Chapter 25: Besieging Dr. Gero
And we're back in business. Wednesday/Thursday and Sunday updates from now until whenever. Let the android saga begin!
I seem to have come into a habit of writing androids 19 and 20 with numbers, but Seventeen and Eighteen as words-to signify that they retain some level of humanity. At first I thought this was a habit I'd picked up from Bringer of Death or something (given how my writing style's been influenced by theirs, as noted before), but I looked and nope, they use numbers for all the androids. Still, I'm fairly sure I got it from somebody else. Well…eh. I guess if you know who else does that, tell me.
The years of peace weren't entirely filled with training, of course. Goku and his family would often visit Capsule Corp., and Gohan and Kuriza would find plenty of entertainment playing together—they were, for all their power, only children, and became fast friends. Meanwhile, Bulma would often talk about the new technologies the company was churning out—particularly reverse-engineered tech from Frieza's empire. The futuristic armour and scouters were now standard-issue all over the planet for police, security forces, emergency services, and search-and-rescue teams all over the world. Capsule Corp. had adapted the design slightly to make the technology easy to mass-produce—but they maintained a strict policy to keep it out of the hands of any country's military, and any army that did acquire their tech would soon get a visit from the first superhuman fighter Bulma could badger into helping out.
This time period also brought a couple of new faces into the world—Bulma and Zarbon's son Trunks, and born a few weeks later, Launch and Raditz's daughter Break. The new additions to the 'extended family' were the subject of much 'ooh'-ing and 'aah'-ing, as expected. After his child's birth, Zarbon could be seen sticking much closer to Bulma and Trunks, seeming to become more settled down and content.
Not everyone was happy, of course. Piccolo's thoughts had grown increasingly troubled. This particular day, with one year remaining until the androids' arrival, he was having a crisis of faith. I've pushed myself so far beyond what I thought was possible…I'm hundreds of times stronger than when I last fought Goku…and yet, whenever I feel one of those Super Saiyans off in the distance, I'm reminded just how insignificant it all is. He recalled his inherited memories—his father, the first King Piccolo, fighting the young saiyan, and finally falling. He'd passed on his last hope of victory to his son, Piccolo Jr., his final chance at longed-for world domination…but it wasn't to be. At every turn, Goku and his saiyan family had outpaced him, climbing to ever-higher levels of power and leaving Piccolo in the dust. Not to mention the greater threats that kept appearing, forcing him to work together with the Earth's defenders for mutual survival—he'd even heard the remark 'I'm glad Piccolo's on our side', whispered behind his back. I'm not. Not even close.
"Father!" he yelled to the empty wastes. "You told me you'd give me the power to defeat Goku and claim this world!" The ground shook as his energy flared uncontrollably. "How can I do that, with these Super Saiyans defending it?" He glanced at a mountain, destroying it with merely his glare, almost trying to reassure himself that his power did mean something. But it didn't. Not anymore.
At last, the fateful day came. Break had predicted the androids' arrival at midnight, so they met up in the late evening. Tien and Chiaotzu were the first on the scene—the agreed meeting-point, a plateau overlooking a city—followed by Krillin, Raditz, Launch and Roshi. There was a sense of a special occasion, a once in a lifetime event, so many non-combatants accompanied the fighters. Next were Zarbon, Bulma, Kuriza and Nail, and finally Goku, Gohan and Chi-Chi, who had met up with Yamcha on the way there (it turned out Piccolo had beaten them all by several hours, but wasn't going to be seen with the rest in a hurry and was off on his own as usual). Even Yaijerobe turned up (and promptly handed them a bag of senzu beans from Korin, turned tail and fled). The fighters were all in full battle gear. They waited for several hours, swapping stories and idle chat. Gohan and Kuriza played 'it', until Raditz snapped at them. The androids were due to arrive in forty-five minutes.
Goku motioned to Raditz to step aside to talk to him in private (so, of course, two sets of sensitive Namekian ears strained to hear every word).
"Hey, Raditz." Goku leaned back against a rock, the wind whistling softly through his gently swaying hair. Raditz folded his arms, waiting for his brother to continue. "I think it's safe to tell you now—it's already happened, after all…"
Raditz was confused for a second. "Happened? What are you talking about?"
"The girl who warned us about the androids." Goku smiled a little. "She was from the future—she came back to try and change the past by preparing us."
"I'd considered the possibility. It would explain how she knew so much." Raditz's mind made a connection. "Wait…a Super Saiyan from the future…you don't mean—"
"Her name's Break."
The shock knocked Raditz clean off of his feet. "I—uh—really?" He sheepishly stood up, looking back over at (shy) Launch, who was rocking baby Break back and forth in her arms, singing quietly—it was quite late, after all. "My little girl, huh? Who'd have thought?" He laughed softly. "Well, to be perfectly honest, I would have thought so…any child of mine had better hope they can make it as a warrior, or I'll never let them hear the end of it!"
