-Cell-
The creature lurked by the table, studying the drawings he'd previously scattered across the floor. He remembered them—or rather, the memories he took from the boy who'd drawn these included them.
He slowly lowered until he could reach down and pick up a simple drawing of a poorly crafted person riding atop a sea vessel with proportions that did not make sense to Cell. The 'ship' was sailing above water that seemed more like blue spikes to Cell than an actual ocean.
Cell peered down at the sheet of paper for a long time, studying its lines, its colors as well as his inner self. He could remember feeling particularly proud of this drawing. The man on the ship was meant to be a pirate off on the open sea to find treasure. He believed he might have seen a movie with such a character that inspired the drawing. He could not remember the movie. When he'd run up to his parents to show it to them, their reactions had confirmed his suspicions that he had, in all reality, made an absolutely grand work of art.
Cell could also remember the picture from a different set of memories stirring inside him. Still remembering, he could now see the small boy he'd been moments earlier presenting the awkward looking drawing up to him, before exploding with a bright smile and scooping the child up for a hug. It appeared they really had considered the poorly made drawing a work of art.
How interesting…
To be able to truly see a situation from both sides. To know exactly what emotions each individual was feeling when interacting with one another. These things made Cell's mind race with enticing new possibilities. How would his mind shape itself if he were to drink the thoughts of two scientists each on the brink of some new technology, both failing to succeed but also each knowing the key to the other's success? Would he find success where they failed? Just how many memories could he acquire that would function this way? How vast could his mind become?
I was designed to be perfect, after all.
The potential to one day know all, through being all. What being could possibly look at that individual and not consider them a God.
It made sense to him that he would ultimately become the greatest mind alive, as well as the perfect being. Anything less would have been a blemish upon the genius of his father, Dr. Gero. What more, these memories had come to him weeks following his initial assimilation of this family. Did that suggest that he subconsciously gained the abilities of his victims over time? An interesting theory indeed.
Before he could explore that topic any further, something slammed into the wall outside, just beside the door frame. Cell's eyes trailed the splintered wood as it grew up and to the ceiling.
Cell sighed, knowing who it was. "Seventeen. If you continue to treat this cabin the way you do, soon, it will be destro-"
"Shaddup!" Exclaimed the stumbling shape of Seventeen as he attempted to make his way through the door, only for his foot to catch on the doorframe's bottom lip, sending him tumbling into the cabin.
Cell noticed a box spill from the android's arm, slamming against the floor before tipping and causing four cans of what Cell identified as 'beer' to roll away.
"Noooo…" Seventeen slurred pathetically as he rolled onto his back, noticing the escaping cans. His hand unsteadily reached out and snatched a fleeing can before lifting it above his head, triumphantly.
"Yeeesss…" He groaned before lowering the drink to his lips and flicking the tab down with one finger. He took one long gulp, swallowing the can's contents until it was all gone, before slamming the can down to the floor, crushing it as flat as paper.
"Wooo!" Seventeen exclaimed before falling back again, his head rolling to the side before his eyes noticed Cell again. He lifted his head lazily, a small trickle of saliva trailing down the corner of his mouth as he said, "Heeey, Bug-man. Wuz-up wit you?"
"Are you intoxicated?" Cell asked, his brow creessing.
"Pfft, no. I'm wasted." Seventeen corrected, before laughing. "Today has been a hilarious day, you know that?" He swung out a hand to try and reach one of the other three cans which had rolled away. He scowled as he realized that all three were much too far to reach, before Cell's foot sent one rolling back to the android.
Seventeen's lips grew into a lethargic smile. "Thaaanks, buddy. You know, you ain't half bad. Ugly az siin, but not too bad."
"...Thank you, I suppose." Cell answered stiffly, having positioned himself so that he was standing several feet away, against a wall.
"Anyway, back to my story." Seventeen began as he opened the beer, his words tired and stumbling over themselves. "So, today was funny because, tha day before, I loss wut I thought was mah last chance at gething my fucking arm back. Today, you tell me tha not all ez loss, but then later I hear that my sister es fightin fer her life."
Seventeen suddenly unleashed a bellow of laughter that sounded genuine and angry at the same time. "Wha ah load o' shit that wuz…" He paused to take a swig. "So, I go tah see if she's aight, only to walk right into wha might as well been 'er inauguration to Blondie's side!" He threw his hand up into the air, splashing some of the beer's contents on the floor beside him. "It's official! She'd rather team up with Gohan than her own brother! Haha! Isn't that funny?!" He roared, forcing out a hate filled laugh, before draining the rest of the can and tossing it away.
Cell remained quiet for a time, uncertain of what he should do. He watched as the forced amusement melted away from Seventeen's face, revealing an exhausted looking young man—a defeated young man.
Cell decided he should say...something.
"When we restore your arm, I'm certain you will take great pleasure in exacting your revenge on Son Gohan."
The android's voice was quiet now as he laid staring up at the ceiling. "Don't you get it? That doesn't matter anymore. If Eighteen is helping that bastard now...then there's no way I can beat them." He let his eyes fall shut. "It's over, man."
Cell felt a hungry desire stirring within him as he stared at Seventeen's vulnerable looking form. Drunk, exhausted, and with his eyes closed. Cell couldn't envision a better scenario.
Cell tried to push those thoughts away. He didn't need these temptations clouding his better judgement. He'd already put this much work into restoring Seventeen to his complete form, he didn't need to be thinking about wasting all that progress for a lesser prize.
His eyes noticed a movement off towards Seventeen's left. It appeared to be a rat having made its way through the broken down door. Looking for a distraction, Cell's predatory instincts kicked in as his tail rose behind him like a scorpion, before it struck, impaling the small rodent. The rat cried a shrill squeal in response, wiggling about frantically, trying to free itself from where the needle point pinned it to the floor.
Lethargically, the android's eyes opened. His head rolled to look over at Cell. His face scrunched up as he saw what he was doing. "Ewww, you're seriously gonna eat ah rat?"
Cell's head turned to the android, before shifting his gaze back to the rodent. Finally, he made his decision. "Yes."
In a matter of moments, the rat had been sucked through the thin needle which rested at the edge of the dangerous limb.
"Gross." Seventeen stated flatly, his half-lidded eyes taking in the sight with a morbid appreciation. Once the creature was no more, his gaze wandered: first to Cell, and then past him to where another can of beer lay.
Cell immediately noticed the look before moving to reach for the can as to further supply the android, before Seventeen shook his head. "No, no." He pointed a finger at Cell. "You. You drink it."
Cell paused, frowning as he had just reached down to pick up the beverage. He'd never had the urge to dilute his mind with such toxins. To strive for anything but betterment was absolute foolishness in his eyes, even if many humans did find pleasure in the experience.
"Do it with your tail!" Seven cheered, a drunken smile on his face.
Despite what he thought of the sickening substance, Cell didn't want to explore the dangers of an inebriated mad android if he said no to one of his commands.
He plunged the end of his tail straight into the can. When he slurped up its contents, using the same amount of suction he used for his typical victims, the can collapsed in on itself immediately, the fluids having been drained out within seconds.
"Hahaha!" Seventeen beamed. "It went all crunch and slurp, haha!" The android's eyes drifted lazily until they were staring at nothing. His smile melted until that tired, defeated expression had returned. He sagged, his head slowly lowering back to the floor of the cabin.
"Seventeen?"
"Yes?"
"Do you plan to rest there on the floor of the cabin?"
"...Maybe." Seventeen's gaze didn't even bother to acknowledge Cell, his tone quiet, and weary. He let out a slow sigh. "I just don't care anymore, Cell. I mean, I've had a good run, right? Had a great decade and a half of fun. Who would complain given the life I've gotten to live?"
