Chapter 8: Sibling

"And what do you mean by they got away? Just how difficult could it be to stop a failed experiment and two average humans? One of them isn't even a fighter for crying out loud!" screamed Dr. Gero's angry voice from the other end of the line.

"Relax doctor, we still got six days right? That's plenty of time to catch them don't you think?" replied No.13 talking into the communication device built into his head, the volume of his communicator lowered to minimal least his mechanical ear cracked from Gero's shouting.

"Six days huh? Oh sure you still have six days. Need I remind you if Commander Red decided to have me killed, you three will most likely go straight to the junkyard?" boomed the doctor's voice again and Thirteen couldn't help but to cringe a bit at the threat.

"Well my dear Dr. Gero," began the silver-haired cyborg in a mock polite tone, "if you really want us to fix your problem so much, WHY DON'T YOU TELL US ABOUT THE KAMI-DAMNED WHITE AURA SHIT THAT STUPID MONKEY CAN DO? Was your experiments so secretive you couldn't even give us a PROPER BRIEFING?" snapped the killer cyborg no longer able to contain his anger.

The decrepit doctor was silenced by the sudden outburst while No.13 stood with his arms crossed in front of his bare and heavily scarred chest waiting impatiently for an answer. The blast from the previous night had completely destroyed his prized clothing, leaving him with just his black boxer. What's more, half of his silver hair was gone and his brows burned off by the intense heat. When Fourteen and Fifteen found him last night, they could barely recognize him and the purple-skinned cyborg almost cracked up at his ridiculous look until Thirteen threatened him with some good old-school beating.

"What white aura shit? Is that another one of your lame excuses for failing me?" came Gero's voice again after close to a minute of pause, this time much quieter apparently intimidated by his own creation.

"Oh great, so not even you know what kind of powers your damned test subject is capable of heh? Are you sure there aren't anything else you aren't aware of? Oh wait, let me guess, that Saiyan can shit out nuclear warheads and his piss is acidic isn't it? Or perhaps he can blast himself into the sky with his fart?" joked No.13 bitterly.

"No of course not you moron and cut the stupid crap. Just bring them in as soon as possible or else I'll be forced unleash my latest weapon on not just Goku but also you three mechanical rejects!" stated the tired old man ready to end the conversation.

"Oh wow, impressive! I'm scared! Let me guess, is it Goku 2?" asked the browless cyborg sarcastically but instead was met with a cold snicker.

"Oh Thirteen, your guess is much closer than you could've known." Was the final reply from Dr. Gero before he ended the call.

The ace of Red Ribbon Army began pondering what he had just heard; was it true the good doctor had something more powerful than both him and Goku? No it couldn't be, he was the strongest fighter in the entire world. His thoughts were only interrupted by a nervous cough from No.15 still afraid of getting beaten up by No.13 for real. "So...what do we do now boss?" asked the shorty timidly toying with his fingers.

"Why my comrades, we should search the train wreckage for clues. Let's get this mission wrapped up soon least the old man died of high blood pressure shall we?" said the leader of the trio and all three of them started making their way towards the burning wreckage, which was now swarming with police officers trying to keep the reporters out.

Thirteen looked at the press taking pictures of the scene and cringed; not even the Red Ribbon Army can completely censor the information and he could only pray his disheveled look wouldn't be featured on television. As they got closer to the train wreck, several reporters hungry for some exclusive footage managed to break through the fenced-off zone and began taking pictures despite of protests from the officers, who, despite of being on the payroll of the Red Ribbon Army, weren't ballzy enough to shoot the press on national TV.

One such reporter managed to break through the officers and approached the heavily scarred cyborg, her cameraman aiming his camera right at heavily scarred man, documenting his injuries.

"Sir, excuse me sir, are you one of the passengers on the train? Care to give me a detailed account of what happened last night?" inquired the woman shoving her mic to Thirteen's face, a move she soon came to regret as the humiliated killer shoved her away from him and squashing the camera in his hands.