"Don't be so tough," Goku warned. "I never pushed Gohan very hard, and you can see what a great fighter he's become, and only nine years old. Even younger than I was when I started having adventures…"
"You have your way of doing things, and I have mine." Raditz looked up and away. "Remember, I may have come around to your point of view on some matters, but I haven't gone soft. Don't mistake me for an Earthling. I'll raise my daughter like a true saiyan!"
"Heh…Launch might have something to say about that."
"I guess there are some battles you can never win…" Raditz strode away, leaving Goku grinning. His brother certainly had a lot to think about. His daughter risking her life (and, if Bulma was to be believed, the very space-time continuum) to spare them her timeline's fate would take a while to wrap his head around. However, he'd have to do it some other time—the androids were now overdue, and some people were getting bored.
"I tell ya, those robots should just come out already so I can deck 'em!" Yamcha was strutting up and down, flexing his muscles.
"Yamcha…" Krillin scratched the area of his face where most people would have a nose. "You do know they're supposed to be more powerful than a Super Saiyan, right? I wouldn't be in such a rush to fight them…"
"Ah, quit worrying!" Yamcha grinned, a sure indication he was about to say something incredibly stupid (and he was). "Think about it—I'm definitely more powerful now than Goku and Raditz were when Vegeta attacked Earth, and they're Super Saiyans now. So I'm kind of stronger than a Super Saiyan too!"
Krillin was completely stunned by the sheer imbecility of this statement. "Yamcha…there is so much wrong with that sentence, I don't even know where to begin."
Nail walked over to the two human fighters. "I don't like all this waiting. The androids could aready have appeared by now, and be down in that city somewhere, beginning their rampage. I wish that girl had known their motives—it might have helped us predict their movements. All we know is that they'll be somewhere around here…"
"You're right, I guess." This was from Tien. "What do you guys say? Let's go down into the city and look for them."
"Teams of three, at least," Zarbon added. "Remember, they're supposed to be very dangerous. Any objections?"
"Sounds good." Goku shrugged. "Better than sitting around all night up here, I guess."
There was a rushing sound as Piccolo took off on his own and arced down towards the city. I'm not working with those clowns again!
Shortly, the fighters had divided themselves up and set about searching the entire city. Tien, Zarbon and Raditz composed one group, and Goku, Krillin, Nail and Yamcha the second. Gohan remained behind under the watchful eyes of Chi-Chi, but resolved to slip away the moment she let her guard down. He was primarily a studious boy and his mother's son, but he definitely had his father in him—and couldn't stand to let his friends fight without him. If he sensed anything happening to them, he'd be off, vengeful mother or not.
They spent fifteen minutes searching without success. The streets were almost empty, this late at night, but night-shift workers, along with the occasional drunk or petty criminal, still wandered the city. Nobody paid them much attention, which—given their somewhat outlandish appearance—was unusual, and not entirely unwelcome. However, even for a city at night, it seemed eerily quiet, as if the world was holding its breath. It was an uneasy feeling, and put them all on edge.
Goku's head whipped around as he felt a ki fluctuation. "It's Piccolo! He just concentrated his power—he must be attacking the androids! Come on!" Goku's group took off, heading for the source of the signal, meeting up with Raditz's group as they flew. As they got closer, they began to see two thick columns of black smoke billowing up from the ground. They headed straight for the centre of the ruined area, landing between the two destroyed buildings.
The scene that awaited them was almost surreal. Piccolo, cape swirling in the explosion's aftershock, stood with one arm extended, steam rising from his open palm, facing off against two strange figures—a long-haired, elderly-looking man and an overweight albino…thing…both wearing brown and orange pseudo-military outfits and black hats (no more detail could be distinguished at this distance). They were hovering a couple of feet in the air, evidently having just moved quite quickly, and as the group of fighters arrived, they settled down to the ground. Between and behind them, there was a smoking, flaming hole in the ground where an apartment block used to be. Piccolo shook his head. "Bah. I missed."
"That was you?" Goku asked, looking over at the ruin.
"Hey, they're the ones who blew up the hospital," Piccolo replied, pointing to the other burning crater behind him with his thumb.
"Monsters…and Piccolo's just as bad!" Goku frowned. "I guess there goes any hope he's reformed…"
"Me? Reform?" Piccolo gave an evil grin. "Keep dreaming!"
"Just stay out of this!" Goku answered, turning to face the pair opposite the demon. "There are bigger threats than you to worry about."
"Hey, Goku." Tien pointed at the mysterious duo. "I can't feel any ki from those guys at all, but they were flying, and fast enough to dodge Piccolo's attack."