He let out a dark laugh, throwing his hand into the air, gesturing out to the ceiling with a hateful sneer. "I had it all, Cell! I had everything I could ever want, and if I didn't, then I could just as easily take it." His hand fell to his side, slapping against a small puddle of booze. "And now…" he whispered. "It's all over. I'm not gonna get that back. I was a god before, Cell. And now? What am I?"
He let out another sigh, letting his eyes fall closed as he did. "I'm nothing."
Cell found himself unable to find his words as he studied Seventeen.
"Hey, Cell." the android said in a low, sleepy voice.
"Yes, Seventeen?"
"I think you think I'm a lot dumber than I actually am."
Cell blinked, frowning. Seventeen's eyes were still closed, but Cell felt a knot of anxiety forming within him.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb." Seventeen scoffed. "You're not good at it. You really think I would believe that you made a mistake in trying to absorb me back at the river? Bullshit." He let out a laugh. "With all you know about me and my sister? There's not a chance in hell you didn't know who I was when you were trying to eat me. You knew exactly what you were doing, Cell."
Cell's blood ran cold. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he began to understand the dangerous implications of Seventeen's words. Would Seventeen want to kill him? Cell felt that to be the natural conclusion of this conversation. Cell began to ready himself, tightening his focus as he worked to subtly build up his ki as to not let Seventeen know he was growing strong with whipping winds or trembling earth.
"If that is the case," Cell began, trying to sound calm, although internally he was panicking. He was in no way prepared to defeat Seventeen, not even close by his estimates. When this turned into a fight, Cell was certain he would lose. "Why have you gone through helping me all this time?"
"Cause you told me you could fix my arm you fucking dick!" the android bellowed. "I knew I had to keep my eye on you from the start. Haha, it was funny watching you think you were oh-so clever. Seventeen is so dumb. Hah. Hah. Hah."
Cell was quiet for several seconds before finding his response. "So, what do you plan to do now that you've told me this?"
Seventeen cracked a smile, his eyes still closed. "You want to know what terrible things I'm gonna do to you cause you tried to eat me? You want to know each and every horrific torture I'm going to put you though?"
Cell's hands tightened to fists as his stance widened, his arms pulling into his body so that they were both ready at his waist. He'd managed to stall for enough time to bring most of his energy to the forefront.
"Get ready for it, Cell, because it's gonna leave you fucking screaming that you wished you never tried to cross me!"
A powerful white flame enveloped Cell, having reached his peak strength, he took a single step back, raising his leading arm in a defensive stance.
Be ready for anything!
Seventeen's chest sighed before he shook his head side to side, snickering. "Nothing. I ain't gonna do nothing to you."
Cell blinked.
"I'm...sorry?"
"You're fine." Seventeen relaxed, folding his arm behind his head. "All I'm gonna do tonight is ride out my buzz, pass out here...and see if I wake up in the morning." Seventeen's eyes opened ever so slightly, only enough so that Cell could see his blue pupils meet with his dark narrow slits. "If one of us happens to not be around anymore come tomorrow morning…" His eyes fell away, a somber, and yet accepting look on his face. "Then...see ya around, Cell. It's been fun."
His eyes fell shut, and his body grew still.
Cell remained frozen where he was, his heart beating a mile a minute within his chest as he tried to get a hold of his emotions. He'd just been certain of his own impending destruction, and somehow, instead, Seventeen was all but presenting himself to be absorbed?
The situation felt surreal.
Despite Seventeen's claim, Cell remained where he stood for several minutes after, realizing in the first minute he'd still been pushing his energy out in terror that Seventeen might leap up and go back on his word. It was only fear that others on the planet might sense him that he decided to drop his ki back down to its modest base. His eyes continued to remain glued to Seventeen's seemingly slumbering form, his thoughts never fully convinced he wasn't just pretending.
After fifteen minutes, he had slowly lowered himself into a crouch. After thirty, he'd cautiously begun to crawl as silently as he could muster to where Seventeen lay. There, he loomed over the sleeping android, his eyes large and cat-like as he stared intently. He was trying to find even the subtlest hint to suggest that Seventeen wasn't truly asleep. He found none.
A hungry—no, starving—sensation from within began to claw at Cell's inner thoughts, urging him on with a feeling that felt so primal, so integral to who he was and needed to be that, involuntarily, his tail began to shift. In a few delicate seconds, the needle of the dangerous limb rested mere inches away from the quiet, resting breaths of android Seventeen.
A part of Cell felt that he was making a mistake, that he was rushing ahead for a much less perfect version of himself. His plans warred with his instincts, the overwhelming genetic programming Dr. Gero had both blessed and cursed him with. He wanted Seventeen to be complete when he absorbed him! It was important to ensure his perfection be as pure and undeniable as possible!
Another part of him disputed this fact, explaining that if their overall goal is to absorb everyone and everything, then Seventeen's meager power difference will mean nothing in the long run.
Cell's resolve to contain himself slowly began to crumble as his logic began to turn on him, his instincts overwhelming him as he saw red.
-Eighteen, Hours Earlier-
That went...well.
The Blonde hummed a cheerful melody to herself as she flew, twirling to one side, and then the next. West City was already far behind her where she'd left the stunned form of Gohan, his mouth agape from her gift.
Her lips slowly curled into a smile. For a time, she flew with her eyes closed, humming to herself as she twisted in and out of the clouds, not particularly minding the precipitation today. Her clothes were soon dried as she continued to dart across the sky, enjoying the breeze as it ran its fingers through her golden strands of hair.
She felt so free in those moments. She let her mind drift in that feeling for a time, enjoying it, absorbing the clarity like a starving man enjoying a banquet.
Finally, when her eyes opened, she realized that she'd spent hours up in the sky. She was halfway across the world, now, away from any and all cities that might contain a clothing shop. She'd flown so far that the sun was directly above her, when previously it had been on the verge of setting.
She blinked, regarding her surroundings for a time before reality kicked in. She pulled out her phone an instant later, regarding the time with bulging eyes.
I'm gonna be late to Gohan's dinner!
Her face grew pale as she realized she only had an hour left before the time they'd planned for, and she hadn't even found a good dress.
Immediately, Eighteen's petite form blurred out of sight, moving as fast as her enhancements could make her as she shot across the sky. The air boomed once as she reached her top speeds, her thoughts moving equally fast as she began to form a plan. She'd been following the sun, so that meant she'd been travelling West for all this time. She was already on the other side of the planet, and West City had already been evacuated, so it made more sense to go to East city than any of the others!
She nodded, feeling that made for the best plan as she adjusted her flight so she was heading straight to the city. She thought she remembered some decent shops there that might have a dress that could work. She just had to hope she or Seventeen hadn't frivolously blown them up after shopping there.
East City, here I come!
She took off through the sky.
-East City, Ten Minutes Later-
Eighteen hovered over the large metropolis, her eyes narrowed as she tried to remember just where she'd gone that had left her satisfied by their selection. Finally, she snapped her fingers as she remembered just where it was, although the name evaded her. The shop was on the northern side of the city. Immediately, she flew off that direction, finding herself hovering over the shop with crossed arms.
Her eyes briefly scanned the store's name, 'Best Of The East". She couldn't help but frown at it.
Some people really can't think of anything creative, can they?
She sighed, checking her phone again for the umpteenth time.
Only have forty-eight minutes left…
She didn't have time to be picky.
She immediately dropped to the street and set at a hurried pace as she entered.
Her eyes passed over the other customers, scanning quickly to find the area she needed.
There!