Inside of a two story house more than fifty miles from the train wreck, four figures were watching the news program and featuring in it was their favorite pursuer from last night looking like they were about to massacre the congregation of news network.

"Man, that's one scary looking dude, I wonder what's his deal?" asked a shoulder-length raven-haired man drinking beer from a can.

"Oh Lapis, you have no idea just how scary he truly is." Remarked Lazuli still lying on the bed with two pillows under her head propping her up enough for her to look at the screen. No.16 seemed to be agreeing with her statement and nodded his head solemnly, his throat still aching from No.13's assault.

Goku meanwhile was sitting beside the blonde young woman holding onto her hand, slowly pouring his life force into her body and healing her wounds. He couldn't explain why, but for some reason, the white aura coming from him seemed to have minor healing properties and he was determined to use it to aid his friends; his callus covered fingers wrapped around her delicate ones and a faint white glow surrounded their bodies.

Lazuli could feel an endless stream of energy coursing through her veins and had to bite down her lips to prevent herself from moaning out in approval. She felt so protected and secure surrounded by the aura coming from Goku and wished she could stay like this forever. The blonde could also sworn she could sense the Saiyan's emotion as he poured his life force into her body, there were anger, sadness, and dare she say fear. Could it be the alien warrior was that afraid of losing her?

During long months of experimenting on her test subject, she had never seem him demonstrating this unique ability and had to wonder what had changed since then. The only possible explanation she found was the wicked doctor's mind controlling formula had somehow suppressed the alien's natural ability to wield such energy and that her medicine had somehow allowed him to regain his dormant talent.

The blonde scientist was so deep in her thoughts she failed to sense Goku's white aura gradually diminishing and had to push himself harder by the minute just to keep the stream of energy flowing. Cold sweats covered his face while his face got paler with every ounce of energy he drew from his already limited reserve of strength. Suddenly and without warning, the Saiyan's vision went black and his heavy body began falling onto the bedridden Lazuli, it was only through his sheer will power the Saiyan was able to snap himself awake right before he squashed his friend and jerked himself right back up.

"Goku, are you alright Goku? Don't push yourself too hard you hear?" shouted the blonde scientist with obvious concern in her voice, which didn't go unnoticed by her twin brother as he eyed the man named Goku sitting beside his sister skeptically. The elder sister Lapis was familiar with was always so calm and collected, rarely letting emotion getting in her way and dead set on achieving her goal. Whoever this dude was, he sure was special to her and the raven-haired young man could feel himself getting uneasy at the closeness between Lazuli and Goku.

"Yeah...I...I good Lazuli...need rest...can continue..." said the Saiyan warrior panting for breath, his arms held onto his knees trying to steady himself.

"Hmph, what's the matter Goku? Was holding onto my sister's hand such a draining exercise you could barely speak now?" came Lapis's hostile voice which honestly had came out much colder than the young man had intended and instantly earned him an equally icy stare from Lazuli.

"Don't be so rude baby bro, Goku's just trying to help that's all!" snapped the elder sibling sternly.

"Oh sure, by holding your hand, that ought to offer you some emotional comfort," chuckled Lapis narrowing his eyes refusing to back down, "no wonder you three got beaten by some street punks if Goku here couldn't even sit straight holding your hand Lazuli! I bet I can simply blow that ugly bastard's brains out by putting one in between his browless eyes!" proclaimed Lapis brandishing his pistol and aimed it at No.13's face on TV while shooting Goku the meanest look he could muster.

Lazuli let out a sigh at her brother's use of foul language and his violent tendency. Sure, he was a very sweet younger brother constantly looking out for her wellbeing, but sometimes she hoped he could be less protective of her. Goku seemed to have caught the menace in Lapis's words too as he turned his head over to the young man and gave him an alarmed look. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became so tense the still recovering blonde was afraid she would suffocate under the animosity. Trying to ease the tension, the blonde woman squeezed down on the Saiyan's hand reassuringly while gesturing her brother to not be such an ass.