"The androids," Raditz muttered.
"Must be."
The androids, of course, couldn't hear this conversation, so had no idea that the planet's warriors had been expecting them. "Greetings!" the old one called out. "I had not expected we would be meeting you so soon. How did you find us so quickly?"
"We just did." Goku brushed the question aside. "How is none of your concern."
"Very well. I suppose, in the end, it's irrelevant." He indicated himself. "Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am android 20, and this is my companion android 19." The fat one nodded in acknowledgement to 20's statement. "We are the emissaries of our master Doctor Gero, sent to pave the way for his conquest of this planet."
"Right. The usual, then." Goku raised his guard. "Not while I'm still standing! And that goes for the rest of us, too!"
"Heh." 20 took a step forwards. "Actually, I'm glad you tracked us down. We're anxious to prove our superiority over the planet's strongest biologicals…"
"Wait a minute!" Zarbon stepped up next to Goku. "Did you say Dr. Gero?"
"That is correct. You have heard of his genius?"
"Bulma mentioned him a couple of times." Zarbon frowned. "He was the head scientist for the Red Ribbon Army. I believe you clashed with them during your childhood."
"You bet!" Goku grinned. "Ah, that was a carefree time, huh? You know, I think I must have met another android of this doctor's." His expression softened as he remembered an old friend. "Android 8—well, I called him Eighter. Made him sound more human, I guess. Unfortunately, I doubt these guys will share his conscience…although I think I can see the Red Ribbon Army's mark on them..." He returned his mind to the present. "So, you two want to fight us? Well, it's too crowded here—let's fight somewhere else!" Like somewhere away from all these innocent people…
"It makes no difference to us." Android 20 smiled. "Lead the way to wherever you choose as your final resting place…"
The fighters and androids faced off against each other on the edge of the desert. Piccolo had followed them, standing aside from the group as always. Android 20 was the first to speak. "Well. Part of our mission is to destroy Goku—the Earth's champion, and the one who previously defeated the Red Ribbon Army." He beckoned to Goku. "So why don't you fight first? It will be an honour for us to destroy you."
"Heh." Goku settled into a fighting stance. "You might reconsider when you see this—hyaaah!" In a flash of golden light, Goku was transformed. "Well, what do you think?"
"Unexpected. Most impressive." 20 shrugged. "But it is useless against us. We are the ultimate fighting machines."
"Hah!" Raditz laughed out loud. "Enough me this crap! Come on, am I the only one who finds this ridiculous?" He indicated the androids. "This is the terrifying foe we've been dreading for three years? The terror of the future? An old man and a fat guy?" He powered up to Super Saiyan himself. "Haah!"
"Him too?" Android 20 commented, then realised something. "Wait…you say you've known we were coming for three years? How?!"
"That's for us to know…" Goku smirked.
"Enough of this! Nineteen! Destroy those two…golden…things."
Android 19 spoke for the first time. "Affirmative."
"He's going to take on both of us, huh?" Raditz asked.
"I assure you, our design is—" 20 began to say, but he was cut off by Goku.
"Sorry, pal, but we're not fighting on your terms!" The Super Saiyan charged the androids, and Raditz followed close behind.
"Damn it Goku, save some for me!" he yelled, the brothers competing to get into battle first, the thrill of combat filling their minds.
Goku crashed into the androids, punching one in the face with each fist. He whirled, dodging their counterattacks, and Raditz smashed feet first into 20, knocking him into a nearby rock face. 19 swung at Raditz from behind, but Goku caught its fist, throwing it straight up into the air. Raditz vanished and appeared above 19, slamming his elbow into its neck and knocking it right back into the ground next to Goku.
"Yeah! Look at 'em go!" Yamcha was cheering.
"Oh, quiet down." Krillin snorted (an impressive feat, given his aforementioned lack of a nose). "You know you wouldn't stand a chance in there. Let them concentrate."
"Hey, I wouldn't go down that easily!" Yamcha mimed a few punches in the air. "I reckon I'd take at least one of 'em with me."
"Are you kidding? Those 'droids would tear right through you."
Yamcha pouted. "Fine, be pessimistic."
"Or, as I like to call it, realistic."
The androids picked themselves up as the Super Saiyans settled to the ground next to each other. "Hah! Couldn't face a real warrior, then?" Raditz asked.
"But…I don't understand…" 20 was muttering. "My calculations were flawless…I've monitored all of your battles with Piccolo…your struggle against Vegeta…I even created a model to account for the saiyans' exponential power growth! But this—this is insane…!"
"Wait…'my calculations'?" Tien scratched his head. "But wasn't it Dr. Gero who was in charge? Unless…hey, Goku!"
