Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the aftermath of 22 fighting the Z-Fighters along with him getting his own name, which I'm sure we all know. We'll also see how the Z-Fighters are taking their loss, along with the prelude to the arrival of perfection. So, without further ado.
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It wasn't long after leaving the Z-Fighters, that the four Androids landed next to a road, in a snow covered area. Though not a moment later, 18 smacked 22 upside the head, making the Saiyan Android stumble from the force of the blow.
"OW! What was that for?!" 22 demanded, annoyed at 18 for hitting him out of nowhere, like that.
"For being an idiot and letting those losers attack you, while also allowing yourself to get cut in half! Honestly, what were you thinking?!" Said 18, both angry and worried at how reckless 22 was, by letting himself nearly be killed twice.
Though she wasn't as angry about the second time, given that he had been sneak attacked, and didn't actually let himself be cut in half.
'Note to self; punt Baldy into the sun.' 18 thought, having wanted to blast Krillin for that trick.
"Why're you upset? I wasn't in any real danger, anything they did, I would have just healed from." 22 said, his anger lowering, seeing as 18 didn't hit him out of malice, though he was still confused as to why she was upset.
"Well just don't do it again. I was really worried." Said 18, crossing her arms, while looking at him softly.
Her words shocked 22, along with how she looked at him, not expecting to hear she was worried.
"You were…worried?" 22 asked, not sure what else to say, given it's the first time anyone's expressed worry for him.
While he had been in the stasis pod, he had still been somewhat aware of the world around him, being able to still hear things, but not able to actually do anything. And while he had been in the pod, he heard Gero go on about Son Goku and his friends, along with how he, 22, would be his ultimate weapon to kill them. That's what 22 was meant to be, a weapon created to ensure Gero's revenge.
Nothing more, nothing less.
"Of course I was worried. Why wouldn't I be?" 18 said, frowning at 22's confused and unsure expression.
"I was created to be a weapon, that's what Gero always called me, either Android 22 or the weapon." 22 said.
'Fucking Gero! I should have smashed his head, myself!' 18 cursed mentally, as her hatred for Gero growing even more.
"By the way 22. What was with that regeneration back there? I didn't think Saiyans could do that." 17 said, curious of what other DNA Gero used to make 22, if he was able to regenerate most of his body and survive being cut in half.
"They can't. And it wasn't just regeneration, Gero used the Dragon Balls to make me immortal, I can't die and will heal from any attacks, no matter how fatal they'd be." 22 answered, having been made aware of all the powers and abilities Gero gave him.
The only one he wasn't aware of, was the Super Saiyan transformation. Given Gero initially believed it was just a new power level Goku achieved with his Kaio-Ken, not an actual transformation.
"Wait, if he made you immortal, why didn't he just make himself immortal?" 18 asked, since that seemed like the more obvious answer.
"Dr. Gero already considered himself immortal, after turning himself into an Android. He did not take into account you and 17 betraying him, after he shut you down, when you tried killing him last time." Answered 16, with 22 nodding in agreement.
"He's right, and Gero didn't make me immortal just so I couldn't die. He made me immortal to take full advantage of the Saiyans ability to grow stronger from near-death, without worry of actually dying. This way, the more times I let myself get hit with attacks that would kill me, the stronger I get." 22 added.
This made the twins facepalm at Gero's overconfidence, given you'd think after they tried killing him the first time, he'd want to avoid giving them a second opportunity. Though, they were grateful, since if the doctor hadn't been so set on attacking on the anniversary of the Red Ribbon Army's defeat, then he would have had more time to reprogram them and finish programing 22.
Making them nothing but killing machines, loyal to Gero.
Deciding to move on, the Androids began walking along the road, with 17 still wanting to steal a car, rather than fly.
Thankfully, it wasn't long until they arrived at a roadside rest stop, with a van parked outside.
"Sweet a van!" 17 said, glad they finally found a vehicle, even better, one that'll be able to fit 16's giant frame.
"Okay, now how're we supposed to drive it, without the keys." Said 18, pointing out the fact that the keys were missing.
Looking at the rest stop, 17 smirked and headed towards it.
"Gimme a minute."
Not a moment later, 17 came out of the rest stop, spinning the van keys and whistling a tune.
"Got the keys, now let's g-" 17 stopped short, when he saw 18 smirking at him in the driver seat, with 22 sitting on the passenger side, while 16 was in the back.
"B-but, I was going to drive." Said 17, having wanted to be the driver, while 18's smirk widened as she took the keys and pointed to the back.