She found her sizes as she made her way towards the rack stacked neatly with dresses of all types. Seasonal, it seemed. She found her way there before rapidly studying each article of clothing with a narrowed stare. She walked down the aisle, her head turned to inspect the dresses more efficiently when she felt her head bump against something before her.
She blinked, her head turning to look forward and realize she'd just walked into someone!
The individual appeared to be an older lady by her choice in clothing. She wore a large faded coat that went down to her calves and a handknit stocking cap with dark blue hair that tumbled out towards her waist..
Was it cold outside? She hadn't noticed.
"Oh, sorry about that." Eighteen said, turning her gaze back to the dresses. She'd just spotted one she thought would look good as, out of the corner of her eye, she watched the older lady turn around, wearing an embarrassed smile.
"Oh dear, I'm sorry. Did I happen to get in your way?" Her voice was sweet and sincere, and sounded younger than Eighteen previously assumed.
"No. You're fine."
She pulled out the dress, inspecting it up high. It was snow white with vibrant suntouched blossoms littered tastefully across the skirt. Its sleeves fell to the sides and would reveal her shoulders when wearing it, but thankfully it wasn't too revealing in the cleavage department. She found it pretty, but not too much. She scowled internally at herself. How was it that she'd never bought a silly sundress before?
Eh, I guess it's not really my style.
She shrugged, turning to walk away when she noticed that the woman's eyes were large and staring as a terrified look began to wash over her features. Eighteen turned back, frowning. She blinked, realizing that the 'old lady' was not an old lady at all, but rather a woman who looked to be in her thirties, her eyes were large pools of white with beads of black at their centers as she began to stammer.
"A-android, E-Eighteen?" Her words came out in a horrified whisper.
Eighteen's eyes snapped wide open. What? But how? Her hand went to her hair, feeling for the wig she'd been reaching for when she'd gone out. Her mouth fell agape as she realized she didn't have it on.
I left it on the stand!
She hadn't even gone through the trouble of putting on the glasses! How shortsighted of her!
She watched as the woman's chest sucked in a deep breath of air to scream, before Eighteen moved faster than could be seen, her hand cupping over the woman's mouth. Eighteen leaned in close, bringing her lips to the terrified lady's ear.
"Look. I don't want to kill you. Please calm down. You and the people here are all safe from me. I promise." She pulled back, staring into her eyes to make sure she understood.
The woman slowly nodded, her eyes wide and unblinking.
"Good." Eighteen said in a quiet voice. "Now, I'm going to remove my hand, and you're not gonna scream, got it?"
She nodded again.
Eighteen swallowed, nervous as she let her hand slowly pull away from the woman's face until they were both standing normally again.
The women was visibly trembling as she stared right back at Eighteen. "W-what are y-you here for, ma'am?"
"Just here for this dress." Eighteen lifted it casually before slinging it over one shoulder. "Planned to pay for it and everything. I didn't realize I came out looking like this." She gestured with her free hand to her face. "So, now going up to the registers will probably cause a panic." She nervously looked around, seeing that the store had positioned two racks of clothing on either side of them, providing them some level of discretion.
She didn't know how no one had seen her when she'd walked in. It baffled her.
"R-really?"
"Really. Say, you wouldn't mind helping me, would you? See, you could buy this dress for me and give it to me outside of the store. Here, I'll even pay you for it." she reached into her purse before pulling out a wad of Zeni, thick enough to be a dangerous threat to any wallet and held together by multiple rubber bands.
"Ah, jeez." Eighteen said, huffing slightly as she regarded the large sum of cash. "I always keep my money in clumps of fifty-thousand Zeni. Taking all these rubber bands off is such a hassle." She let out a fake sigh, letting her head fall to the side disarmingly. "I guess I'll just have to give you this." She reached out with the money. "And you'll get to pocket the difference when you go up to the register." Eighteen's eyes found hers. "You understand that I would need you to be very quiet about this, otherwise, I don't know what might happen." She made her final words a subtle threat. It was a bribe of silence. She could only hope the woman would accept.
Thankfully, she swallowed as she took the money and nodded. She reached out a hand for the dress. "Anything else you need, Ms. Eighteen?" Suddenly, the woman appeared very firm and professional, as if she were used to this type of work.
Eighteen's gaze flickered all around them as she noticed someone walk past their aisle. She looked at the woman's head a second later, rediscovering the hand crafted stocking cap. "Yeah, gimme your beanie. I might need it."
The woman complied, pulling it off immediately and free her bouncing blue locks in the process.
Eighteen pulled the cap on a second later, tucking the blonde strands of hair so that they were hidden underneath. She hoped this would be enough for her not to be noticed walking out the door.
She could only hope.
"Okay. I'll meet you outside. Go to the parking lot. I'll find you."
"Okay. I'll be there right away, Ms. Eighteen." the woman said very politely.
Eighteen grunted a response before turning and walking out of the aisle, making a beeline for the exit immediately thereafter.
This was bad. What would it look like if the day she told Gohan that she was done terrorizing mankind, she also sent a store, and then by extension, an entire city into panic with her presence! She internally scolded herself at how she could have been so stupid!
She walked with her head down, not looking to meet anyone's gazes. She found the exit and noticed a friendly looking overweight man standing at the exit in a bright yellow coat with the company's logo on it. He was smiling as he waved goodbye to everyone leaving the store, and soon Eighteen found herself walking past him.
She felt a nervous shiver run down her spine.
"Have a good evening, ma'am, I hope your experience with 'Best Of The East' was a good-"
Eighteen didn't get to hear the rest of his farewell. Despite having not met the man's stare, she could see out of the corner of her eye that he'd frozen in terror, his mouth agape as his eyes widened as much as they could. There were people walking up from behind her, large bags of store bought goods in their arms. She couldn't silence this man like she'd done the woman, then all eyes would be on her anyway. She watched as he sucked in a deep breath, his mouth about to form the single word that would find her out.
She closed her eyes, grimacing. She'd nearly made it. She'd been so close.
"Android!" The greeter screamed before he began to scramble backward and through the exit, stumbling as he did.
Eighteen sighed as her head lowered. Immediately, all eyes turned to regard her as her shoulders slumped in defeat. She knew what would happen next. Others would all scream the name and go running for the door. Some would call the police, and soon the entire city would be on lockdown.
"Damn it…" she whispered.
"Android Eighteen!" A female screamed somewhere off to her left.
"It's her!" said another.
"Everyone run for your lives!" shouted a shrill sounding man.
Immediately, she could hear footsteps pounding towards her. Eighteen stepped to the side of the exit, her head cast low. What would Gohan think when he found out about this? He would consider this her going back on her word. No doubt the stories would portray her as a villain no matter what actually happened. He would never trust her again.
Eighteen flinched as she heard the sharp crack of gunfire erupt over by the registers.
"Now, don't anybody move! You step an inch and I'll blow your head clean off!" Eighteen's eyes grew wide as her head snapped towards the commotion, finding a blonde woman in a familiar red coat standing atop the counter and holding a submachine gun with one hand, aiming it out towards the crowd dangerously as she sneered. Immediately, the fleeing mass came to a stumbling halt, regarding the woman with frightened and confused looks.
"Now, none of ya's are gonna say nothin' about android Eighteen being here today, cause otherwise, I'd have to kill ya where you stand. You all got that?!"
The store was quiet as the crowd regarded the blonde. Staring at her dumbfounded and questioning why this random stranger would go to such extremes for her sake, Eighteen noticed that the woman's other hand was occupied by a dress, her dress.
Why is that criminal holding my dress?
What the hell was happening?
"I got a good amount of money on the line if one of ya's squeals on Ms. Eighteen, here. Besides, as I heard it, Eighteen ain't here for nothing but to buy a little dress, now isn't that right, Ms. Eighteen?"