"Don't even try it Lapis, that's not a human you are looking at. No.13 is a cyborg built by Dr. Gero fitted with the futuristic technology." Suddenly said Sixteen who had been silently watching the news coverage of last night's "accident" the whole time.

The calm voice of the orange giant seemed to work like magic, defusing the situation and turning everyone's attention back at the menacing trio on screen.

"Really? So how exactly did you guys managed to escape from him?" Lapis asked curiously, his voice still laced with menace.

"It's Goku who saved us brother, you wouldn't believe just how strong he really is. Me and Sixteen should've been dead many times if it weren't for him. I couldn't explain it, but this man could bust out moves you wouldn't believe." Explained Lazuli giving Goku a warm smile and the Saiyan beamed weakly back at her in return, a gesture that caused her twin to grunt in disgust.

Getting off his seat, Lapis strolled towards his sister's bed and sat right in front of Goku, giving him the evil stare. Looking up and down, the raven-haired man tried to see what made this person so special. It was clear as day his older sister had a thing for this silent warrior and, knowing her pride and general disinterest in romance, this guy with cold sweats dripping from his face must have a lot going on for his sis to even take an interest in him. Despite of his conditions, Goku was unwilling to shy away from the staring contest and his dark brown eyes met Lapis's icy blue ones without flinching.

Finally, after close to a minute of scrutinizing the Saiyan, Lapis deemed Goku suitable to be his sister's friend and extended a hand at him. "Hey Goku, it's nice to meet you. The name's Lapis and I'm this lovely lady's twin brother."

The Saiyan warrior stared at the queer young man in front of him wondering exactly what he should do with the raven-haired young man closely resembling Lazuli. This Lapis guy had glared at him for a full minute and then reached out his hand. Was he supposed to do something with his hand? It's not like he's handing him a weapon or food, so why the empty hand?

"Um Goku," suddenly came Lazuli's voice causing the confused Saiyan to turn his attention at her, "I think you should hold his hand and tell him your name."

So Goku did as he was told and held onto Lapis's hand. "I...I am Goku." He said still panting slightly for breath.

The moment their hands met, Lapis squeezed down on it hard and to his surprise, this Goku guy was able to apply tremendous force despite of obviously not in his top form. The younger twin could also felt a warm sensation like no other coming from Goku's hand as a faint glow began forming where their hands met. Having never experienced anything quite like this, the raven-haired man pulled his hand away in shock, perhaps this awkward person really possessed unique talent he thought.

"Now aren't you a weird guy Goku? Everyone I know knows how to shake hands but you looked like it's your first time. Ah well, my sister's always into weird things anyways, so I guess you're alright," said Lapis standing up from his sister's bed shaking his head, "but if I ever catch you doing anything funny to Lazuli, I'll make you regret ever set eyes on her you hear?" said Lapis suddenly turning around and pointing right at Goku.

The Saiyan didn't quite like the way this strange fellow was talking to him. While he may not be able to understand full sentences, Goku knew a threat when he heard one and couldn't help but to feel his warrior spirit reigniting. The Saiyan warrior could tell from his instinct though, that this Lapis was very close to Lazuli. Deciding to give him a pass least he upsets the blonde woman holding onto him, he gave Lapis a nod reluctantly.

"How did you manage to find us anyways brother?" asked Lazuli deciding it was time to change the subject away from her and Goku's friendship.

"Oh it's nothing really sis, I have friends keeping an eye on your latest developments and was lucky enough to receive a tip your train crashed that's all." Lapis said, trying to hide the excitement in his voice but was clearly enjoying the attention.

"Wait, how was it possible for you to find us when even the Red Ribbon Army couldn't even pin our movements?" This time it was No.16 who spoke out, baffled at why could his companion's younger brother trail them like he did.

Lapis sat back down onto his seat and crossed his leg, not saying a word but instead just tapped his fingers on the chair. The blonde would have palmed her face if it weren't for her body still being incredibly sore. If she had to describe her twin brother with two words, they'd be "protective" and "childish". Thinking back to her childhood, Lazuli could recall how Lapis always enjoyed bragging about his victories and basking in attention. This ass was clearly playing with them now, letting the suspense build until he made his grad reveal.

