Senses were bombed when they heard about this! Which meant there was another thing coming their way. They had fell for Dr. Gero's decoy. This was all an experiment!
''So, we had been lab rats till now?'' Naruto grit.
''DR. GERO!'' Vegeta raised his voice once again. ''How could you possibly know a thing like that?!''
''I know what I saw Vegeta. His picture is in one of my Dad's Science Magazines and underneath it were big bold letters that said 'Dr. Gero'!''
Trunks, upon Piccolo's requested, described the appearance on the two androids he was familiar with – a young man and a young beautiful woman. Dangerous, merciless, ruthless, and petrifying were the words often used in their description.
''Bulma, do you know where Dr. Gero's lab is?'' Vegeta spitefully questioned.
A few curses and humiliation rained upon him, but he being the husband, his every request was bound to be fulfilled. Humming upon the thought, she held her chin. ''Now that you mention it, I recall reading Dr. Gero's lab was hidden in a cave just outside North City.''
''Damn, it's too late.'' Krillin averred. ''He must have reached there by now.''
''Maybe not!'' Naruto yelled, gaining everyone's attention.
''He's still here?'' Bulma titled her head and blinked.
''I didn't see him flying!'' Naruto proclaimed. ''Which means he wouldn't have gotten far away!''
''If that is the case, we will beat Dr Gero to his lab, and destroy the other two androids before they are activated.'' Piccolo proposed.
This plan could have worked, had a certain hubristic Saiyan had not intervened. Announcing Piccolo's plan as an act of cowardice, Vegeta was to set off in search of Dr Gero. Trunks however, knowing all the drawbacks and pitfalls in Vegeta's objective, decided to interfere and this lead to a squabble between father and son. However, he failed to provide his father a sophisticated point of view and it was too late before the golden glow of Vegeta wasn't visible in their surroundings anymore.
Gritting hard, ''I won't let my Father die!'' He howled and swept in the air behind him.
Bulma wasn't sure if she heard it correct but it was a 100 percent she heard the teen scream the word ''FATHER!'' That only increased Bulma's curiosity even further. Piccolo, aware of everything, revealed that the boy from the future was none other than the baby Bulma held onto. Being first timers to that news, Bulma, Gohan and the others couldn't believe their ears.
''Now that you mention it, they do sort of look alike,'' Krillin brooded upon.
''This is really freaking me out,'' Naruto clattered his teeth but started to reflect upon. ''Hey, I wonder how I will look in the future…''
''Guys…'' Piccolo axed the silence and awkwardness. ''It's time we track down Dr. Gero's laboratory you guys. It seems best of we destroy those other androids before they get started up.''
''You got it.'' Tien nodded.
''I'm in.''
''Right…''
''Me too!'' Naruto raised his hand jubilantly but with brows frowned.
''Sorry,'' Piccolo shook his head at Gohan and Naruto's contribution. ''But not you two. I think it would be best if you both took Bulma home safely. We should be able to handle the Androids without you.''
''Sounds about right though,'' Naruto accepted. ''But how about I leave a Shadow clone with you?''
''Sorry but you need to recuperate as well. I have seen what that transformation does to your body.'' Piccolo refused. ''We will talk about that later…if we see each other again.''
Followed with a moment of silence that was floating Gohan's insecurity about his master, Piccolo ordered the rest to get on moving!
And in just a rapid matter of seconds, they were out of sight too. With a blinking befuddled expression, Naruto just wanted to be assured the safest mode of transportation to Bulma's home. Regrettably, Gohan spilled water on his hopes.
''What?! I can't fly!'' Naruto
''No worry, I'll carry all three of you,'' Gohan persuaded.
''Huff..huff…huff…don't forget me…too,'' Yajirobe presented himself out of nowhere.
''Great! Extra baggage! So how are you gonna carry all of us, Gohan?'' Bulma demanded, voice laced with sarcasm.
''I have an idea…'' Gohan smiled.
"Woah!" Naruto let out a yelp, holding his hair down as they were battling the gusts of the winds. Childish laughter left the kid as they soared above, eyes fixated on the glimmering ocean below which, right now, seemed like little more than a blur.