The android watched as the woman's confidence bled a little as their eyes made contact, seemingly still made nervous by her presence despite her fierce demeanor before.
Eighteen blinked, realizing she'd gone quiet when they were expecting an answer. "Ah, yes. That is true." She turned to the crowd. "I don't mean any of you any harm. All I want is to purchase this dress and leave. You can all resume your shopping after." She could see unconvinced and nervous faces within the crowd. She sighed. It looked like robbing that bank way back when was certainly paying for itself, now.. "And in return for you all of your silence," She dug in her purse before producing another wad of zeni. "All of your purchases today will be on me." She moved over to the long marble counter before placing it down for the cashiers—who had scrambled away to the wall on the other side of the counter—to take.
The woman holding the machine gun as well as her dress hopped off the counter before presenting it out to Eighteen. "You want the receipt too, or what?" she asked gruffly.
Eighteen raised a curious eyebrow at the woman, but reached out and accepted the dress all the same. Now that she was looking at her more closely, she could see that her face was the same, but her eyes, hair, and overall demeanor had changed dramatically, making her appear almost like a completely different person.
Eighteen smirked. It looked like Gohan wasn't the only one fooled by such a trick..
"I don't need a receipt. You don't look the same as a second ago."
The woman sniffed, rubbing her nose. "I got a strange condition. Turn all girly when I sneeze."
Eighteen frowned. "What?"
"Don't worry about it. Shouldn't you be going?" It was remarkable to Eighteen that this woman had such confidence while speaking to her, as if she wasn't afraid of anything compared to the timid creature she'd bumped into earlier. Despite this, she could still detect a reserved nature, as if this was very much her 'best behavior' compared to how she normally behaved.
"Yeah...I guess…" Eighteen turned and made her way towards the exit. Before she left, she turned back and called out. "Hey, what's your name?"
The woman turned back and sneered before answering. "Launch. Now leave, Monster."
The words stung, but they also punctuated the truth of their forced relationship. She was simply honoring her part of the bargain, nothing more. She still hated her just as much as the rest of them, that much was certain. Nonetheless, Eighteen nodded to the woman. "Thanks, Launch." She turned with a solemn expression, and fled out the doors.
-Gohan-
He let out a slow exhale through his nose as he examined himself in the full length mirror he'd hung up on the wall in the living room. He'd decided to wear a simple white button up shirt with a dark colored vest resting nicely over it. He would have typically worn a long sleeve shirt to such an occasion as to cover up his arms littered with years of scars and pain—something his mother would no doubt latch onto as a conversation topic—except doing so would draw further attention to his missing arm, which was in and of itself a much worse topic to draw attention to.
Although...it looks like I won't be missing my arm for too much longer…
He'd brought the documents for Bulma to see, and despite both of their suspicions, the blueprints turned out to be genuine. Ms. Briefs seemed somewhat annoyed that she hadn't thought of many of the ideas detailed in the diagram. She had explained that she would do some digging and make certain that they weren't missing something critical—like one of the androids suddenly gaining control of the limb on the battlefield, or worse—but that things were looking good. When he'd explained to her that it had been Eighteen herself who'd handed it to him, it had left her utterly baffled. She'd then further explained that they might be able to get a functional prototype up and running as soon as next week, depending on how long it would take to acquire the materials.
She'd been unable to answer his more specific details, such as if he would get his sense of touch back, if it would look like a normal arm, and other such questions, explaining that she would have to study deeper before she could answer any of that. Despite this, Gohan, for the first time in a long time, felt like his life was beginning to turn around.
He was bringing a presentable young woman to his mother for a nice dinner—even if it was really just his friend pretending. His arm, which he'd previously accepted to be lost forever in Bulma's endless attempts to create something durable enough to be used in combat, was finally going to be restored. And, most relieving of all, it appeared that he'd actually reached an accord with android Eighteen, and that she was genuinely trying to make peace.
His face tightened as he felt conflicted emotions stirring within in regards to the despicable woman he'd met with earlier today. He still didn't believe that she was completely genuine. Her short answers and pauses told him that she was hiding something, something that made him not trust her. Yes, the blueprints to his new arm had certainly...confused his efforts to remain suspicious of her, as doing so would put her and her brother at a significant disadvantage if they really were planning a new plan of attack. Despite this, he couldn't rule out that android Eighteen was playing the long con, and that she might not betray him some time in the future, when he'd grown somewhat comfortable around her, like he had with Vegeta.
He would never let that happen.
That was part of the reason he'd decided to send her and her brother away forever. With Vegeta, his torments hadn't been public knowledge to much of the world. He never even killed anyone on his initial attack on Earth, leaving those tasks to be completed by his much less impressive minion, Nappa. What that had meant for the Prince was that he was still anonymous within the world, for the most part. He'd most likely killed several times the death toll either of the androids were responsible for, considering he'd exterminated entire planets while in the Frieza Force, but that didn't change anything. Androids Eighteen and Seventeen were this world's demons, and that meant that they couldn't just start over here like they hadn't scarred the world for centuries to come with their actions. If they wanted to find a new planet like Vegeta did, then Gohan was all for it. But if they wanted to stay on this planet, then they needed to make themselves disappear, forever.
Otherwise, he would make sure they had disappeared, forever.
He shook himself from his thoughts, realizing that he'd been standing in front of the mirror for several minutes now, contemplating. He cleared his throat, brushing off his ink colored dress pants before making his way to the door and pulling on his footwear. His outfit was a little bit much for a simple visit to his mother's place, but a little much was what his mother expected of him. He sighed, his eyes squinting as he tied the laces. He frowned as his eyes were forced to narrow further in order to see properly. Finally, he was able to see as he managed to tuck the laces into either side of his shoe. He couldn't remember when his vision started to go. It cleared up any time he raised his power, his eyesight heightening significantly to match his new speed and strength, so it wasn't like it was a major issue, just annoying from time to time.
He rose, his mind still a mess of thoughts, concerns, and disbelieving relief that his life could be going well for once. He reached towards the door handle, intent to take the elevator down to meet Videl by the front doors. It was still twenty minutes away from their meeting time, but he intended on being there first, for once. Despite this, Gohan couldn't help but pause as he felt something.
Something very...odd.
He spun around so that he was facing his balcony, before crossing the living room in long strides and sliding the door open. He stepped out, his brow furrowed as he tightened his focus, flooding his senses with ki so that he could focus better.
He pushed out his ki, like a fog spreading across the world, searching for the slightest movement within, before he felt it. His eyes spread wide as he regarded this strange entity. It's energy, its essence felt as though it was not one lone essence, but instead several. There weas a collective group that made the core of what he felt as this stranger's ki pulsed, but also hundreds of smaller signatures behind those.
The sensation was terrifying for Gohan. What the hell was producing that type of ki signature? Why do some of those even feel...familiar?
Is...is that Piccolo? Why can I sense Piccolo from it? And...and is that...dad?
Gohan stiffened at the realization. It was unmistakable. Gohan could sense his father's presence somewhere within that mess of ki signatures.
There was an explosive soundwave that rippled through the apartment as the demi-saiyan shot into the sky, ignoring the sounds of some windows shattering behind him alongside the car alarms as he was enveloped in a snow white flame that pulsed with energy. He didn't know what this presence was, but he was determined to find out. If there was even the sliver of a chance that his father was here…
Moments later, his white aura was swallowed by explosive golden flames as he rocketed even faster towards the disturbing ki signature. He internally weighed just how strong this presence was. It didn't feel like any real threat to him, even in his base form, although it was stronger than Trunks in raw power.
I'm getting close!
