Happy Halloween everyone! I can't believe we're actually here. This is nuts. 2020 is almost over! (I don't know whether to be happy or sad. Maybe both?) Anyway, we're back again for another chapter of the Son Squad. Next week's update is a bit iffy because I've got exams out the wazoo, so the story might take a break next week.
Anyway, last we left off, Vegeta decided to screw teamwork and go after the androids himself and Chibiko decided to tail after him to make sure he didn't get himself killed. Will she be able to convince Vegeta to get out of there? Find out now.
The Son Squad Ch.39
At the Son house, Goku was finally relaxing from his nightmares, and his fever had come down. Little Daichi was finally allowed in to see his Father and sat at the bedside as Goku slept. He kept wanting to poke at Goku to wake him up, but he knew his mother would discourage him from doing so. Still, he wanted to know that his Dad would be okay and thought the only way to know for sure was to wake him up.
"Wake up," Daichi whined as he put his head down next to Goku, looking at his Father longingly. "Wake-up, Daddy."
No noise came from Goku except his light breathing.
Daichi was disappointed. He hated seeing his Father like this.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Chi-Chi sat with Chibiko as she was sucking down a third bottle of formula after waking up from her nap. She gulped the whole thing down in no time at all and let out a loud burp that slightly shook the house. "You are your father's daughter, that's for sure," Chi-Chi told the little girl after she was done.
The baby in question just stared up at her mother, not smiling or frowning. It was like she was studying the woman in order to get a read on her emotions. Chi-Chi smiled and kissed the baby girl's head, and there was still no real reaction from her. Chibi was an odd baby for sure.
Chi-Chi then glanced outside to see Chinku and Yamcha sparring with each other. The little 6-year-old gave Yamcha a run for his money for sure, but he was no slouch either. They both were going at each other at speeds faster than the ordinary person could comprehend, and it was just what Chinku needed to rebuild her confidence. Each blow she delivered reminded her that she was
As they sparred, Chinku momentarily got distracted when she felt two familiar kis coming near the house. She let her guard down, thinking it was her brother and sister coming home. That's when Yamcha managed to finally land a kick on Chinku and sent her skidding across the ground.
"Oh, crap!" Yamcha shouted, thinking he had gone too hard against the little girl. He ran over to Chinku and came to a halt when the girl simply stood up and dusted herself off like nothing happened. "Are you okay, Chinku?"
"I'm fine, Uncle Yamcha," Chinku stated like it was no big deal. It really wasn't. I mean, Piccolo had kicked her through a mountain once, so this was nothing.
"Wait, Uncle?" Yamcha questioned after Chinku was done getting all the excess dirt off of her body.
"Yeah," Chinku said, looking up at the man with scars on his face. "You've known my Daddy for a long time, so you're practically family. That makes you my Uncle."
Yamcha thought that that was really sweet. He never thought he'd be considered an uncle by one of Goku's kids, and that kinda made him feel good. It was like some form of consolation that he was doing something right. Regardless, he did want to know what caused Chinku to lose focus. "What caught your attention, kid?"
"I thought I felt Gohan and Chiyo coming," Chinku replied, looking up at the empty blue sky. "Guess I was wrong."
Little did she know Gohan and Chiyo had flown by with Yajirobe, Bulma, and baby Trunks. But instead of stopping at the Son house like the twins originally wanted to do, they were heading to Capsule Corp.
Picking up the pace, Chibi knew she wasn't far behind from Vegeta. She kept a bit of a distance between her and him, though, wanting time to cool off and keep from decking him in the face. However, that seemed like that would be the only way to keep him from getting himself killed. He's such an idiot! Chibi thought to herself. What does he think he's doing?! All he's gonna do is get himself killed! The more she thought about it, though, the more Chibi realized that Trunks could act just like Vegeta a lot the time. He would be the first to charge into danger when a report would come on saying the androids were attacking, and he would insist on fighting it alone half the time. Wow. This must be where Trunks gets it from.
The only reason she even bothered to chase after Vegeta was for Trunks' sake. She would've cared less about Vegeta otherwise. All he had shown her so far was that he was vain, prideful, and just a straight-up asshole. Still, Trunks was her best and only real friend, after all. He would've done the same for her if her Father's life was on the line, which is still technically was. However, the more Chibi thought about it, the more she pondered the issue. Were her and Trunks truly just friends? Of course, we're just friends! Chibi thought to herself, her face slightly warm. What else would we be?!
She was able to push that random thought out of her head when she finally found Vegeta and the androids on a mountain road. Vegeta looked like he had spouted off some big speech or whatever and looked ready to tangle with the androids. Chibiko touched down behind Vegeta and glared at the androids.