Ridiculous as it may seem, the cloud he was perched upon was as soft like sage. He was liberated. Next to him, was Gohan carrying Yajirobe carrying Bulma carrying Trunks. With clear skies and easy breezes, their travel time from South City to West seemed to go by like one of the light, pleasant zephyrs they flew through.
Naruto was enlightened that the object he was riding on was the Flying Nimbus, a medium of transportation to those with only purest of hearts. At least he was cleared why Bulma and Yajirobe couldn't ride it. he enjoyed the woven tapestry from above of forests, Mountains, ocean and cities. How much progress this countries had made with advanced technology. From so high up every home was like an autumn leaf lying gently on the Earth. Around them was the green of the trees and the roads shining like silvery stems on a frosted morning. The clouds moved in a breeze he couldn't feel through his suits and the world below was so enchanting it was a privilege just to breathe the sweet air.
His world was missing so much. Hard to believe another Earth existed as well.
The travel hours passed by as they ought to have; Naruto riding atop Flying Nimbus with mild monotony; and Gohan finding it unbalancing to hold on to his passengers; entertained only by the occasional gurgling on baby Trunks.
With following his father, not believing how stubborn and self-centered Vegeta could be, Trunks was shaking in fear that his father wouldn't be the first victim. Vegeta, who was iron with pride upon reaching the levels of Saiyan elite was dying out of excitement to lock horns with the hidden androids.
Somewhere else, Krillin, Piccolo and Tien weary and galled of unable to locate the laboratory for an entirely different reason decided to spread out and began their own independent search to save time.
Not far away from the ground...
"So, they're here alright." Android 20 mumbled from the ledge he was hiding behind. "But they won't find my laboratory so easily. Just keep prowling around! I'll kill you all soon enough!" he cackled, darting towards his laboratory. A gunfire became the concern of droid's attention.
Spotting the flash of light, Krillin, the nearest, hurried over to find a man, a poacher by profession, hanging upside down from a tree. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"There's this nutty old man..." the hunter stuttered. ''He did this to me.''
"That's Dr., Gero" Krillin realized. "Which way did he go?"
"That way." the hunter pointed to the north.
"Alright!" Krillin took off.
"Hey, don't leave me here like this!" the hunter shouted.
I thought this was supposed to be a 'No Trespassing' area. Android 20 mused.
"This way!" Krillin shot off towards the flash of light.
With a quick jump, Android 20 leapt onto the overhanging ledge to the entrance of his laboratory. "Krillin!" he saw the Z Senshi.
"This is terrible." Krillin spotted at the trail of destruction left by Dr. Gero's energy attack. "This must have been done by Dr. Gero. That way!" he stood up and took off, only to be stopped when Android 20 grabbed his foot from under the rotting tree he was hiding under and tossing Krillin into a cliff, before slamming his knee into Krillin's face. "Meddlesome insect!" he snorted, after landing a foot stomp on Krillin's stomach. "Your level of energy will be absolutely no use to me.
"Dammit!" Krillin winced. "Mock me me, will you?"
"I'll crush you once and for all." Android 20 declared. Just above to claim a life, he felt a large ki trespassing near them.
"Piccolo?" he stopping in mid-attack when he noticed the Namekian flying above him. What a wretched timing!
Agitated, he lowered his gaze at the bleeding monk. "There's no need for me to dirty my hands at this point. You get to live a little longer." he threatened Krillin. "Consider yourself fortunate. It's just a matter of time now."
Turning on his heels, the menacing evil scientist hopped rock to rock, to this cave.
"I have to let the others know..." Krillin sank to his knees to catch his breath. The pain he felt was unbearable. The urge to pop a Senzu was strong. But first, I have to locate the laboratory.
''Here we are!'' Sneered Dr. Gero, entering a narrow insightful tunnel burrowed in the mountain. Punching in the secret code that would open the titanium doors, he felt a normal ki magnifying itself outside the cave. Squinting to find the same persistent monk he defeated minutes ago, Dr. Gero was brilliant enough to piece together Krillin's plan.
''He intends to call upon his friends I see,'' Dr. Gero grumbled and vised. '' "Well, he's too late. Time is on my side now."