"Well Lapis? Cat got your tongue? Why don't you spill it already?" snapped Lazuli impatiently not playing his games.

"Sure thing sis, if you want to hear it so badly, I guess I'll indulge you a bit," said Lapis gleefully, "you see, ever since we parted ways, I've established a large network of criminals and people of special skills. You have no idea what kind of information those who lived on the fringes of society can provide sis, even now I have complete knowledge of the movements of our Red Ribbon Army friends and they don't have a clue where the three of you are!" finished the young man triumphantly as if expecting an applause but none came.

"Why that's simply amazing brother! I didn't know you are such a spymaster." Said Lazuli nonchalantly, trying to sound as unimpressed as possible when in reality she was amazed by what Lapis was telling her.

The raven-haired man could hear the slightest bit of excitement behind his sister's tone and smirked to himself knowing she was impressed despite of putting on a fake façade. "Ah Lazuli, always trying to look cool and composed yet deep down you let emotion cloud your judgement. I just hope no one would take advantage of your passionate side." Thought him eyeing Goku suspiciously once more.

"I may not run a spy ring sis, but as a cop on the streets, I got good connections!" bragged Lapis still withholding information and playing the guessing game with his guests. While No.16 and Goku didn't react to the statement, Lazuli looked surprised and almost jump out of the bed.

"No way, you, a street thug with that many criminal records is a cop? Were they blind when they read your resume?" asked the blonde woman not believing what she had just heard.

"My dear sister, didn't I tell you I got connections? I was able to get a friend of mine to completely wipe away my records. Heck, they didn't even know I have a sister!" remarked the man triumphantly.

"Anyways, back to the main topic. You have no idea how easy it is to track you with how famous you are these days. I got friends dying to get a glimpse of the infamous Lazuli and her killer gang and they gave me info for free after knowing we are related." Bragged Lapis reverting back to his carefree nature, "in fact, I promised two of my friends I'd give them your autograph in exchange for finding you. What do you say we meet them sometime soon? I'm sure you'll enjoy their company too."

The blonde could tell there was no way to reject her twin brother with how excited he sounded, nor does she have any reason to object to the proposal as technically, these two did save her life to some degree. Looking at Goku questionably still sitting beside her, she was relieved when he gave her a reassuring smile telling her he didn't mind while Sixteen also gave her the go ahead nod.

"Sure we'll meet them Lapis, but not today alright? Me and my friends still need to recover from our injuries and we'd like to have some peace to ourselves." Said the blonde.

"Deal it is then sis, I'll arrange them to come over tomorrow. Trust me, you'll like them," replied Lapis, "now if you'll excuse me, I've got a case to solve, some rich woman named Maron had her million dollar car stolen and was pressuring us to find it." Said the black-haired man walking towards the front door but not before shooting Goku another warning look.

The trio spent the rest of the morning and the afternoon recovering from their injuries.

Sixteen was the first one to make a near full recovery and was soon walking around the house looking at Lapis's impressive gun collection. Aside from the fire arms, the orange-haired giant also found an assortment of explosives and military grade equipment, making him arch his eyebrow up wondering what kind of connections he had to accumulate enough weapons to arm a small band of militia.

Goku meanwhile sat beside Lazuli's bed and continued healing his bedridden friend. He had to take many breaks in between just to recharge his strength. Thankfully, the Saiyan found food to be a reliable energy source and within an hour had completely emptied Lapis's refrigerator. The result was the Saiyan able to heal his friend enough by evening for her to get off the bed before passing out on the bed himself, his snores reverberating around the room.

Normally Lazuli would have hated hearing someone snoring so loudly but instead, she felt a certain calmness knowing he was nearby. It wasn't as if she'd be scared without him around, no, that would be too superficial and she knew this attachment she was beginning to have for the Saiyan runs much deeper than craving physical wellbeing.