"Yeah, I know!" Goku turned to 20. "Hey, android, uh, 20, wasn't it? Are you Dr. Gero, by any chance?"
"What?! No!" 20 was sweating. "I, uh…"
"Yes, he is!" Zarbon snapped his fingers. "I knew I recognised him somewhere, but I didn't make the link. He was on the cover of one of Bulma's magazines…went missing a few years back. It seems he's made himself into an android…makes sense, I guess."
Dr. Gero (for it was him) realised he didn't care if they knew his identity—the pressing concern were these golden saiyans. What was the secret to their power? Nineteen! He signalled his comrade through their shared communications link. Attack…now! The androids launched a synchronised attack on their alien foes, Goku and Raditz jumping into the air to avoid the pincer movement, the androids bounding up off the ground towards them. Raditz took a step back as they approached. "Here, I'll show you how hopeless it is. Goku can deal with both of you with no trouble!" Ignoring his boast, the androids rocketed past him up towards Goku. The heroic saiyan dodged 19's strike, blocking 20's leg as it swung for him. He ducked under a sweeping punch, barging 19 out of the way with his shoulder. He caught 20's wrist as the android made another swing at him. "Heh. My turn now, okay?" Goku's own fist drove deep into 20's stomach, tiny cracks opening up in the mechanical fighter's metal body. Goku swung his elbow, the impact hurling 20 to the ground, but as he fell Dr. Gero let loose an energy blast. Not having seen the androids fire energy before, Goku only barely dodged it. Distracted by this, he was easy prey as 19 rushed back up from behind him and grabbed him by the neck with one hand.
No reason for me to intervene, Raditz thought. Goku far outclasses these machines—he'll break that amateurish hold, no problem. However, an uncomfortable red light began to emanate from 19's hand. Goku spasmed as the light intensified, now accompanied by an artificial sucking noise. Goku gasped, and his ki began to fall quickly. Raditz rushed forwards to intercept the android—whatever it was doing—but another blast from Gero, charging up from below them, made him twitch to the side, breaking off his attack. Gero hovered between Raditz and the other two. "Heh heh heh…" the mad doctor grinned. "Nineteen is absorbing your brother's energy now…in a few seconds, it will all be over."
"You think so?" Raditz laughed. "Even if you could stall me for just long enough, we did bring more than two fighters…or did you forget?" This coincided with his telepathic signal to the others that he needed their assistance. The response was a familiar one.
"Tri-Beam, HAA!"
"KIENZAN!"
"KAMEHAMEHA!
"HAA!"
"YAAH!"
The multiple energy attacks shot up towards 19, who threw Goku away to the side, accelerating away from the oncoming threat. He dodged and weaved between them, coming to a halt as the light faded, midnight's dark returning.
"MASENKO—HAAA!" The dirty yellow energy wave detonated on 19's back, Piccolo standing below with a smile on his face.
"Didn't miss that time. I suppose I suppose I should thank you for giving me that opening, at least—huh?" 19 hovered, unharmed, in the same spot. It gazed down at Piccolo with mocking eyes.
"Perhaps, Piccolo, a few minutes ago that attack would have been enough to damage me," it said in its unnatural voice, "but with the energy I've absorbed from Goku, my power level has increased substantially."
"Yes, very good, Nineteen." Dr. Gero gestured at Goku—who tried, and failed, to stand, collapsing to the floor and regressing to his normal form, fighting to stay conscious. "As you can see, our energy absorption capabilities are quite advanced. Nineteen—I'm sure this stolen energy will be more than enough for you to finish off Raditz, correct?"
19 smiled. "Calculations indicate an 87% chance of victory."
"Really?" Raditz raised his guard. "Shouldn't be too hard, if I don't let you get ahold of me."
"It's not that simple," Nineteen replied, brandishing it's energy-absorbing hand. "We know all of your moves and techniques. Dr. Gero has studied you all quite thoroughly."
Raditz grinned. "Hah! You say that, but you were surprised when we transformed. You mentioned our battles up until the fight against Vegeta…you stopped studying us then, didn't you?"
"We had acquired enough information about your capabilities."
"Evidently not! You have no idea what a Super Saiyan is!" Raditz burned his aura brightly. "You missed the war against the frost demons—your first and last mistake! You're not familiar with any techniques that we've developed since we went to Namek…" He'd been sceptical about coming up with 'signature' or named techniques at first, but Goku had explained the attack name as a sort of 'trigger' for a specific way of focusing energy, which made the actual process of firing a concentrated attack much easier, and Raditz had eventually gone along with it. Time to put that theory to the test, I guess.
