here to fight you. I was not sent by the Red Ribbon Army although they created me. I wouldn't obey an order from those bastards." I announced my features hardening.
Why did I even come here? Apparently she was plagued by the same question because she repeated it aloud. We were the only two standing there that day. My shoes were filled with sand and soon my eyes were filled with hot tears.
I lowered my head as angry tears began to form. "This is senseless . . . right? For two years you were only a product of my vivid imagination. Y-you were a hero but . . . you were unaware. I would go to sleep and allow my dreams to create wonderful scenes in which . . . you rescued me from those t-twisted men. When a person is in dire circumstances they will allow themselves to cling to any amount of hope. I was g-grasping at straws." I stumbled over each word. What was happening right now? Was I . . . emotional? "I'm n-not supposed to show emotion. I'm not even s-supossed to allow people like you to live . . . but, I want to be n-normal." I was confused by my own train of thought but, it was like 18 and I had a silent agreement.
After several moments of silence occupied by awkward tension, Android 18 sighed heavily. "In some strange way, I believe that this almost makes you a family member." The tone of her voice was monotonous but, it was still comforting. Like, a robotic lullaby. I raised my head and allowed my unpatched eye to connect with hers. She opened her arms and made a sweeping gesture "Come on in." She whispered slowly.
My feet felt like anchors that refused to allow me to enter her household. Was this a bad idea? Yes. You weak imbecile. I ignored that thought and forced myself to go in despite the dragons protests.
The warm temperature inside of the house served as a welcoming relief. The high pitched voice of a fitness trainer filled the room. "The TV is too loud you old bag." 18 fumed stealing the remote and lowering the volume. An elderly man sat alongside a red L shaped floor couch in front of the television. His eyes remained glued to the television screen as the women bounced around entertaining him. I removed my shoes and stood in the doorway.
"My husband will be home soon. A few of his friends and their children may be over later also." She announced leading me up the flight of stairs and into a hallway. I nodded my head slowly. An upbeat rhthym snuck its way under the door allowing us to get a small sample of the song.
She tapped her knuckles on the wooden door. After a few moments I heard the shuffling of feet and the music was turned off. The door creaked open and a young girl stood before me. "Marron this is . . . 21 and she will be staying with us tonight. Help her freshen up." 18 instructed leaving the two alone. She trusted me alone with her family member. She was testing me.
Marron cleared her throat "I think you may want to change. You may be a half of a size larger than me but, we can definitely find you something to wear."
I sat idly in a wooden chair wearing only baggy teal socks and a white t-shirt while the perky blonde searched through her closet hunting for a pair of shorts that she swore she had recently placed there. It had been like this for the past forty-five minutes. After Marron taught me how to use a shower, I was finally able to cleanse my body of all the dirt and grime accumulated over the past couple of days.
Marron's room was painted in the same shade of pink as the exterior of Kame House. Posters of musicians and teenage soap opera characters decorated the walls. I had inquired about each person curiously and she informed me enthusiastically. She seemed to really like a young man named Barry Kahn. Her eyes became glazed over as she described his most handsome and attractive features.
"Found them! I knew they were in there somewhere!" she announced victoriously presenting a pair of faded high-waist shorts.
I slipped my legs into them and buckled the brown belt. Marron stared at me as I rolled the sleeves of the t-shirt up. She tapped her foot on the floor somewhat impatiently. After yet another moment of awkward silence, I finally realized that she wanted me to say thank you. I had never really thanked anyone before and I really didn't see a need to thank her for the clothing. "You're welcome." She huffed turning away from me and picking up an issue of another teen magazine.
"I didn't say Thank you." I replied exiting via the bedroom door. She was deeply engaged in the article yet her ears perked up after hearing my response.
I slipped down the stairs and into the living area. The elderly man was no longer there and 18 was cooking a meal for later.
"Krillen's friends eat a lot. Come and help me by preparing the onigiri." She demanded offering me a knife.
I grabbed the knife cautiously. I wasn't quite sure what onigiri even was. Suddenly, I didn't feel as smart anymore and it wasn't a good feeling. She glanced at my still form and raised a single eyebrow. Silence was becoming a very common form of communication between the two of us. She gave me a small nod and began instructing me on how to properly prepare onigiri.
We talked for hours about the Red Ribbon Army and my stay there. She seemed genuinely interested in my experiences. "How did you escape?" she questioned while her hands gracefully chopped green onions. I paused remembering the number of people I had murdered.
"I murdered anyone who stood in my way . . . and if they ran I hunted them down." I answered shrugging my shoulders casually. Her face and movements remained the same as if I hadn't even answered.
AN: I know this all may seem confusing and her emotions may seem inconsistent but, 21 is confused about emotions. She was told that she was perfect but, she is flawed. She was told that she couldn't feel emotion, but she has cried. She has trouble understanding the way emotions work and 18 is really the only person who understands that at this moment. That is why I included their moments of silent communication. It is odd but, you will grow to understand 21 more with each chapter.