"Sorry bro, I'm driving. And there's only enough room in the front for two, and you did say it'd be a good way for 22 to experience the world." 18 said, feeling a little smug at using her brother's words against him.
Seeing no other choice, 17 got in the back with 16, and crossed his arms.
"My sensors indicate that you are pouting." 16 stated.
"I'm not pouting, you're pouting." Muttered 17 as he sulked over not getting to drive.
'Totally pouting.' 18 thought, as she started the van and drove off.
*Lookout*
Meanwhile, Piccolo had finally arrived at the Lookout, while preparing himself to fuse once more with Kami.
"Hello Mr. Popo." Piccolo greeted, upon seeing the genie.
"H-hello Pi-Piccolo. W-what brings you, h-here?" Asked Mr. Popo, afraid at seeing the Demon King Piccolo's son.
"He's here for me." Said Kami, from his place on the edge of the Lookout, not once looking away from the world.
"You know why I'm here, old man." Piccolo stated, while approaching his other half, with Kami glancing at his evil half's reincarnation.
"Yes, I know. But I can't, not yet at least." Kami said, with Piccolo scowling.
"Why not?!" Demanded Piccolo, misinterpreting Kami's words as him simply not wanting to become part of him again.
"Because, you all believe these Androids are the true threat. They aren't, let alone Android 22." Said Kami.
"The beating he gave us says otherwise." Retorted Piccolo, while crossing his arms.
"And would you expect a different response from a Saiyan, let alone one who has been created only for the purpose of fighting. I would even say that Android 22 is quite similar to Goku, back when he was just a boy. Both alone and ignorant of the world around them." Kami said, having monitored Goku's life, ever since he first arrived on Earth, and could see much of Goku, back when he was a boy, in 22.
"What about his regeneration? Could Gero have included my DNA in Android 22?" Piccolo asked, figuring 22's regeneration came from Namekian DNA.
"No, Android 22 is pure Saiyan. From what I have heard, his ability to regenerate came from a wish Gero made on the Dragon Balls, to make 22 immortal." Answered Kami, having been keeping a close eye on the Androids, when they were first released and heard what 22 told 16, 17, and 18 of his abilities.
"Well, at least we know who used the Dragon Balls, while we were training." Stated Piccolo, having sensed Shenron being summoned, during the three years they spent training, with Kami nodding in agreement.
Though what the two didn't know, was that Gero used the Namekian Dragon Balls to make 22 immortal, while Shenron had been summoned by the Pilaf Gang and turned them into babies, due to their wish backfiring. While Kami is the Guardian of Earth, he's not all knowing, given how he hadn't been aware of Gero's plans, and him creating the Androids.
"You still haven't answered my question. Why won't you fuse with me?" Piccolo demanded.
"I told you, I can't! Not until this new threat reveals itself!" Said Kami, knowing what he was sensing now, would prove to be a bigger threat than the Androids could ever pose.
Grunting in annoyance at Kami's refusal, Piccolo decided to simply wait, and sat down to meditate.
*With the Androids*
"Finally, a town with a clothes shop." 18 said, as she pulled the van into a small town, pleased when she saw they had a clothing store.
Given that 22's armor was mostly destroyed after his fight with the Z-Fighters, along with not being that inconspicuous to begin with, it'd be good to get him some normal clothes. Plus, 18 wanted to get new clothes as well, preferably ones without the Red Ribbon Army insignia on them.
"You two want anything?" 18 asked, while looking at 17 and 16.
"I'm good." Said 17, being perfectly fine with his clothes, while 16 remained silent, which 18 taking that as a "no", as well.
"Alright, come on 22." 18 said, as the two Androids got out of the van.
"Women. Right 16." 17 said, once he was sure his sister was out of range.
"Indeed, she is a female." Replied 16, with 17 sweatdropping at the giant misunderstanding his words.
"You know, how about we look around. See if we can find you a hobby, or something." 17 suggested, figuring it'd be better than having 16 completely focused on hunting and killing Goku.
"Very well." Said 16, as the two got out of the van to look around the town.
*Later*
After 22 and 18 had gone shopping for new clothes, they had met up with 17, before all three Androids headed to a restaurant. With 16 having returned to the van, after looking around town with 17.
18's new attire consisted of a black mini vest with a golden triangle pin, a white short sleeve undershirt with a pearl necklace, dark teal jeans with a golden chain, a brown belt, a pair of short black gloves with a gold bracelet on the left one, and black flats with orange socks.
22 was wearing black boots and gloves, each with red straps on them; black form-fitting pants, that are tucked into his boot; a brown belt with a silver buckle, a black t-shirt, and a brown leather jacket over it. Along with a red scarf, that 18 had gotten him, when she took notice of his interest in it, tied around his neck.