Raditz charged the androids, using Instant Transmission at the last second to put himself behind them. "He moved instantaneously!" Dr. Gero gasped. "I have no record of such an ability…"
"Here's another you haven't heard of!" Raditz held one hand out to the side, forming a deep red sphere of energy. "Blitz Cannon!" He swung his arm forward, the blast arcing around towards the androids before splitting into dozens of smaller energy bullets and peppering the androids with small impacts, forcing them onto the defensive. Before they could recover, Raditz was right in front of them, grabbing hold of 19's shoulders and throwing it away to the ground below. Raditz continued his assault, turning to face Dr. Gero as the android creator tried to launch a counterattack. Raditz easily dodged three rapid kicks, before catching Gero's fist in his hand. His smile widening, Raditz started to crush the android's hand. Gero growled, trying to twist away and escape, but Raditz's grip was unbreakable. Dr. Gero's fist crumpled like paper, oil trickling from gaping cracks in his exterior, strips of metal shearing off and falling away. Wrenching the whole thing free, Raditz tossed it away. "Well, I guess you could try stealing my energy with the other, but if I were you I'd cash in on your warranty and quit while you're ahead. Or at least alive."
"Why don't you saiyans just die already?!" Gero shouted, launching another barrage of punches and kicks—none hit their intended target.
"I'm getting bored," Raditz muttered. "Let's get on with this, shall we?" He backhanded Gero's next attack away, then focused his ki into one fist. He kicked at Gero's side as a distraction, and while the doctor spun to defend against that attack, swung his fist forwards. It collided with Gero's face, oil and shards of metal spraying out as Raditz's fist continued to drive forwards. It compacted what was left of his enemy's face, which was now cratering inwards, starting to crush his still-biological brain. Raditz let out a burst of energy through his hand, which completely obliterated Dr. Gero's mangled head. Traditionally, we should work our way up through the henchmen before taking out the leader, Raditz thought, but I've never really been one for tradition.
The android formerly known as 20 fell to the ground with a heavy thud. Raditz floated to the ground in front of his lifeless body. He grinned at android 19, which was just standing up. "Is this yours?"
19 stared at the scene emotionlessly, taking in the situation. It ran through hundreds of variables in seconds, searching for an escape route. Creator has been compromised. Emergency protocols in effect—activate androids 17 and 18. Distraction required to eliminate extraneous variable of superior foe.
"Hey, guys! How are you doing? Did you win yet?" Bulma's familiar voice rang out through the late-night air.
"Huh?" Raditz turned to see an aircar flying overhead. He could sense many small energy signatures inside-the whole non-combatant group was there. His eyes widened as he singled out Launch and baby Break's among them. No! Not now… Just as he feared, even his momentary hesitation to see who it was had been too long. Android 19 had both hands raised, releasing a fully-charged energy beam, using Goku's stolen power and firing directly at the vehicle.
"Bulma!" Almost instantly, Zarbon was there, putting himself between her and the blast.
Damn it! Raditz's mind raced. He can't take that—all that stolen energy will be too much for him! He'll save Bulma, but he could die himself…looks like there's no choice! He quickly used Instant Transmission to put himself in the beam's path, kicking Zarbon out of the way. "I can't let you do it!" He raised his arms in front of his face as the attack crashed into him.
As soon as the beam was released, 19 had turned and fled. "Don't let it get away!" Tien shouted, and the group of warriors sprang into action, giving chase. "Krillin—help Goku!"
"Right!" Krillin jumped over to Goku, lying drained on the ground. He fed his friend a senzu bean, instantly restoring him to fighting condition.
"Ah…thanks, Krillin. Let's be careful—we don't have many of those."
"Sure. Come on, let's go hunt down that android." Goku and Krillin leapt off in pursuit of android 19, following their allies, and joined by Raditz as soon as he'd recovered from the blast, hastily gulping down a second of the magical beans.
The aircar drifted to the ground, Zarbon waiting impatiently outside the door as it opened and Bulma (the pilot) stepped out, holding their child. "What were you thinking?" he shouted. "I could have died! You could have died! And Trunks..." he sniffed. "I...can't lose you, okay? Please, don't do anything stupid..."
She patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, you be careful too." She frowned. "I mean...if it took Super Saiyans to fight them, they're stronger than you, right?"
"I...don't know." Zarbon shrugged. "I can't feel their ki at all, but Goku and Raditz were all over them when they fought. I really have no idea."
"Hey...maybe I was too harsh on you." Bulma smiled. "You don't have to fight if you don't want to. I mean, I don't want anything to happen to you either..."
"You know, that isn't a bad-hm?" Zarbon's head whipped around.
"What is it?"
"Gohan's out there...he's trying to help, like always. Sorry, Bulma, but I can't let that kid get hurt!" He took off, heading after the others. Bulma shrugged. She could have told him Gohan was gone, if he'd asked. It was the reason they'd come here-he'd run off, and since then Chi-Chi just hadn't shut up about it. She loved her son, but could be a little overbearing sometimes.