Sensing a sharp rise in Krillin's ki, Piccolo rushed right away to the rendezvous point. Tien arrived a minute later.
''That energy surge!'' Trunks gasped.
''It's that rusty monk's!'' Vegeta blatantly scorned.
''He's trying to send us a signal! Maybe he found the lab!'' Trunk's widened his eyes.
''Once in a life, he has proven useful!'' Vegeta smirked, racing past Trunks.
''Dad…''
Strolling past a line of 20 tubes in a row, he grimaced at the failure of each one.
"If there were another way, I wouldn't think of activating these two." Dr Gero regretted, walking upto a capsule chamber that had the number printed in front of it, '17'. ''They do need more testing, but now they are my last resort.''
Retrieving a remote from the panel, one button was all that held Dr. Gero from unleashing ultimate destruction on Earth. That was achieved as well. Flickering in lights, the latch of the pod dispatched and slowly the door opened the mouth of the capsule. Exhaling that trapped mist, a young teen that numbered twenty five across in age walked out, scrutinizing his structure.
''Ha yes, Android 17,'' marked Dr. Gero mesmerized by his creation, ''you have finally awakened.''
Recognizing that voice, 17 craned his neck and responded in the most polite manner. ''Good morning, Dr. Gero. How are you today?'' the reason behind this cordiality lied in the hands of Gero's hand that 17 took notice of. The switch was he was leashed under the old fool's control.''
Astonished by the politeness he never programmed into the bot yet, Dr Gero fumbled. ''So you remember me?''
Chuckling, "You are my creator, after all."
Looks like he's in good working order, all right. Android 20 assumed. "Now, for No. 18..." he trailed, turning his attention to Android 18's pod. Repressing the button, a female blonde counterpart of 17 was released. Her strength was questionable because her icy stare could just lay piles of desperate men to fall in love with her. Such was her astounding beauty.
She too had devised the same plan that 17 had hatched in their hibernation. To breakout from Gero's control. Her squinny gaze had fallen upon the switch too, and she glanced at her twin. That idiot doctor could only hold authority over them until that remote was destroyed.
"Good morning, Dr Gero," she greeted Dr. Gero just as amicably.
"Oh!" Android 20 remarked. "Even you greet me so cordially."
"It is only natural." Android 18 replied.
Apparently, they're both working properly. Android 20 mused.
"I see you have also become an Android." Android 18 noted.
"I wanted eternal life as well, you know." Android 20 replied. "Frankly, I'm a bit relieved. What with most of your parts being hooked in to an eternal energy source, and having so much power at your disposal, it was hard to keep you under control and you would not accept any of my commands until now. From now on, I will have you do as I command. I will no longer tolerate insubordination.'' With nothing but silence was met with command, Dr. Gero automatically presumed they had started to abide. Now listen closely, I have to put you to work right away. Very soon, several of Goku's friends will be present outside the door. Deal with them all and spare no one. Understood?
"Yes." Android 18 nodded.
"We understand." Android 17 added.
Because of a bombing, the door trembled, signaling the adversaries had arrived. "They're here!" Android 20 looked at the trembling door. "Those fearless, contemptible fools! So, you guys are on." Gero alarmingly exclaimed and ordered his two creations.
"This door is awfully strong." Krillin remarked, trying to push his way in as Tien rammed his body against the metal door.
"Stand aside, I'll destroy it." Piccolo ordered.
"Nice of you to find this." Vegeta voiced, he and Trunks having arrived on scene too.
''Spare no one! You understa—wait! What!''
The break in the command and dignified shock on Gero's face stood upon the reason that 17 deceitfully snatched away the controller, in just the blink of an eye.
"This is your controller, used to execute an emergency deactivation on us last time, isn't it?" Android 17 questioned. "Just in case anything were to happen. I have no use of such a thing." and crushed the controller in his hand like a grape.
''What!?'' DR Gero widened his gait, surprised at this rebellious attitude. ''What have you done? You dare to defy me?! I created you!''
''You are not going to put us to sleep again, old man…'' 17 wickedly curled his lips into a smirk.
Their quarrel that sounded more like Gero's reasoning was now reaching outside.