He pushed himself even harder as he drew nearer. By his estimates, he was mere minutes away from wherever this creature was. He could sense a panic in the way its energy was spiking, as if an animal caught in a corner and forced to fight.
Just as he began to fly over a long stretch of woodlands—not too far away from where they'd camped a week ago—the energy signature suddenly went out.
Gohan's flight halted moments later, his breathing labored as he frowned. What? Where had it gone? His eyes clenched shut, his mind focusing as he strained his senses to find something, anything that would tell him where this presence had been. Where Dad had been.
Finally, he sighed, his shoulder's sagging as his eyes opened, his golden aura washing away and leaving him alone with the night.
"Damn it." He murmured under his breath before his head lifted and he searched out through the seemingly never ending forest below. It spanned far and wide like a vast ocean, rolling over hills and mountains alike. Miles upon miles of land to search. Sure, he had a direction, but that would still mean weeks of searching considering he had still been minutes away, and considering how fast he had been going, that had still meant a considerable distance.
And what was that, exactly?
He stared out into the night, searching for answers. He couldn't make heads or tails of it. He'd never in his life felt a life force so strange, so demented as that. Knowing that he didn't have anything else to go off of, as well as a dinner to attend to, he resolved to dig deeper into this tomorrow, even if he knew it would claw at his mind all night regardless.
He turned, deciding he should try and get back before he was actually late to his date—er, no—his pretend date with Videl to meet his mom. How long had he been flying? He couldn't imagine it had been more than a few minutes. Despite this, he was already all the way out in the deeper, uncharted parts of the world. He shook his head, preparing to take off before he saw a figure shooting through the sky, coming his direction.
His head cocked to the side. Trunks? No, Trunks doesn't normally wear a bright white dress when he goes out…
Videl arrived just beside him a few seconds later, breathing heavily before turning to him. "You sense it, too?"
He nodded, trying to maintain a firm expression as he regarded Videl. Her dress was staggeringly beautiful on her, the wind making the edges of her skirt flutter and reveal red pumps at her feet. He tried to not get lost in the way her hair was caught in the wind, drifting along the cool breeze in a pleasant, waving motion. He hadn't realized how long her hair was. She always pulled her hair into a ponytail during training, so he'd gotten used to seeing her that way. He decided getting to see her let her hair down was quite the treat.
Treat? What? Why did I…? Shoot! Gohan, focus! Strange disturbing ki signature, remember?!
"What was it?" Videl asked, brushing a strand of hair over one ear as she stared out in the same direction he had. She looked defiant as she stared out into the darkness, ready to confront anything and everything despite how new to this she still was. Gohan found himself admiring that.
"I don't know, but I've never felt anything like it before in my life." He answered honestly, deciding it was best for his own thoughts that he turn to look in the same direction as she, as to not continue to admire the woman beside him.
"Do you think it's dangerous?"
Gohan frowned as he considered the question. "I'm not sure. I think it might be, but I can't be certain." He turned to her. "I think we'll have to wait and see if either of us notices it again. If you do and you don't sense me coming near it, that might mean it's only near you. Make sure to let me know, because it might be dangerous."
"Got it." She smirked before nodding towards his clothes with one hand on her hip. "You clean up nice, Gohan."
The young man blinked, his mind freezing up as he processed the compliment. Finally, his mental stun broke and he cleared his throat, hoping that warmth in his cheeks wasn't him blushing. "Thank you. Ahem, I must say that between the two of us, I think you probably outshine me." He smiled, politely.
Videl turned away, looking out in a different direction. "Where to now, Master?
Gohan let out a begrudging chuckle. "Please don't call me that."
"Then be my 'master' and lead the way. Don't we have dinner to get to?" She motioned out towards the open sky.
"Yeah, and we might be a little late."
She shrugged. "We'll fly fast."
Gohan rested a hand on his hip, shooting her a cocked eyebrow. "How fast can you go?
She smiled, coyly. "However fast you want to go."
Gohan smirked. "Think you can keep up?"
Videl's face returned his confidence. "I followed you all the way here, didn't I?"
Gohan let his head fall back, laughing before he righted himself. "Alright then, ready?"
"Ready."
In a split second, the pair blasted away from their positions, each wrapped in a swirling white aura that thrashed at the air as they flew. Videl proved to be remarkably skilled in seeing where he was angling himself and adjusting on the fly, aligning herself just beside him as they went. Gohan hadn't taken off at top speed, of course, but he'd definitely pushed their pace to be fast, considering what level he'd assumed she was at. It appeared he'd been wrong if she was able to keep up with him at this pace.
He looked over his shoulder and saw Videl smiling, her eyes closed as she let her arms spread out on either side of her, whistling as they split the air.
She did a little twirl to the side before going back the same way. Gohan couldn't help but cock his head at the silly looking movement.
"What are you doing?!" He shouted over the rushing winds.
"Enjoying life!" She called back, her eyes still closed as she did a swooping, barrel roll around him. It didn't take long of watching her dance with the sky until Gohan decided to join her, letting himself drift with the currents of the wind, feeling the air caress his skin and hair, causing it to ripple with the breeze. He let his arm drift to his side too as he began to twist through the breeze engaging in elaborate maneuvers as they made their way through the night stars. It had been so long since he'd appreciated the sheer joy that came with being able to soar high above the clouds. He'd forgotten how freeing the experience could be. That was it: that was the clarity he was beginning to understand in his life.
Gohan was, for the first time, starting to feel free.
-Eighteen-
They arrived at a simple wooden cabin attached to a dome structure which appeared to still have the Capsule Corp. logo on the side. There was also a small shed looking structure attached alongside a shine situated a short distance away from the house. Eighteen idly wondered about who the shrine was meant for. They landed a short walk away from what looked like the front door. She could see lights on within.
Gohan turned to her, flashing a nervous smile. "Alright. This shouldn't be more than an hour or two, tops. So, we just go in, pretend for a while, and then leave. Easy as that."
"Easy as that." She repeated, smiling back at him. Darn it. She wished she had a camera. The man looked so adorable all dressed up like that. She'd grown so used to seeing the young warrior in his battle attire, that to see him like this was almost too much. The vest, the dress shoes and pants, it was all just absolutely precious to her. Of course, his hair was still much the same as he normally wore it; wild and designed by the winds that so often ran through it. In fact, she noticed that his hair appeared far more wild today than usual, the back parts of his onyx locks spiking upward in wild, defiant strands. Was Gohan letting his hair grow a little bit? She had to admit...she might like it a little longer.
She forced herself to look away for the third time tonight, instead deciding to confront the door she realized they were rapidly walking towards. When did that start? When did she start walking? Wait, was she going in now? This was all happening much too soon! She wasn't ready! What if she messed up and killed Chi-Chi or something devastating like that?! No, this was an absolutely terrible idea and she needed to bail on it right now.
Just as they came feet away the door swung open, an older woman wearing a bright smile appeared behind it. "Oh, Gohan, is that you?"
He leaned in, whispering. "Here we go."
She gulped.
His face brightened into a pleasant smile. "Hi, Mom! I hope we're not early."
"Not at all, son." She responded politely. Eighteen took the time to study the woman she'd heard so much about. She wore her onyx black hair—the same as Gohan's—in a neat bun on the back of her head. Her dress appeared to be of a more traditional heritage than Eighteen was familiar with, yellow with faint red trimmings along the slips going up either side of her hips, revealing normal looking pants underneath.
Chi-Chi motioned towards her. "Care to introduce us, Gohan?"
"Oh, right. Mom, this is my…" he swallowed. "Girlfriend, Videl. Videl, this is my mother, Chi-Chi."