19 had gone to ground, using small ki blasts to throw up dust clouds and obscure its fleeing form, dashing from cover to cover. It was programmed with an intricate knowledge of the area surrounding Dr. Gero's laboratory, and silently worked its way up towards the mountain housing the lab.
The android, now under tree cover as it approached the mountain range, calculated a significant probability of at least one enemy fighter discovering it before it reached the lab, and sure enough, the human known as Yamcha shortly appeared directly in its path. Attempts to circumvent confrontation present significant probability of failure. In addition, further energy absorption will benefit when confrontation with saiyans occurs. 19 snuck up as quietly as its hardware allowed, Yamcha only hearing the grinding of battle-worn gears when it was too late. 19's energy-absorbing hands clamped around his neck, sucking the power out of the fighter. He was seconds from unconsciousness, when a high-pitched voice rang out through the forest. "Power Pole extend!" A high-speed object crashed into 19's jaw, and it staggered away, releasing its hold on Yamcha. Gohan retracted the enchanted weapon, holding it defensively in front of himself. "I won't let you hurt him!" he declared.
19 turned and sprinted for the mountain, but Gohan leapt off in hot pursuit, pushing his power to the maximum. Putting on an extra burst of speed, the young warrior appeared in front of 19, kicking it to the ground. He charged it, following up on his attack, but the android somersaulted over him, knocking him away to the right with a swift backhand. Gohan stuck the Power Pole down into the ground, using the friction to slow his flight, and turning around to give chase to 19 again.
Raditz landed in the forest below the mountain, seeing Gohan heaving Yamcha over his shoulder. "What happened?" The saiyan warrior asked.
"Oh, hey Raditz!" Gohan smiled. "I felt all these big powers and came to help, and I found some fat robot attacking Yamcha—so I fought it, but it got away! It went into those mountains over there."
"So, that's where Gero's base is hiding, is it?" Raditz took off for the mountain range.
"Raditz, hold on! What should I—" Gohan received no answer as Raditz headed up towards the nearest peak. I'm not leaving now! he decided, following his uncle.
Not everyone picked up on the short battle, or arrived quickly enough, so by the time Raditz located the rather conspicuous giant metal double doors set into the side of one of the mountains, he was only accompanied by Gohan, a senzu-healed Yamcha (there were only a few of the beans left now), Zarbon and Goku. "So…this is where he's been hiding, all these years…" Goku muttered. Ever the master of subtlety, he walked straight up to the door and knocked loudly on it. No response, of course. He frowned. "I wonder what it's doing in there?"
"Maybe there are some back-up androids inside?" Raditz suggested. "After all, these didn't look like the ones Break told us about…they had different abilities, too…"
"Huh?" Yamcha looked puzzled (which, to be fair, wasn't uncommon for him). "Isn't Break your daughter's—"
"Not the time!" Raditz growled. "I'll tell you about it later. The point is, perhaps the true androids are still to come. Maybe then we'll actually get a decent battle."
"Yeah, I have to admit these two were kind of disappointing," Goku agreed. "Their energy-absorbing ability was a surprise, but once you get past that they're probably not even on the level of Frieza's family."
"Right." Raditz raised his hand, running out of patience and simply blasting the door down. "Let's take a look inside, shall we?"
The five warriors advanced through the smoke thrown up by Raditz's attack, stepping over jagged and molten metal as they entered the cave.
Dr. Gero's lab was sparsely decorated and poorly lit, and various half-finished devices littered the chamber. Android 19, standing in the corner, looked up from a control panel at the fighters. "You are too late," it told them, in its strange, high-pitched buzz. "Android models 17 and 18 have been activated. Therefore, you will perish." As it spoke, two pods embedded into the wall opened with a hiss of steam. Two human-looking figures climbed out, stretching and taking in their freedom.
"Yeah, that's them." Goku smiled, relishing the prospect of a real challenge for his Super Saiyan powers. "Seventeen and Eighteen. Just like she said."
"Seventeen! Eighteen!" 19 ordered, pointing at the approaching group. "Destroy the enemies of Dr. Gero!"
"Oh?" Eighteen smirked. "And where is the good doctor now?"
"Dr. Gero has been terminated by the saiyans," 19 explained. "But you are superior combat models. You have the capability to destroy them. Do so now."
Seventeen leaned against the wall. "Ah, no need to rush. So, you were created after us, is that correct?"
"I am android model 19." The pale-skinned robot was growing increasingly agitated. "Attack now! I order you to attack!"
The other androids ignored him. "Hmm…an energy-absorbing model…wholly cybernetic, too, not human-based like us…" Eighteen looked over at her counterpart. "What do you make of this, Seventeen?"