"Oh look, a friend of yours, Vegeta?" 18 teased, pointing directly at Chibi.
Vegeta scoffed and looked over his shoulder at Chibiko. "As if," He stated, turning his attention back to the androids. "She's just some little welp."
"Yeah, well, this welp is trying to make sure you don't die," Chibiko quickly snapped at Vegeta, trying to keep her temper in check. Someone had to keep a level head here. "You don't want to do this, Vegeta."
"And why should I listen to you, girl?" Vegeta questioned, not evening bothering to look at her as he spoke. "You obviously aren't aware of what I can do."
"And you have no idea what these guys are capable of!" Chibi shouted back in defiance. "Listen, Vegeta, for once, put aside your pride and back down! You're going to get yourself killed! What good is your pride if you're dead?!"
"I'd listen to your little friend, Vegeta," 17 stated, a playful smirk on his face as he crossed his arms over his chest. "She knows what's she's talking about. Fighting us is a death sentence."
"You're right; it is a death sentence for you!" Vegeta quickly stated.
Chibi growled in frustration. It was like everything she was saying was going in one ear and out the other with him. Why did he have to be so stubborn?! She then went up and grabbed him by his shoulder and attempted to turn him around so that he could at least look her in the eyes when she was speaking to him. However, instead of that happening, Vegeta went and swung his left fist at her so fast that she just barely caught it before it could make contact with her face. She didn't expect him to actually take a swing at her. In hindsight, though, Chibi thought that if he could punch his son in the gut, then he certainly wouldn't have any qualms about striking a stranger.
"Let's get one thing straight," He said in a lowered and threatening voice, looking her directly in the eyes. His bluish-green eyes bore heavily into her and showed off this sense of evil within him that Chibi thought rivaled the androids. "I don't need your help, or Kakarot's, or anyone else's help for that matter. And if you get in my way again, I will kill you. Understand?"
That response actually terrified Chibi. She felt her heart race and her throat close up as Vegeta glared her down. Never in a million years did she think that Vegeta would be this bad. Sure, she had heard stories from her mother, Bulma, and older siblings, but being there, in person with Vegeta, was a whole other level. Slowly, she let go of Vegeta's hand and backed off, letting him know she wouldn't do that again.
17 and 18 chuckled to themselves at this little spat between the two. They had no idea who this girl was, but they found it amusing how Vegeta's buttons could be so easily pushed by her. 16, on the other hand, didn't seem to have any emotions regarding the situation. In fact, he said nothing about it.
As Vegeta turned back towards the androids, Chibi said, "You're sealing your fate, Vegeta."
"Then let it be so," Vegeta replied, the smirk returning to his face. "So then, which one of you shall I fight first?"
"' Kay Mister hotshot," 18 stated, coming forward to face off with Vegeta. She tucked a piece of her hair back before getting in a fighting stance. "Let's play, just you and me."
"Finally," Vegeta said, throwing out a small practice punch as he glared 18 down. "But don't think I subscribe to the Earth's notions of chivalry. Though, you're not even a real female, are you?"
Right then and there, Chibi wanted to smack Vegeta upside the head but just stuck to gripping her fists instead. It wasn't like she could do much to stop Vegeta. He clearly was dead-set on fighting 18, not listening to any shred of reason whatsoever. She bit her lip as she watched the two opponents square up. As soon as I see a chance, I'll grab Vegeta and get him out of here, Chibi thought to herself, sweat trickling down her back. At that point, he'll be weak enough to handle….I hope.
In the blink of an eye, Vegeta and 18 were throwing down. The two threw punches and kicks so fast that it would be impossible for the average human eye to keep up. Chibi actually had to jump out of the way just to keep from getting caught in the crossfires of the scuffle. She watched as Vegeta held his own against 18, no problem. They both took the battle to the air and started going all-out there.
Vegeta's actually holding his own against her, Chibi thought as she watched the two go at it. He's even got some moves that'll keep him alive.
The two soon brought their fight down to the road, where Vegeta proclaimed the fight was already over for 18. All 18 did was smirk and tuck some hair behind her ear as Vegeta prepared to fire a blast her way. He didn't even hesitate when a big-rig truck came; he just fired the shot directly at 18. She quickly moved and hit the truck head-on. The driver was presumed to be okay, considering he yelled, "DUDE, MY TRUCK!" right after the blast started dying down. (Chibi wondered how that man was still alive, though).