"It's wonderful to finally meet you." She said nicely, providing a welcoming smile to make the ruse that much more convincing.
Gohan's mother smiled politely back. "Thank you. It warms my heart to see Gohan dating such a beautiful young lady...after all these years." She added with a coy undertone that made Eighteen's eye twitch. "Would you two care to come in? Make yourselves comfortable in the living room. Gohan knows where. I'm just finishing up with dinner."
"Thanks, ma'am." Eighteen answered as she and Gohan stepped towards the doorway. As their elbows drew closer, she felt an impulse tug at her that she decided to act on in a rash judgement. Her arm beside Gohan shifted until she'd wrapped her arm around his. She caught his eyes shift to her a second later, appearing confused before he understood, and shot her a faint nod.
Chi-Chi looked over her shoulder as she led them into the warm home, her eyes finding where the pair were linked and smiling fondly. Gohan's mother continued to walk away, heading towards what sounded like sizzling meat and food. Eighteen couldn't help but pause and appreciate the overwhelmingly delicious scent consuming the air. She let her eyes close, completely dedicating her mind to the scent as she took a deep breath in. Being an android meant that she never physically had to eat, so that had reduced her desire to eat that much more. Despite this, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly hungry
"Do you need to sit down?" Gohan asked, courteously.
Eighteen let herself be stirred from the appetizing smell. Her eyes opened. "No, I'm fine. It's just that, it smells so...good. Did your mom used to cook like this all the time?"
Gohan grinned, before turning his head to look over to the kitchen. He leaned over as to peak in before leaning back and shaking his head. "No, she's showing off right now." he said softly, snickering.
Eighteen grinned back, crossing her arms. "So, she doesn't usually cook like this?"
"Back in the day when me and my dad lived with her? Oh yeah, she'd cook meals like this all the time."
Eighteen frowned. "But, you said she was showing off."
Gohan's smirk deepened. "I did." he leaned in. "She decided to leave the windows closed in the kitchen. If you ask about the good smell, she'll just say she forgot to open the windows, but it's really her showing off. She knows exactly how good it smells in here."
Abruptly, a strangled sound rumbled from Gohan's belly. The man let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Even I am not immune. Her cooking is amazing."
Eighteen found herself growing excited to eat this fabled food. Gohan had picked up his cooking tricks from this woman, right? She'd already thought his fish had been wonderful, she could only imagine what food from the actual master would taste like.
She found her mouth watering when Gohan said, "C'mon, I'll show you to the living room until food's ready. There's a TV and everything so we can watch a show or something. It shouldn't be more than a few minute wait anyway."
They walked through the relatively modest home for a short time before arriving at a space large enough to be a living room, but still somewhat on the small end. They settled on either end of the couch, the TV already playing a movie about aliens, or something. Eighteen wasn't really paying attention. She was too wrapped up in her own head about the situation to care.
"I feel all...weird." She finally voiced low enough she was sure Chi-Chi wouldn't hear in the kitchen.
Gohan breathed out a slow sigh. "Yeah, I understand." he mirrored her low tone. "I feel strange about this too, but I am grateful. I know how...weird it must be for you to pretend to be my girlfriend."
Eighteen cocked her head as she watched the way he shifted as he said that, appearing almost ashamed to have put her in this situation where she had to pretend to be his woman. Why did he think that was such a terrible thing, anyway? Didn't he realize what an absolute catch he was?! For other women, she meant, of course.
She decided she wanted to dash these thoughts. She studied the way he was sitting, with his back slightly slouched, his arm spread out to rest on the back end of the middle seat.
She shifted, slowly before resting her head on the man's arm. Gohan's eyes widened abruptly before his onyx eyes turned to regard her.
"What are you doing?" He whispered, but did not retract his arm.
"We're supposed to be lovers, right?" She whispered back, her face significantly closer to his, now. She could feel his heartbeat against her head as she rested the side of her face against his bicep. Considering its bulk, it was surprisingly comfy here. "It'll look suspicious if she comes in and sees us sitting a seat apart."
Gohan stiffened, before he slowly began to relax, understanding. "I guess so." She adjusted herself so that she was sitting comfortably beside the man, letting her head lean on the firm and yet soft muscles behind her head. She found herself drifting in those moments, her head lulling as her eyes began to flutter closed. The delectable scents, the comfortable, soft couch, the warmth of Gohan at her side, his trusting presence and steady, soothing breaths all made for the perfect recipe as Eighteen found her eyes falling closed.
.
.
.
"...Oh my! That is just precious, let me get my camera!"
The voice suddenly woke Eighteen up as her head lurched, her eyes fluttering awake all at once.
"Whoa, there." Gohan said in a soothing voice beside her. "You just dozed off for a little bit. Dinner's ready. Still feeling hungry?"
Eighteen rubbed her eyes as she groggily began to feel her mind awaken again. "Definitely." She turned to regard the young man and noticed a spot against the crook of his shoulder where his vest had been flattened, and realized that she'd been resting against him in her slumber.
How foolish! What if he'd messed with my hair in my sleep and noticed it was a wig?! What then, Eighteen?! Stupid!
She continued to scold herself internally as Gohan pushed himself to his feet. He offered out a hand to her. "Let's go, then."
Eighteen accepted the firm hand before being pulled to her feet. As they made their way towards the dining space, Chi-Chi came rushing back holding a digital camera. Her face looked disheartened when she saw the pair walking her direction.
"Shoot!" She stomped a foot. "You woke up too soon!" She complained to Videl.
Gohan shook his head, grinning. "Well, maybe after we eat, we'll get tired again and you'll get a second chance at your picture."
Not on your life.
Chi-Chi sighed, but accepted the answer, turning and leading them back towards the kitchen where a large, circular dining table sat. Eighteen's eyes grew large as she regarded the table, and the mass quantity of food resting across its surface. It was as if she were looking at a buffet. There were delicately cooked meats slathered in delicious looking juices resting on a platter next to a large mound of well seasoned fried rice. Beside that was a large center dish which seemed to be some type of fish, cooked and seasoned to perfection. The rest of the table was equally filled with cooked vegetables steaming off the plate as well as a large bowl of ramen off to the side with other delicious looking ingredients resting neatly atop its surface.
Eighteen felt overwhelmed by the magnificent sight. She was pulled out of her hungry thoughts as Gohan pulled out a chair for her before she sat down nicely at the table, followed by mother and son.
She found a plate before her, but waited despite her eagerness to reach for any food. She wanted to see what the others would do or if they had any rituals before they dug in.
Apparently, not many.
"Enjoy, everyone." Chi-Chi said brightly.
Immediately, Gohan began reaching for different sections of the table with a set of chopsticks. Chi-Chi did likewise and with a nimbleness that reinforced the idea of the woman being a cooking master in Eighteen's mind.
Eighteen very slowly began to follow suit. Selecting from different parts of this massive banquet of food. How could this be for only three people? There was no way this woman wouldn't have leftovers of days, or even weeks. How was it possible that meals like this were made regularly in the Son Goku household when Gohan had lived with his parents? She couldn't believe it to be true.
It didn't take long before her plate was filled up with food. There was such a delicious variety to choose from that she felt the need to take one portion from each, without realizing how full her plate became as a result.
"So, my Gohan tells me that he is your 'mentor' and that he has been teaching you how to manipulate your ki?"
Eighteen had only just barely begun to lift a mouthwatering slice of oil dipped, seasoned fish to her face when the question disrupted her. She lowered the delicious morsel.
"Yes, that's correct, ma'am. Gohan has been an incredible teacher, and I feel like I've learned so much in such a short amount of time."