The blonde Android had also been pleased, when her new outfit managed to get a reaction out of 22, along with his choice of clothing, which looked much better than his previous outfit.
Currently though, 17 and 18 were staring in amazement as 22 ate bowl after bowl of Ramen noodles. One of the dishes, the restaurant they were currently at served.
"I'm really thankful you managed to swipe the old bastard's credit card, before killing him." 18 whispered to her brother, with 17 nodding in agreement, before turning their attention back to 22, only for their eyes to widen, when they saw that the tower of bowls seemed to have doubled.
'How?!' The twins thought in disbelief, at how much 22 was eating.
Though 18 soon took notice of how 22 seemed to like the Ramen with Narutomaki in it, the most.
'Huh, Narutomaki. Naruto.' 18 thought, while looking at 22, who noticed her look at him and paused in his eating.
"What?" 22 asked, confused when 18 smiled suddenly.
"Naruto." 18 stated, making her brother and 22 looking at her in confusion.
"What? You want Ramen now, too?" Said 17, assuming that's what his sister meant.
"No, his name, it should be Naruto." Said 18, motioning to 22, who looked at her in surprise.
"My…name?" 22 asked, with 18 nodding.
"Yeah, you need a name, rather than just being called Android 22. A chance to become who you want to be, rather than what Gero made you to be." Said 18.
"Naruto…I like it." Said the now named Naruto, while smiling faintly.
17 then stifled his chuckles, getting their attention.
"Sorry, but you do realize she literally named you fishcake, right." 17 said in an amused tone, only for 18 to smack him on the head.
"It also means maelstrom, and after the beating he gave those guys; I'd say that's pretty fitting." 18 said, smirking, while Naruto's smile widened at her words.
"What about you guys and 16? Don't you want your own names?" Naruto asked, wanting his friends to have names, as well.
"We already have names, actual names, before Gero found us." Said 17, surprising Naruto, not knowing this.
"Really? What are they?!" Asked Naruto, excited to know his friend's true names.
"My name's Lapis." Introduced the now renamed Lapis.
"My name's Lazuli." Lazuli said, as she re-introduced herself, also.
"Lapis and Lazuli. Those are nice names; we just have to find one for 16 now." Naruto said, wanting to find the giant Android a name, as well.
"We will, I'm sure we'll think of one later." Said Lazuli, as she smiled at being able to help Naruto, while on their trip.
*With Vegeta*
"DAMN IT! HOW?! How could I be defeated by that low-class abomination?!" Vegeta screamed, as he unleashed a Ki blast, destroying a mountain in the distance.
He was still enraged over his loss against Android 22, even worse was that it was a machine that dared call itself a Saiyan! It only angered Vegeta even further, since he was a Super Saiyan, and yet he was still beaten!
How?! A Super Saiyan was supposed to be the strongest, so how did he lose?!
'But, could it be…could there be more to the Legend of the Super Saiyan? Have I yet to truly achieve that legendary power, or have I only scratched the surface of what I can do?' Vegeta thought, before clenching his fists tightly.
"I swear, I will not stop until I surpass my limits, I will gain the power of a true Super Saiyan! And then, I swear, we will settle the score, 22!" Vegeta shouted, as his Ki covered him like a shroud.
Then with a roar, Vegeta's Ki exploded into a bright gold, as he transformed into a Super Saiyan. But he didn't stop there, as Vegeta grunted as he forced every ounce of his power out and shouted, as the ground began shaking under the weight of his power.
"I won't stop! I will never stop, I will be…THE STRONGEST!" Vegeta roared, as he threw his head back as his power continued rising higher and higher.
*With Krillin, Trunks, and Tien*
Meanwhile, Krillin, Trunks and Tien were flying towards Goku's house, all three of them having agreed it'd be good to move Goku to Kame House for the time being. At least until he was back to full health, and not a sitting duck for the Androids.
Though the three immediately froze and looked to where Vegeta was, sensing his power shooting through the roof.
"Father." Trunks muttered, worried about his father and wanting to go see if he was alright.
"Trunks, I know what you're thinking, and don't. The best thing we can do is leave Vegeta to blow off some steam." Krillin said, not wanting Trunks to get hurt by confronting Vegeta, when he's this angry.
"He's right, Trunks. You don't want to be anywhere near Vegeta, when he's this angry." Added Tien, knowing Trunks would only endanger himself.
"But what if he needs help, or if the Androids go after him." Trunks argued, not wanting his father to die again, like in his time.