"You're pretty fast for a heap of scrap and copper wiring," He told 18, who smirked as she came down without a scratch on her. He was enjoying this. This thing was actually giving him something to do, unlike the previous scrap metal he fought earlier. And everyone kept blathering on about how he needed help.
"Why do I get the feeling you're holding out on me?" 18 questioned, her hands planted firmly on her hips.
"That's because I have," Vegeta stated. "If I went all out, the Earth would be obliterated."
That doesn't make me feel too comfortable, Chibi thought to herself.
"I haven't been trying very hard either," 18 admitted. "I'm glad I'm not the only one."
That makes me feel even less comfortable, Chibi thought.
"Aww, don't be shy," Vegeta teased. "You're going to need to throw everything at me just to survive."
"Thanks. I'll do that."
Without warning, 18 charged at Vegeta and headbutted him, sending the saiyan prince staggering back a bit. A single bruise was left on his forehead where he was hit, and blood began to trickle down his face.
Now Chibi was getting concerned. The gloves are off now. Vegeta's about to get into it, and so am I.
This ticked off Vegeta big time. How dare that piece of scrap that tried to pass off as a woman do that. He growled before powering up and charging right at 18, punching her right in the stomach. Everything was moving so fast that it took a moment to realize that 18 was unhurt and the one in pain was Vegeta. He had been given a knee to the stomach and spat up a bit. Then, without uttering a word, 18 slammed Vegeta into the mountainside.
"Vegeta!" Chibi shouted when she saw this, surprising herself. She didn't think she'd get so concerned for Vegeta. After all, he literally had threatened her moments prior.
18 turned and looked her dead in the eyes, causing Chibi to let out a small audible gasp. Was she next? The young woman swallowed a lump forming in her throat and felt a shiver run down her spine as 18 smirked at her.
Chibiko quickly calmed her nerves, though, and got into a fighting stance.
"Are you going to finish this for him?" 18 questioned the young woman.
"….If I have to, yes," Chibi remarked.
18 let out a small chuckle and turned to Chibi. Without warning, she threw a quick punch Chibi's way, but the young girl quickly caught it and then went for a quick to 18's head with her left leg. However, 18 quickly caught that and fired a blast at Chibi's face. The half-saiyan quickly swatted it away and then fired her own small blast at 18 and punched her in the face while the dust was settling, causing the android to be sent back a bit.
After that brief little scuffle, Chibi glared at 18 and 18 glared back. Some blood started to trickle down Chibi's hand and a small cut was now on 18's shirt; the women's own little battle scars to prove they had tussled, if only just briefly.
"You're not too bad of a fighter," 18 complimented Chibiko.
"And you're just as much a monster as I thought you'd be," Chibiko stated back.
Luckily for Chibi, the cavalry arrived in the form of Piccolo, Tien, Trunks, Krillin, and Daichi, so she didn't have to fight alone anymore.
Chibi let out a sigh of relief as the guys all landed right near her.
Just then, Vegeta came out of his little crater in the mountain. In actuality, the quick exchange between 18 and Chibi happened in less than a minute, so it was like Vegeta had never even left by the time he reemerged onto the scene.
"What happened to stopping Vegeta?" Daichi questioned Chibi as Trunks went to check on his Father.
"He didn't listen and threatened me if I got in the way," Chibi stated, gaining back a bit of confidence now that the others were here. "Believe me; I tried to get him to listen, but the man is stubborn as they come."
Vegeta chuckled a bit as he came out of that hole in the side of the mountain. "I'll take that as a compliment," He said, earning a glare from Daichi, who was about to go into protective big-brother mode. He didn't like the idea of someone threatening his sister, even if it was Vegeta. (He had no idea what happened, but he swore he'd find out and then he'd tell Vegeta what-for!) Vegeta then turned to look at Trunks. "And you; you have a real tendency of sucking the joy out of my fun, don't you?"
Tien soon pointed out how 17 was coming over to possibly join the fight with all that going on. Trunks once again reiterated to his Father the same message he and the others had been telling him all along; swallow your pride and leave before you get yourself killed! However, Chibi described Vegeta best; as stubborn as they come. He expressed his drive to fight and how he needed no one, especially the earthlings' help, to gain victory. In fact, he outright stated he'd rather die than get help from any of them.
Apparently, 17 enjoyed Vegeta's little speech because he gave the saiyan prince a round of applause for it, frightening the others. "Not bad, Vegeta," 17 commented once the saiyan warrior was done. "And not bad fighting either. I'd expect nothing less from the prince of the saiyans, though."
Vegeta spat out a bit of blood and scoffed at 17's compliment. The last thing he needed was flattery from a boy in a metal shell. He'd deal with him after he finished off 18.