"No. 17!" Gero spat. "Stop kidding around and exterminate the intruders at once!"
"The Androids have already been activate!" Krillin fretted in shock.
"Out of the way, you jackasses!" Vegeta threw a hand forward and readied a yellow spark.
"You must not!" Trunks cautioned. "We should get out of here right now! Please wait until Goku is back on his feet. After that..."
One beam of mutated chi blew the entire entrance revealing the façade Dr. Gero had hidden from the rest of the world. The result was catastrophic. The lab was now charred in ruins. The computers were dismantled from the other parts. They were greeted with the sight of a cornered old Gero with the twin young androids.
"Well well, what do we have here that has made everyone so nervous? A boy with a scarf around his neck... and a beautiful young girl" Vegeta captioned the scene. "I take it they're just like as you described, unmistakably so, right?"
"That's them." Trunks confirmed hushed.
It was finally time that the heroes had come face to face with the terrible andriods according to Trunks's prediction.
"Those two are No. 17 and No. 18?" Krillin gaped.
"You must not be deceived by their outward appearance." Trunks warned. "They really are quite terrifying."
"Those are the friends of Son Goku that I told you about." Android 20 told the revived Androids. "Do not take them lightly. They destroyed No.19 and came very close to killing me, too."
"No.19?" Android 17 echoed. "You made him after all?"
''Yes!''
''I see,'' after a brief pause, ''but it was a different design than 18 and myself. He was an energy absorbing model. Was he not?''
''Yes, he was!'' Dr Gero barked. Seriously what was up with all these meaningless questions!
''How very interesting,'' 18 joined in. "How come with the newer model, you went back to the old-fashioned energy-absorption style?" she questioned. "I wonder if the eternal-energy models had too much power and were out of your control."
"Yeah." Android 20 snapped.
"No wonder you got so beat up." Android 18 scoffed.
"Out of his control?" Krillin repeated.
"That is enough questions for now!" Android 20 snapped. "Take care of them immediately!"
"Quit your tiresome drivel!" Android 17 retorted. "We'll deal with them when we feel like it."
"What did you say?" Android 20 demanded. Damn you... if only I had my controller...
''Yes that's too bad isn't it?'' 18 taunted, walking over the smashed device, to itch Gero's agitation even more. However, she wasn't aimless. A distinctly large horizontal capsule had caught her attention in midst of Gero's whining. Curious to know what's in it, she minced towards the container.
''Planning to use it for spare parts? Lacks in the looks department, doesn't he?'' 18 commented once she looked inside. ''I would like to see what other modifications you have made to him, doctor.''
"You stay away from there!" Android 20 warned. "Don't you open that chamber! Stay away from Android 16!"
Brows struggling to stay, tension was pulling away Trunks's muscles. ''16? There's another Android I don't know about!''
"Sounds interesting." Android 17 commented. "Should we activate our sleeping friend, No. 18?"
"No!" Android 20 exclaimed in horror. "Stop! I have not completed his programming yet?
"What?" Piccolo echoed.
"Something's not right in there?" Krillin cringed.
"How can that be?" Tien was shocked.
"Hey, maybe we ought to attack before they get their act together." Krillin suggested.
"Step aside. I don't need your help to defeat these three" Vegeta shrugged. "Except for myself. I doubt anyone else can handle them."
"No. 16 is a prototype unit I worked my experiments out on." Android 20 argued. "Do not start it up! It may malfunction! Stop!" he barked, as Android 18 proceeded to activate Android 16. "Don't touch it!"
He sprinted and clasped her hand.
"I think it's time to send you to the scrap field!" Android 18 knocked Gero to the ground. "For being a botched unit, you've sure let it sit here a long time. Everything up to No. 15 seems to have been disposed of."
"I was planning on rebuilding it before long." Android 20 defended. "At any rate, do not activate it! If you activate it, YOU WILL REGRET IT!"
"We will regret it?" Android 17 reasoned. Pulling the data on 16, the young autobot smirked. "Even though according to this data, my power is higher."
"Makes no difference!" Android 20 snapped.
"I don't care." Android 17 shrugged. "Activate it, No. 18."