"It's simple, really." Seventeen gave a menacing grin. "Dr. Gero was scared of us. He couldn't control us. So he created an obedient slave instead—even if that meant having to settle for a weaker model." He looked up at 19. "You shouldn't even exist, 'nineteen'. We're the ultimate combat machines—there was never a need to create any more."
The Earth's defenders were within a few metres of the androids now. Zarbon called out. "Hey! You might want to listen to your friend there."
"Yeah," Yamcha added. "There was a battle going on, and we're not taking a break so you can play 'name that android'!"
"Our 'friend'?" Seventeen snorted. "Did you hear that, Eighteen?"
Eighteen nodded. "Heh. That thing isn't our friend. You were fighting it, right? Let me give you a hand." 19 swivelled as it realised what she meant, but she was already moving, and before 19 could react she drove her foot straight through its torso and out the other side. She pulled her leg out, taking hold of its head in one hand. "That's for trying to order us around," she said, before crushing 19's head with ease.
She kicked the broken machine away, shaking her head. "Damn thing got oil stains on my jeans…"
"Oh, how sad." Raditz chuckled. "My heart goes out to you."
"I don't understand…" Gohan looked from one android to the other. "Are they still our enemies? They just destroyed that other android…"
"That's a good question," Seventeen said. "What do you say, Eighteen? Shall we kill them?"
"It might be fun," the female cyborg replied, straightening her denim jacket. "Plus, no doubt thanks to Gero's programming, I've got this annoyingly strong urge to kill Goku…"
"Yeah, same here." Seventeen stood up straight next to Eighteen. "I guess that settles it."
"All right, then." Goku powered up to Super Saiyan as Raditz did the same, the force of their auras sending loose machinery cascading around the room. "Attitude aside, you're still his revenge machines…doesn't look like we can avoid this. But I'm warning you, this isn't a game—we're going to war here!"
"That's right…" Raditz stood in a combat stance. "And the last war we fought…well, ask Frieza and his lot how that turned out."
"Frieza?" Seventeen asked. "I have no data on a 'Frieza'."
"Oh, you'll see him—when you get to Hell! Give him my regards!"
Well, that was a long chapter. I figured I should probably do a decent length one after having done a short chapter and then no chapter at all.
In other news, the next Kai thing is done and at the end of this commentary, so hooray, I guess. As I've said, you might not like it. If so, just ignore it and leave it for those who did. Oh look, here comes a Q&A.
Answer sort of thing to various reviews along similar lines: Several people want Zarbon to be from Bojack's race (the people of Hera, isn't it?), or at least a somewhat similar race, and hence to have a 'super' transformation like they did. General question, to everybody reading this, what would you guys think about that? Because several people have said they want that to happen. But I get the feeling that, if I did it, some people wouldn't like it. So! What are your thoughts? Please, tell me, so I can decide whether or not to put it in.
Q: kuriza seems like a fitting "best friend" type for gohan. Kuriza is a child but quite strong powerwise. he also is bound to have had the best education that being the son of frieza could get you.
and with the 3 years time span, gohan has much more time to get to know kuriza than he had with #16 in canon.
A: (writes down 'give Kuriza a bigger role re Gohan')
Q: Hmm... the part where you just covered what happened in the original timeline... was a bit lazy. I think it might have been better if you narrated it instead of just telling us.
I'm not so sure however about Kuriza becoming a good guy though, cause I think that the cast is getting a bit too big, so I believe this should be the last added character for the Z-Fighters for a while.
A: I'm sorry. But narrating a barrage of short scenes like that…eh. It wouldn't have been too impressive however I did it. I settled for going into detail with the deaths of Vegeta and Frieza, because that was the most dramatic/significant part. I've got generally good responses to Kuriza, but I don't think I'll expand the cast too much, as you say.
Q: So, is vegeta just irrelevant to the story now?ci mean, this question is caused in part because hes one of my favorite characters, but i also think you can't really have a dbz without vegeta involved in some way.
A: Not at all. He's not just going to sit around in space doing nothing, is he?
Q: I love how you're writing Gohan out to be so strong and brave in these past chapters. He could grow up to be even stronger than in canon here! Raditz change of view is also very pleasing; I hope you'll show some uncle/nephew time on these two! They're my favorite characters of the story, after all.
A: Thank you. Oh, and some people didn't like Gohan being left out of the battle with Kuriza. So, I hope they're happy now that he's out there fighting the androids.
Q: Angry Vegeta is angry!
A: Yes. Yes he is.
Q: 1: Was Metal-frieza stronger or weaker then metal cooler?