"She really has." Gohan commented, grinning towards her. Eighteen found herself smiling back. "She's already quite adept at combat, as well as flying throughout the air, although I think her ki manipulation may need some work. I think I'll devote our next session to that subject."
"Oh, wow." Chi-Chi exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise. "That is quite impressive. Tell me, Videl, how far do you plan to take these lessons until you feel that you've learned enough to protect yourself?"
Eighteen blinked. She eyed the woman as she slowly and innocently raised a small cup of tea to her lips. She eyed Eighteen as if her words were nothing more than a question, and did not carry with it implications.
"I'm not really sure, ma'am."
"Oh, just call me Chi-Chi." She smiled, waving a dismissing hand at her formality. "But really? You must feel you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing this, right? I mean, what do you do for a living?"
Eighteen's eyes grew wide as her face froze. What did she do for a living? Well, she used to slaughter thousands as she and her brother laid waste to the world. She obviously couldn't tell the woman that.
She blinked, realizing several seconds had gone by as she'd failed to answer.
Chi-Chi raised an expectant eyebrow.
"I-erm," Eighteen began, flustered. "You see, I'm, er-a, uh." Panic began to set in as she shot a nervous look towards a perceptive Gohan.
He seemed to understand immediately. "She's my personal trainer." he answered flatly.
A personal trainer?
Eighteen forced a smile, calming herself down from her initial panic. Yeah, she could be a personal trainer. That worked.
Wait, did Gohan just say that she was his personal trainer?
"Oh," Chi-Chi said with a tilt of her head. "So, she is employed through you, Son?"
"As well as other clients, I imagine." He took a swig of his drink.
Eighteen cleared her throat, feeling immediately uncomfortable. "Y-yes. He found me through an agency that sets me up with, uh, different work-out people." She felt the lie sounded lazy in her head, but she went with it.
Chi-Chi frowned. "Excuse me, son. But, for what reason would you need a personal trainer? I can plainly see through that arm-" Gohan winced. "That you are the most physically fit you have ever been in your life."
Gohan's previously collected demeanor seemed to crumble, clearing his throat before taking another sip of his water. Despite buying that amount of time, he still seemed worried when he pulled the cup away from his face with his arm.
His one arm.
"It wasn't that type of personal training, ma'am. You see, your son sought me out shortly after losing his...well, his arm, ma'am. I work with people who are victims to severe trauma, and require physical therapy as a result." She believed she remembered the term from making fun of a kid who needed 'physical therapy' for some dumb reason.
The suspicious look on Chi-Chi's face bled away in an instant, her eyes appearing remorseful as they darted to Gohan's missing limb and then back to Eighteen.
"Ah, I see." She said in a quiet voice, seeming to connect all the awkwardness and unwillingness to explain further to the sensitive nature of Gohan's injury.
Her gaze fell to her food, before she slowly began to eat quietly.
Gohan shot Eighteen a look, his eyes wide and impressed. A slight grin pulled at his lips, clearly appreciative of her quick thinking.
She grinned back, winking at him before returning her attention to her food. She finally took a bite.
The tender meat squished, erupting with an almost sweet and spicy oil as she crushed it between her teeth. The taste was stupendous. Eighteen couldn't help but let out a subtle moan and lean back in her chair, savoring the delicious meat.
This food is heaven.
"Enjoying the meal, Videl?" Gohan asked, casting an amused smile her way.
Her eyes snapped to him. "Oh, absolutely." She sat up to take another bite. "The food is wonderful, Chi-Chi."
"Thank you, Videl. I'm so glad you like it. It's actually been a while since I've gotten the chance to cook like this for us. Isn't that right, Gohan?"
She noticed out of the corner of her eye the young man freezing mid-bite. He swallowed before answering. "That's not my fault."
"I know, sweety." Chi-Chi answered in a tone that sounded disingenuous. "I'm just commenting how this is such a rare and wonderful occasion. Like a Holiday." She smiled brightly. "Let's not let another six months pass before we can meet again, haha!" Her laugh came out forced.
Gohan let out a slow breath, clearly masking his annoyance. "Yeah...hey, where is Grandpa, by the way?"
"Oh, he took the car to get a few things from town. Should be back in something like thirty minutes? I put aside some food for him."
"Grandpa?" Eighteen questioned. Gohan had never made mention of having a grandpa.
He smiled fondly. "Yeah. Grandpa Ox. He's a big guy, but also super friendly and earnest. He'll love you, promise."
Eighteen tried to envision what Gohan's grandparent might look like. Probably a medium normal looking person considering Chi-Chi and Gohan. She began to picture what Gohan might look like old, and found her vision of him throughout his later years of life to be rather...tasteful.
Stop it, Eighteen!
"So, what do you know of my son's…" She made a circular, indecisive motion with her hand. "Hobbies."
Eighteen frowned. "You mean that he's the Golden Warrior?"
Chi-Chi breathed a sigh. "So, you do know. You're fine with it?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Eighteen responded, cocking an eyebrow. "Without Gohan, where would the world be?"
"Hmm...that's debatable." Chi-Chi commented, leaning back as she stirred some honey into her tea. "I read a study a psychiatrist did on the androids that said that, if left to their own devices, they would naturally grow bored of their rampage—if the resistance provided by the 'Golden Warrior' is removed."
Gohan closed his eyes, leaning forward as he rested his head in his hand. "Not this again…"
"What?" Eighteen frowned. "What do you mean? Haven't you seen all the bloodshed they're responsible for?"
"Yes." Chi-Chi answered with a thoughtful nod. "And there are also statistics that keep track of their overall damage when Gohan appears versus when they are left alone to their devices. When they are left alone, because Gohan is healing or what have you, their attack rates go way down. They also don't often completely wipe out a city if they aren't contested. It's as if the presence of Gohan infuriates them into acting more viscously."
Eighteen scoffed. "You can't actually believe that, can you?"
Chi-Chi raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
Eighteen was left with her mouth agape, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Because he is your son and he's seen first hand what those monsters are capable of! I'm sure he's told you, hasn't he? All the death and destruction he's personally seen? How can you believe he's making the situation worse by having consistently risked his life so that others could survive?"
"I'm not saying I don't think what Gohan was doing wasn't a very difficult task, I'm just suggesting that there might have been a better way."
"Hey, maybe we should change the topic. How are the fields, Mom?" Gohan suddenly inserted himself. Eighteen watched as a hand reached over and rested itself on her own. For a second, she felt a flutter of emotions as she felt the warmth of his fingers touch hers, before realizing that she'd been squeezing down tightly against the edge of the table, and his hand was trying to let her know.
She let go immediately after, folding her arms beneath her chest as she leaned back.
"They're doing fine, son. Thankfully, the weather has been good and there haven't been any problems with the radishes."
"That's great news." He beamed.
Chi-Chi's response was a polite smile. "So, how did you two meet?"
Eighteen noticed that Gohan was taking a sip of his drink, so she decided to answer. "We met at a bar."
Gohan suddenly spat up his drink, coughing wildly as Chi-Chi frowned. "A...bar?"
The blonde felt her blood run cold. Had she just made a colossal mistake?
Chi-Chi's face turned to Gohan, who refused to meet her eye. "So, you've taken to drinking, have you, my son?" her voice was curt, and sharp.
He cleared his throat. "Not excessively. Only very rarely, if ever."
"Of course." Eighteen continued, trying to recover. "We haven't gone to one since then."
"Hmm…" Chi-Chi went quiet.
What type of parent makes a big deal out of their adult son occasionally having a drink? What, is Gohan not supposed to do anything fun?
"Well," She smiled warmly. "Tell me about the night. How long ago was it?"
"Uh, a little over a month ago." Gohan answered honestly.