"How dare you defy me at every turn?" Android 20 demanded. "You're just like No. 16! You're a failed unit! You just keep doing as you wish. I'm going to shut you down!""
"I broke your override controller." Android 17 reiterated.
"I'll just rebuild it!" Android 20 snapped. "Haven't you understood a single word I've said?" he barked, turning to Android 18 who had already pressed the button the open the pod. "Don't push that switch. Do not release GAAAAHHHHH!"
Before he could finish, Android 17 plunged his hand into Android 20's back through his chest, much to the horror of the Z Senshi at the doorway. Gero gasped, red veins visible in his bulged eyes. "No. 17... why you.." Android 20 glared. "What is this?" he demanded when Android 17 pulled out his hand. "I'm the one who made you!" only to have his head kicked off by Android 17. "You damn piece of junk!"
The tin head of Gero, rolled over and stopped in front of Krillin, who was scared stiff by the assassination. To put a curtain call, 17 sprung and smashed the head, silencing Dr Gero forever.
"They just kill anyone they don't care for, no matter who they may be, huh?" Vegeta surmised, after Android 17 ignored the relieved Krillin. "Just like the Saiyans. Even their parents and children. It's you Earthlings alone who are the strange ones for thinking differently."
"Well, press the switch." Android 17 instructed his female counterpart
"No, you don't!" Trunks growled. "If they release that Android it will be the end of all of us!" powering up into a Super Saiyan, he blasted a death bringing energy blast into the laboratory!
"You crazy idiot!" Krillin scolded as the rest took to the skies for cover. "If you're going to do that, say something beforehand, alright?"
The entire lab was brought down to bits and debris. The cover of the mountain was blown. Only a plain surface remained, that was trailing out dusty clouds into the skies. Poor Trunks! If an energy wave like that could have put an end to those androids, his timeline wouldn't have been afflicted right now. But actions are sometimes uncontrollable!
"Stupid jackass!" Vegeta retorted. "Your actions are worthless!"
There, on a cliff stood the two recently freed androids next to the still intact chamber pod. Not even a scratch on their bodies.
"A blast at that level was nothing but a useless waste of energy." Vegeta scoffed.
"You better open it soon." Android 17 stated. "The pipes and cords are disconnected and all."
"This is why kids are thought of as foolish." Vegeta added after Android 18 set the pod on the floor, pressed the eject button and kicked the cover open.
"She opened it!" Krillin mumbled. "Don't tell me there's going to be one more of them!"
The cover couldn't be opened anymore beyond its limit and it revealed a colossal bulky man, dozed. His eyes flashed opened, sensing he was called upon the aspect of a sudden aid. Protruded muscles and a stealth body was already defining the abilities of the third android. As steam rolled off his body, vibrant colors decked the android's new form. And now that he was activated, everyone was in for an interesting time.
"So, that's No. 16?" Krillin stammered. "Sure enough, he looks awfully strong! Big and ugly too!"
He's unknown! Trunks hissed. "How could I have missed one!?''
''Well, good morning. How does it feel to get out of that coffin? How long have you been couped up in that container for anyway'' Android 17 greeted. "This is the first time we've seen you up and around.''
No answer…
''Come on speak. Didn't Dr Gero give you a voice box? He was against re-activating you. He said it might cost us our heads if we did."
"We'd like to know what that means." Android 18 requested. "Any thoughts? Do you just not want to say?"
''Hello, anybody in there?'' 17 smirked. ''The string silent type huh?''
Sighing tiredly, ''Come on, let's just go.''
"Where to?" Android 18 asked.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Android 17 replied. "Son Goku's place. You were originally created to kill Son Goku, weren't you?"
"That's right." Android 16 answered.
"Dear me, so the big guy an speak after all." Android 17 chuckled.
Your responses are just as afforded by the input Dr. Gero gave you." Android 18 noted. "It was rude for him to consider you a failure."
''Let's see you completing your objective,'' 17 silently breathed. ''Let's get out of here.''
The three hoisted themselves into the air, with their inbuilt flying function.
No way! Vegeta fumed, angered at being slighted.
"They're going." Krillin stammered. "Good riddance.''