"Regardless, I assume you all embrace the warrior's code," 17 stated, looking around at the new arrivals to the scene. "I can tell by looking at you all. Either way, I know none of you would be foolish enough to interfere with Vegeta and number 18's fight. Because if you do, I plan on jumping in as well."
Then why didn't you jump in when I was briefly fighting 18? Chibi thought to herself as she wiped up some of the blood dripping from her wound.
"Are you talking about these pacifist worms?" Vegeta joked. "Oh, they don't need any encouragement to stay on the sidelines."
17 shrugged. He could care less. He just thought he'd be courteous and give a bit of a warning so no one would complain later. But he also secretly hoped someone would get involved so he could jump in on the fight. He'd love the idea of getting in some actual action after being asleep for who-knows-how-long.
"Shall we continue, then?" 18 asked Vegeta, wanting to get back to business with her opponent.
"Gladly," Vegeta answered.
In a flash, the two warriors were going at it again. Vegeta showed no mercy as he threw attack after attack at 18, surprising the others with being able to keep up with the machine woman. The display of power gave them, well, most of them, confidence that they could actually win this thing. It was hard to tell if 18 was weakening or not, considering she was an android, and androids rarely exhibited any pain.
"I'm surprised," 18 stated, not showing much emotion as she spoke. She took off her now ruined jacket and threw it to the ground. "You may be an alien, but you fight exceptionally well for an organic being. Tell me, is Goku any stronger than you are?"
"Of course not!" Vegeta proudly declared, smirking the whole time. He had this thing on the ropes. "I'm far superior to that low-class, Kakarot! He may have slipped ahead of me before, but now I'm back on top where I belong!"
"I see," 18 stated, still not showing even an ounce of emotion. Then, a smirk returned to her face. "I thought one of you was special, but I guess neither of you is."
If that wasn't an insult, then I don't know what is. Vegeta sure took it as an insult. He growled in anger, a vein popping out on the side of his head before he started furiously throwing kicks and punches 18's way. The female android simply dodged most of the attacks, though, but that didn't stop Vegeta.
Back at the sidelines, everyone continued to watch Vegeta with their breaths held as the Saiyan warrior continued his attack on 18. Although they were a distance away, it seemed like Vegeta had the upper hand here, right? Not according to Piccolo; "It's what I feared," he said, gaining everyone's attention. "He's losing. It's gradual, but it's obvious that the android is wearing him down."
Looking back at it, now that Piccolo pointed it out, the others could see Vegeta's energy slowly waning. His attacks became rushed and sloppy, kind of how Goku's were against android 19 earlier. After a bit, he started being thrown around like a rag doll.
Then came a moment that stopped time for everyone; Vegeta went in for another attack against 18, and she simply jumped out of the way. She then proceeded to kick Vegeta right under the chin, sending him staggering back. Then, she came back in and kicking his left arm, causing it to break and twist in a direction that was so unnatural! The z-fighters all let out an audible gasp at what they just witnessed and couldn't believe they had seen with Vegeta's arm twisted in such an abnormal manner. Vegeta staggered away from 18 as he used his right arm to clutch his left shoulder, completely stunned by what just happened. However, the shock soon wore off, and Vegeta let out an absolutely blood-curdling wail of pain. "AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, the sound echoing through the air.
"FATHER!" Trunks shouted, and before anyone could stop him, he charged right at 18 with his sword drawn.
"TRUNKS!" Daichi and Chibi shouted as their friend went down to possibly his doom.
Trunks didn't care, though. His Father was in trouble, and he had to help him. He rushed right at android 18 and swung his sword at her. However, instead of leaving any damage on her, the sword cracked and shattered right there in front of Trunks. The sword he used to strike down Frieza was broken!
He didn't even have time to register this because 17 jumped in, just like he promised he would, and knocked Trunks to the ground.
"IDIOT!" Chibi shouted, charging up into super saiyan and charging down at the androids.
Daichi growled and quickly charged up into super saiyan as well, following right after his younger sister. Piccolo and Tien followed right after Daichi while Krillin stood there stunned about the whole thing.
Chibi went straight for android 17 and threw a punch in his face. This did nothing, though, as 17 grabbed her fist and threw her back right into Daichi. Piccolo and Tien barely managed to get out of the way in time as the two super saiyans were sent into the mountainside.
Piccolo went on the offensive against 17 and failed just as severely as Chibi had, getting sent away with a simple kick. Tien tried to help by throwing his own punch at 17, but all he got for his trouble was being held in a choke-hold.