Looking at his gentle face snoring without a care in the world, the blonde scientist knew he was much more than just a brainless killing machine. He was a living being with many different sides to him, possessing both an awkward sense of naiveté and capable of complex thoughts. Kami knew had he been a simple brainless monkey, he would've jumped her silly little brother when he first sensed hostility. Even now, she could sense his emotions coursing through her body carried around by his life force which, as Sixteen had put it, is literally pouring out of her body as if they were her own due to how much energy it took to heal just her legs.

"Lazuli..." suddenly came a drowsy voice making the woman lost in her own thoughts jump up in surprise.

"Di...did you say something Goku?" asked her wondering if the Saiyan was already awake only to discover he was still sleeping.

"Lazuli, run Lazuli...I...I hold them back..." mumbled Goku in his sleep, his face twisted in obvious distress and she quickly rushed to his side and held onto him just like that one time back in the factory when she had to calm him down.

"It's okay Goku, I'm safe so don't you worry. Sleep my brave warrior." She reassured him but instead of falling into deeper rest, the Saiyan's eyes snapped opened.

Dark brown eyes met with icy blue as the pair looked at each other intently, neither able to look away from the pair of enchanting eyes staring back at them. As they remain entranced by what they saw, Lazuli's face began growing hotter as she took in the beautiful reddish brown of his iris and near black pupil. There was so much emotion in them, just like the life force flowing around her body. The Saiyan warrior could also feel his temperature rising peering into the beautiful sapphire colored orbs of hers. It was as if he was looking into a beautiful starry night sky that screamed freedom, the lights sparkling off them resembling stars.

Too caught up in the attraction she was experiencing, Lazuli began lowering her head towards his, her eyes drifting downwards at his firm and masculine lips wondering how he'd taste. She had never been with any man before and the concept of kissing foreign to her but the magic pull Goku was exerting on her was irresistible. The Saiyan looked at her with his heart racing; he may not know the word kiss, but Goku could feel his mouth watering with want looking at the perfectly shaped and alluring mouth descending down on him, anticipating the sensation of those smooth lips against his rough ones.

Before they could experience the exotic texture of each other's mouth though, they suddenly heard the front door unlocking and quickly pulled away, trying to hide the crimson blush on their faces.

"How you hanging sis? I bought you some cloth so you don't have to wear those dirty Lucky Foods uniform anymore." Announced Lapis holding several bags of clothing in his hands.

"Oh thank you Lapis, that was very nice of you..." said Lazuli shying her face away from him knowing she was still burning inside, which didn't go unnoticed by her twin brother who looked at her and Goku alarmingly.

"Oh no you two didn't!" he shouted in anger, almost dropping the bags on his hands.

"No Lapis, it's not like what you think, we didn't do anything really! Now if you don't mind I'm going to take a shower thank you!" said Lazuli before storming into the bathroom.

The younger twin looked at his sister's form disappearing behind closed doors before walking over to Goku, "you are a really lucky bastard you know that?" he asked but decided to let the matter drop least he displeases his long lost sister more. The Saiyan could tell the young man wasn't happy for one bit but didn't blame him, the only thought on his mind was if he also had blood relatives, how would they react to him showing affection for someone?

Author's Note: I'd like to thank everyone's feedback and interest in this story. Special thanks to 777torn777 for telling me the interesting part of each chapter, Dizzystrogg for suggesting that I add a false Super Saiyan form, and zmacit73 for the continued support. Regarding Dizzystrogg's question, I'll probably bring in some semi-Super Saiyan form later on in the story and eventually have Goku power up to SSJ much much later on. I can't promise it will be the form Goku used against Lord Slug, but it will be something similar that probably leads to the Saiyan discovering Super Saiyan form.

About the story progression, I've decided that after the many action packed chapters, it is time for a break and move onto developing Goku and Lazuli's relations and Lapis's reactions. I always thought Lapis would be the jealous and protective type, keeping any suspicious male from his elder sister. Do let me know what you guys think of the pacing of the story. Also this should be very obvious, but I'll be introducing two new characters from the DB universe next chapter.