"Trust us, Trunks. We may not know Vegeta that well, but we know more than you do, right now. Vegeta is prideful, with an ego as big as an Oozaru, which only got bigger when he became a Super Saiyan, something he believed was unstoppable. This made his defeat against Android 22 even more crushing than it was. Being defeated by a Saiyan that hasn't achieved that same transformation, along the fact that he is an Android probably doesn't help, either." Tien said, with Krillin nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. If you approached Vegeta now, the best you could hope for is him brushing you off harshly, at worse he might attack you." Added Krillin, with Trunks looking at them, unsure how to feel about their words.
"Would he really do that?" Trunks asked, not believing his father would attack him, his own son.
Tien and Krillin traded unsure looks, before turning back to the half-Saiyan.
"We don't know, honestly. Until recently, Vegeta was our enemy. I mean, he did work with me and Gohan back on Namek, but that was more out of mutual benefit, than him actually wanting to help. But given what we've seen so far, I wouldn't be surprised if he did attack you, or any of us, if we approached him." Krillin said, remembering how Vegeta killed Nappa, his own comrade, after Goku beat him to the point of paralysis.
And given the healing technology Vegeta showed him and Gohan, after taking Goku to Frieza's ship, Krillin figured that Nappa could have been healed. But Vegeta killed him, anyway.
Trunks sighed, but nodded as he saw their points, knowing it'd be better to just leave his father to let his anger out, before approaching him.
With that, the three continued towards Goku's house, thankfully it didn't take them long to arrive, and were greeted by Chichi, Yamcha and Gohan. The latter having arrived, after dropping Bulma, baby Trunks and Yajirobe off at Capsule Corp.
Trunks pulled out his carrier jet capsule, which mother had sent along with him from the future, in case he and the others got hurt, and didn't have the energy to fly. After loading Goku into the jet, they took off and headed towards Kame House.
Though it wasn't long after they had taken off, that they got a phone call.
"Hello." Krillin said, answering only to quickly pull it away when he heard Bulma on the other end.
"Where the hell is that idiot, I gave birth to?!" Bulma demanded.
"Uh, it's for you Trunks, it's your mother." Said Krillin, while turning the speaker phone on.
"Mom? What is it?" Trunks asked, wondering what she needed, or if something happened.
"Trunks! I can't believe how irresponsible you could be?! I mean seriously, leaving your time machine out in the opening, where anyone could find it!" Shouted Bulma, not believing her son would do something so careless, she would have continued, if not for baby Trunks starting to cry, believing he was the one being scolded.
Trunks' eyes widened in confusion at his mother's words, what did she mean by "leaving his time machine out in the opening"? He didn't even take it off his person.
"Oh no sweetie, I don't mean you, you are my darling little angel. I meant the other you, the irresponsible teenager you'll become." Bulma cooed.
"Wait, wait, wait. Mom, can you explain just what exactly is going on?" Trunks asked, wanting to understand just what is happening.
"Your time machine, Trunks. It was found outside of Gingertown in the forest. Here, I'll send a picture." Said Bulma, sending the picture via the built in fax machine.
Seeing the picture come out, Trunks grabbed it and his eyes widened in shock, when he did in fact see his time machine.
"Th-that's impossible! That can't be my time machine, I still have it right here, in its capsule!" Trunks said, while pulling out his time machine capsule.
"But…if it's not your time machine, Trunks…then where, or when, did it come from?" Bulma asked, worried of where this new time machine could have come from.
"I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out." Trunks said.
"I'll go too, I might not have been able to help with the Androids, but this is something that I can help with." Said Gohan.
Nodding, Trunks and Gohan got out of the jet and flew to where this second time machine was located. All while Trunks couldn't help but feel that the Androids just became the least of their worries.
So, what did you think, good. Yep 22 gets scolded by 18, with the female android believing he had been reckless in his fight and worried for his safety, with 22 not knowing how to react to someone showing concern for him, before revealing his immortality. We then see Piccolo arriving at the Lookout and learning about a greater threat Kami is sensing before waiting for threat to be discovered to once again fuse together. We then go back to the Androids with 18 and 22 getting some new clothes before meeting up with 17 to eat, with it being here 22 finally gains his name of Naruto, along with learning 17 and 18's names of Lapis and Lazuli. Next we see Vegeta unleashing his anger over his loss before swearing he'll settle the score with Naruto and that he will become the strongest. We then see Tien and Krillin telling Trunks about his father before arriving to take Goku to Kame House, only to have Bulma reveal a second time machine was discovered, with Gohan and Trunks going to investigate. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out