While this was going on, Vegeta tried to actually help by going on the offensive. However, 18 grabbed him and tossed him into Trunks, who was getting back up to help. The force of that attack knocked Trunks out of his super saiyan form and unconscious.
18 didn't even blink. She simply retucked her hair behind her hair like it was nothing.
Watching the scene from the road, Krillin was utterly flabbergasted. Not only had these androids wiped the floor with just Tien and Piccolo, but they took out four super saiyans like it was nothing. He was really starting to feel out-classed here. He glanced over to the only android not in the fight, number 16, who was apparently busy letting birds flutter around him and sit on his shoulders. Not really the kind of image that matched with the scene down below.
Back to the fight, Chibi and Daichi stirred from their hole in the wall and noticed Tien on the brink of unconsciousness, and Piccolo rushing in to help. The two Son siblings from the future gave it the old college try and rushed back into the fight. They gasped when they saw 17 swat Piccolo away like he was nothing, but he wasn't prepared for both siblings delivering swift kicks to his stomach and sending him barreling to the ground.
17 was sent flying straight to the ground, and that grabbed 18's attention. She glanced over where her brother was thrown and watched as he simply got up like nothing had happened. "Guess we shouldn't underestimate these blondes," 17 stated as a bit of a joke. "No offense, 18."
"None taken," 18 replied.
The two looked between each other and nodded before rushing up to the two half-saiyans. Daichi and Chibi tried to block the incoming androids, but 17 and 18 were quick and struck hard at the two, breaking their blocks. They both quickly whirled around the two half-saiyans to hit them from behind but the two were able to actually keep up here and ended up firing heavy and quick blasts right at 17 and 18. They looked like direct hits for sure and the two siblings hoped to have done a little bit of damage to the machines. However, before the dust settled, both androids quickly rushed out from the dust, got behind Daichi and Chibiko, and elbowed them hard in the back. This definitely broke Daichi's spine and nearly did the same to Chibi's before sending them face-first toward the ground. Both fell unconscious right next to Trunks and lost their super saiyan forms.
Needless to say, it was a nightmare for Krillin to witness. It didn't help when 18 needlessly went back over to Vegeta and broke his other arm for "good-measure" as she called it. This was the last bit of pain Vegeta needed to pass out right then and there and drop out of his super saiyan form as well.
Other than messed up clothes, the androids didn't look like anything happened at all. 18's shirt and pants were ripped to the point of needing new ones, but 17's only really damage was to his left arm sleeve that was just dangling from his shirt now. It didn't seem to bother him too much, though, since he quickly pulled it off and threw it to the ground. (It seemed like a good look to him).
"Weird," 17 stated after fixing up his shirt. "Vegeta changed back and lost his glow."
"So did those three over there," 18 pointed out, glancing over at the passed out half-saiyans.
"I wonder who they are," 17 stated as he looked at the three. "There's no data on them in our data banks." However, he wasn't too worried and shrugged it off. "Oh well. No use in asking now."
Krillin was having a bit of a panic attack, to say the least. His friends, and Vegeta, were down for the count! He was the only one left! Earth's fate rested on his shoulders against two machines that took down four super saiyans, a Namekian warrior, and Tien?! He especially had a freak-out moment when said androids came back up on the road to meet him. Well, I'm screwed! Krillin thought as the two androids stared him down. Better to go out fighting, at least! "Okay, let's do this thing!" Krillin stated.
"Don't worry, they're fine. Or they will be. Look, they're not dead, so go ahead and give them those senzu beans or whatever," 17 said. "Tell them if they want to fight again, we're always up for a rematch."
"17, aren't you going to ask him where Goku is?" 18 questioned, not understanding her brother's logic in just walking away without getting any clear answers.
"Why? That'd ruin the fun," 17 answered. "We'll find him on our own. Or, we'll cause enough trouble, and he'll come looking for us. Who knows."
18 shook her head, not really clear on her brother's thinking with this but shrugging it off as something boys did or whatever. She glanced over at Krillin and gave him a cute little wink. "Bye," She said to him before she and 17 turned to walk away.
So….that just happened. The androids took down Chibiko, Daichi, Piccolo, Tien, Trunks, and Vegeta like it was nothing and just left Krillin there to reel over the whole thing! Crazy, huh? What's going down next for our heroes as the androids leave the scene? Find out next time on, the Son Squad.
Hope you guys have a great and safe Halloween if you're going out anywhere. It's gonna be a full moon tonight, so maybe something spooky will happen. Who knows. Anyway, have a good day everyone and remember to wash your hands!