"What do they plan on doing?" Tien wondered. "Where are they headed?"
"Looks like they don't plan on rampaging through Metro North." Piccolo concluded. "Their direction is different."
''I have got it!They are after Goku!'' Krillin yelled, as if a bolt struck his brain. ''Yeah…Dr. Gero's goal was to get back at Goku for what he did to the Red Ribbon Army!''
''So they are following Gero's orders now?'' Tien droned.
"None of that matters!" Vegeta snapped. "I am right here! They utterly ignored me! Are they trying to say that I'm beneath their notice? They dare make light of me." powering up and was about to go after them, when Trunks stopped him.
"You can't pursue them!" Trunks cautioned. "Just for a while... please wait for just a little while."
"You expect me to wait for Kakarot?" Vegeta cocked a brow.
"Kakarot?" Trunks echoed. "You mean, Goku? That's right, if we don't include Goku's power and all fight together, we absolutely cannot win!"
"You're laboring under the wrong impression." Vegeta chuckled. "It's not the Androids that I hate the most. It's Kakarot! I'll defeat them myself, and I don't need Kakarot's help to do it. Then, when it's all over, I will finally defeat Kakarot. Now that you know, move it!" he barked.
"That's senseless!" Trunks argued. "Going after them yourself is like going willingly to your own death! Please, wait just a while longer."
Ignoring his warnings, and bored to death by them, a powerful punch knocked the air out of Trunk's lungs. Not sparing a moment to realize what he had done to his son, Vegeta just careered in the direction the androids had chosen.
"Hey!" Krillin and Tien hurried over to the teen's side. "Are you okay?"
"Go stop him." Trunks voiced. "We can't let him go off on his own until Goku has recovered. Please, stop him."
"Gohan and Bulma are headed to Goku's home." Krillin mused. "They'll be overtaken soon."
"This is bad." Trunks gasped. "My mother and the others are in danger."
"Let's go after them!" Piccolo barked and the rest shot off.
By a waterfall...
Gohan's group had landed for a rest.
He and Naruto were busy collecting up some firewood for the fire.
"Unbelievable!" Yajirobe complained, washing his scarf in the water. "Using my scarf as some kind of makeshift diaper! This ain't never coming out."
"Yajirobe, do you have anything else I can use to bundle him up?" Bulma asked from the shore.
"You think I'd give you anything else?" Yajirobe retorted.
"But Trunks might catch a cold." Bulma voiced.
"Just relax!" Yajirobe called. "We all know Trunks 'll grow up as big as he is with no trouble."
"Oh, I guess you're right." Bulma agreed. "Trunks, it'll take more than this to chill you, huh?" she smiled at the baby on her lap.
Naruto affectionately gazed as he watched the mother-son interaction. The interaction he wanted for himself. The interaction he had clamored for long. The baby just seemed so happy in Bulma's arms. That frequent scenery had always lowered Naruto's spirits and made him question just who his mother was? If he could meet her just once…
"Hey Naruto." Gohan returned with firewood, noticing Naruto was transfixed. "If it's okay, I'd like to hurry up a bit."
''Oh yeah sorry…''Naruto sheepishly apologized adding more fuel to the fire.
"Hey Gohan." Bulma agreed. "I'm sure you're worried about Goku's condition. But you need your strength after carrying me and Yajirobe all over from South City. And we aren't even that far away."
''Ummm…'' Gohan thought a bit, and sensed she was right. He had worn out after all the freight. ''I'll go collect some more wood.''
I wonder if Father is doing better yet. Gohan mused on the way.
Scratching his cheek, Naruto made his way over to Bulma. ''Hey Bulma, can I ask you something?''
''Huh?'' she perked her head. ''Oh yeah sure Naruto?''
''Just what kind of a man is this Goku person?''
That's the third chapter ending of the Android Saga. Just one chapter more and the Cell Saga will begin.
Preview and events for the next chapter.
Vegeta has caught upto the Androids and will begin the deadly duel with them. No sooner than, Trunks, Tien, Piccolo and Krillin arrive as well. Kami will appear in the next chapter. A mysterious egg will soon turn the events.