"Oh?" Chi-Chi reflected. "And why didn't you tell me that you'd found such a beautiful young lady?" Chi-Chi chided teasingly, reaching out and playing swatting her son who smiled fondly in turn.
"We didn't start dating until later, ma'am. We've only really been together a month, now. She reached over and squeezed Gohan's hand on the table, smiling as she did.
"Aw, how sweet. You two make for a wonderful couple, you really do." The older woman cupped her face with her hands, her eyes closing as she turned away, blushing. "I can already picture the grandbabies."
Eighteen coughed out a bit of ramen she'd been slurping up as Gohan called out. "Mom!"
"What?" Chi-Chi asked innocently. "You've had to have thought about it, right? Who doesn't in those days which are most…" Her face blushed as she turned away again. "Passionate."
Gohan's face was a scarlet red, his eyes wide with embarrassment. Finally, he cleared his throat and stood up. "I need to get a breath of air. There's a lot of scents in here. Getting dizzy."
"Okay, darling." Chi-Chi responded sweetly.
Eighteen reached out and took his hand as he turned to leave. She leaned back, looking up to him, concerned. "You okay?" she whispered.
He drew a subtle smile for her. "Just want to step out for a minute. I'll be back soon, okay?"
She nodded and released him, turning back to Chi-Chi as Gohan made his way to the front door and left.
"It's sweet how concerned you are for him. That's a good trait to have." She said before taking a bite.
Eighteen concealed her frown. She was tired of how disapproving this woman was of her own child. She kept turning the conversation to uncomfortable subjects for the young man and controlling the conversation.
She planned to take control herself.
"Well, he's been through a lot. He's finally succeeded, didn't you hear? The androids are no longer attacking."
Chi-Chi nodded. "Yes, I was very excited by this news. Now, Gohan can finally move onto bigger and better things."
Eighteen frowned. "Bigger and better than saving the world?"
The mother of Son Gohan rolled her eyes, waving a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, I know popular opinion is that he has kept people safe, but there is science that supports the idea that-"
"To hell with 'science'!" Eighteen suddenly snapped, her hands suddenly tightening to fists as she glared into the woman before her. "How can you support some snobby scientist's speculations over your own son's struggling war against the power of the androids? He's finally overcome that obstacle, and it's like you barely care! I bet you congratulated your own son on a victory in a war that has lasted almost half of his life with the same breath you asked him what he planned to do next! Am I on the right track?!"
Chi-Chi's head had pulled back, her face blank before her brow furrowed as she rose from her seat, standing with tight fists at her sides. "I don't like the way you're talking to me, young lady. Now, I suggest you apologize before I get upset."
Eighteen briefly considered doing just that. Apologizing, seeing if she could tame this rage she felt within before Gohan returned from his breather. How bad would it be if he came back in to see them shouting in anger at each other?
Despite this, she decided she had enough of being polite. She'd been forced to do that all fucking day! She'd had a helluva stressful day, and she was ready to let loose some steam.
She stomped as she too rose to a standing position, her hands in fists as she leaned forward against the table. "I don't like the way you talk to your son, ma'am. I never had a mom or dad, did you know that? Gohan doesn't, but seeing how deeply you disapprove of him and how thinly you hide your distaste of Gohan makes me feel like I didn't miss out on much."
Chi-Chi's eyes were wide with shock before she snarled. "How dare you! You don't know my life! What right do you think you have to talk to me like that!"
"What right do you have to talk to Gohan like you do! You should be proud of him! Not disapproving and snapping at a young man who for the first time in his life is allowed to live his life!"
Chi-Chi let out a roar before she suddenly twisted, striking out with a surprising grace as she launched a roundhouse kick into Eighteen's face. For a second, Eighteen had been bewildered by the prospect of someone so weak attacking her at all, and nearly failed to block in time. Thankfully, her hand reached up and caught the foot inches away from her face.
The android found her rage building. Had this insignificant human just attempted to hurt her?
No! Stop! We can't kill Gohan's mom!
She breathed a deep, focused sigh as the elder woman pulled her foot back, falling into a fighting stance.
"I don't think we should be doing this, ma'am."
"No!" Chi-Chi screamed, and for the first time, Eighteen could see tears in the mother's eyes. "You think you know what it's like being the mother of the Golden Warrior? You think it's easy, watching your pride and joy, your only child, go out and risk his life against the literal most dangerous things on the planet? What mother do you think would be so willing to watch their, yes, incredible son being forced to spend his talents constantly bloody and coming back less and less of themselves." Eighteen could see the tears running down her cheeks down, her lips trembling. "Sometimes, missing parts of them that will affect them for the rest of their lives! Do you think it's easy, Videl, to be the mother of such a child?"
Eighteen found her mouth slowly parting, in her own eyes she could feel a warmth now, but she dare not blink and disturb it.
"Of course I know what he does is a valiant thing! But I don't want him to waste his life away fighting! He was always a peaceful boy! He never liked fighting, but he accepted it into his life because he had to."
Eighteen's head was downcast, her lips in a tight frown.
"...That's still no excuse."
Chi-Chi sniffed. "What?"
"That's still no excuse!" Her blonde hair snapped back as she raised her head. "Your son has been through enough, has he not? You should support him in all his goals, not just the ones you think are good!"
Chi-Chi snapped, slamming both hands onto the table in a loud bang that shook the table and spilled several drinks.
Gohan stepped back into the room a moment later, smiling casually. "Hey, guys. What'd I miss?"
"Outside." Chi-Chi suddenly said in a dangerous tone. "We'll settle this outside."
Author's Note:
Hey, everyone. Glad to be back with another update not so long since the last. Only 3 weeks, not bad for the size of my updates. I want to make updates a bit more regular for this story, as well as most of my projects. I think I'll try to make sure I have an update every 2-3 weeks depending on life. So, expect the next installment in roughly that amount of time!
In the meantime, care to hear a bit of an announcement? For those of you who are especially big fans of my style of writing, you will delight in learning that I am coming out with a new story that will be being updated regularly every 3 weeks starting soon. I have been commissioned by a dedicated fan to bring life to his setting, but has generously left most of the plot to yours truly, which is exactly how I like it :). I won't give away all the details now, but I will reveal that it is infact a story set within the dragon ball z universe, and also starring the same characters in 'Talking With A Monster'. The story will be set during the start of the Buu arc, and will also be featuring mature content, i.e. a particularly yellow fruit (At times). If you do not understand, then this probably isn't the story for you. For those of you interested in seeing a sample of the chapter as well as more information, I will direct you to an excerpt that stands as its own oneshot that will be going up at the same time of this update. It's called: 'Lazuli's Memory'. (Sorry, shameless plug done)
Moving on to discussion, retaining to the chapter.
My favorite part of the chapter was how naturally one scene flowed into the next following Eighteen's 'freedom flight' for lack of a better term. I wonder how many of you I caught forgetting that Eighteen wasn't wearing her disguise entering that store. Fun fact, in that scene's original design, Eighteen was supposed to only run into an old lady, which is why Eighteen at first mistakes her for one, but at the last minuteI decided to switch it up as I had an idea to have us a little cameo in the story. This was absolutely my favorite part of the chapter, mostly because it was very much not a part of my outline.
Writing Chi-Chi and her playing the role of a parent who doesn't see fully with her son's life choices felt really personal. I knew that considering the cold collected rage that is Eighteen versus Chi-Chi's hot temper that blows were inevitable. A very fun fight is ahead folks, I hope you're all looking forward to it.
Please remember to leave a review before you leave. I will do my best to respond to each one so, if you have any questions or thoughts, please leave them in the reviews! And with that, I'm out! Until Next Time!