2: if piccolo would fuse with kami in this time line, would he be weaker because he didn't fuse with nail earlier? or would the kami & piccolo fusion ignore that?
A: 1. Probably a little stronger? Due to his 4th form being more powerful? But it's hard to tell, given that they both kept improving as they got damaged and repaired themselves.
2. I'd say he'd be weaker—after all, the fusion is dependent on Piccolo and Kami, so if Piccolo's weaker, the fusion will be weaker. By how much, I'm not sure yet.
And without further ado:
Break Through the Limit Kai, Chapter 2: Namek Saga (or: further adventures in randomness)
Meanwhile, on Namek...
Frieza: Hmm, this is bound to be my drawn-out introduction scene where I prove how utterly evil I am—
Captain Space (author): Nah, we're skipping that.
Frieza: Wait, seriously?
Tien, Gohan+Yamcha: Saving this kid, bye!
Frieza: Dodoria! Do something!
Dodoria: Doin' something.
Tien: Kaioken!
Yamcha: Kaio-what?
Tien: Come on, you were here last time, you know what it is!
Yamcha: Well, somebody had to say it.
Frieza: Zarbon, do something!
Zarbon: Like killing Dodoria?
Frieza: Yes, good—wait, no, why the hell are you doing that?
Zarbon: The plot beckons!
Frieza: What is wrong with people around here?!
Meanwhile, in space…
Raditz: Waah, don't wanna go to Namek, don't wanna fight Frieza, I'm useless and—
Goku *slaps him*: Stop that! I'm not going to rehash the joke about telling you to shut up again! Nobody even found it funny the first time!
Several people: I did!
Captain Space: I didn't!
Meanwhile, on Namek...
Guru: Here, have some powers.
Tien: Convenient.
Akira Toriyama: What are you looking at me for? I never wrote any contrived plot devices.
Bulma: Am I still in the story?
Yamcha: Only technically.
Frieza: Huh, I seem to be running out of henchmen.
Zarbon: I'm still here!
Frieza: Zarbon, I sent you to help Dodoria and you did the exact opposite of that. You don't count.
Zarbon: Huh. Well, guess I'll outright join the heroes.
Frieza: Are you actually mentally disabled or something?
Captain Space: Oh wow, we've gone a whole half a chapter without a massive battle! Better fix that!
Ginyu Force: Hi.
Vegeta: Hi.
Nail and Zarbon: Hi.
Armoured Squadron: Le hi.
Goku and Raditz: Hi.
Vegeta: I'm the Super Saiyan!
*Fight*
Vegeta: Kakarot's the Super Saiyan!
Frieza: Oh hey everyone, what's going on?
Goku: I'm the Super Saiyan!
Frieza: …Riiiight.
*transforms, kicks the crap out of everyone*
Goku: …Or maybe I'm not.
Cooler: Hi.
*fight*
Frieza: And now I am dead. Really. For real. I will never come back for revenge or anything.
Raditz: No, Goku's definitely the Super Saiyan.
Goku: Okay. I'm the Super Saiyan! For real this time!
Cooler: Yeah, no.
*kills Goku*
Raditz: Well, apparently I'm the Super Saiyan.
Captain Space: WHATTA TWIST!
*fight*
Npberryhill: Hey, is this the Bringer of Death script taped to the computer screen with 'Vegeta' crossed out and 'Raditz' written in, by any chance?
Captain Space: Uh…no…why do you ask? *runs*
Planet Namek: Boom.
King Kai: And Raditz and Cooler died.
Raditz: I'm back!
King Kai: Well, Cooler died anyway.
Cooler and King Cold: Hi.
King Kai: Oh. So, I was entirely wrong, then...
Tien: Aren't you supposed to be omnipotent?
King Kai: And you can shut the hell up.
(Gogeta Jr. stops drawing Dragon Ball Multiverse)
Captain Space: NOOOOOOOOOO!
Goku: Um…
Captain Space: Goodnight, sweet artist!
Raditz: He's…not dead, you know…he's just moved on to other projects.
Captain Space: Alas, poor Gogeta Jr.! I knew him, Salagir!
Tien: No. No you didn't.
Yamcha: How long is he gonna be like this?
Raditz: Eh, a couple of hours.
Goku: Hmm…if he's distracted…(sneaks off to Captain Space's computer, starts writing)
Script for chapter 25: "And then Goku transformed into a Super Saiyan 7…"
Captain Space: Hey, now wait just a minute!
Goku: Whoops. He recovered quick.
*fight*
Raditz: We are -ow- experiencing technical -oof- difficulties. Please be patient while we -hey!- hit the author repeatedly over the head with various blunt instruments until he comes to his senses.
King Cold: Um…I'm still here, you know.
Goku: What, you think there's a plot or something?
That's all, folks! Well, until Sunday.