Long Distance Communication
Chapter 8: Island Hopping
It was yet another peaceful day at Capsule Corps, with employees from different departments going about their business trying to come up with new technical solutions to better the world. Inside the gravity chamber; however, the scenario was much different for a certain Saiyan. While the alien warrior may not be typing away in front of some overly high-tech workstation or documenting research breakthroughs, his high intensity training session continued on with unabated vigor as he attacked the illusions of various enemies he had come across.
During his several decade long career first as a conqueror and more recently as a member of Earth's special defense force, Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, had defeated many opponents from countless races with very few individuals capable of standing up to him. While occasionally someone would manage to get a one up on him, given his sheer competitive drive, he had almost always managed to return the favor in a rematch.
Almost.
This long list of foes who met their ends despite of claiming initial victory against him was filled with colorful names from the likes of Zarbon to the entire Ginyu Force. Even fighters he didn't get to beat personally such as Frieza and Cell were defeated due his indirect involvement. Yes, even Frieza and Cell, an intergalactic tyrant with planet destroying tendency and a bio-android who was no doubt about to embark on a journey of destruction once he was finished with Earth, were sent to the next dimension partially owing to his involvement, with the former getting done in by his future son and the latter losing the Kamehameha struggle when a blast from him distracted the world-destroying-threat.
In short, no one alive had bested him and all those dead put to rest more or less due to him.
Except for a certain mechanical deject that is...
Even more than six months after the battle on the highway, the defeat still left a sour taste in his mouth and many times Vegeta thought of seeking out the blonde android to settle the score once and for all. Only problem was he couldn't quite track her since the droid-girl was devoid of ki signature and when he eventually caught a glimpse of her, she's apparently hooked up with a certain midget friend of his wife.
But then again do I need to settle the score when I've stomped a much more powerful Semi-Perfect Cell who had her running scared for her life?
If there was any fond memory the Saiyan had regarding the android woman with a number for her name, it would be how absolutely petrified she looked when Cell was hot on her heels. Yes, seeing the prophesized mechanical threat foretold by his future Trunks running scared and hiding behind her much larger robot friend and the bald midget was truly a sight to behold. He had known androids were able to feel fear when he took apart that other obese android and then seeing this female robot frightened like a child more than confirmed his observation.
So there's no point in confronting her when the result is clear is there? I beat Semi-perfect Cell and Cell absorbed her...
But if I'm that much stronger than she is, how come I've never managed to beat her in a one on one duel?
And since when did the Prince of all Saiyans worry about a much lesser opponent? I should be striving to get stronger, not let my mind linger on an outdated android who had found solace in the baldy...
Still, that stain on my fighting record...
"ARRRGGGHHHHH!" an angry shout full of frustration came bellowing out from Vegeta's mouth, his golden aura flaring and causing the entire gravity chamber to shake as if it was struck by an earthquake. Soon the outburst of energy dissipated and the Saiyan began panting for breath having released his pent-up anger within him, his muscles slightly spasming from the expelling of so much raw emotions.
With a press of the button, the artificial gravity in the chamber was lifted, leaving the alien warrior to adjust to Earth's normal gravity as he threw a couple more punches and kicks trying to gauge his progress. Just when he was about to conclude another one of his rigorous training program, the television screen on the wall turned on, displaying the image of a blue-haired woman.
"What is it woman? Can't you see I'm still training?" came Vegeta's tired voice still bearing a tinge of irritation in them.
"Oh really? But seems to me like you've already turned off the artificial gravity so you are more or less done aren't you?" inquired Bulma sounding somewhat pleased with her assessment.
"Hmph, whatever you say woman...frigging smartass..." muttered the spikey-haired Saiyan continuing to throw punches and kicks but making sure to lower his voice a tiny bit when mouthing out the last part.
"Hey what was that prince? Maybe I should cut back on the budget for your gravity chamber and all those other training programs, those things cost a fortune you know?"
"Tsk, whatever woman, words are obviously the only tool you've got against me. What is it that you want anyways?"
"Oh nothing, just that Gohan's here to ask you if you'd like to come to the party at Chichi's place."
At the mentioning of his dead-rival's widow, the Saiyan Prince's movement ceased for a moment before resuming striking at the imaginary foe. His dead rival, Kakarot and his son, Gohan had given everything they've got to give to erase Cell from existence and were the reasons his Bulma and Trunks were still here.
"Not interested woman!"
"And why's that?"
"Cause Kakarot's not there anymore! What's even the point?" spat out the warrior still in training once again unable to hold back the rage and frustration inside him.
A long period of silence dominated the gravity chamber as the only sound were wind currents generated from strikes of the prince who appeared to be preoccupied by his inner thoughts more than anything else.
"Well yeah, but everyone else will be there you know, including Gohan, Goku's son!"
Everyone huh? Does that mean the cue ball will be there too? But what are the chances of him bringing that tin can with him? Or perhaps I can simply ask him about her whereabouts...
"I'll think about this woman!"
Meanwhile, the two figures in question were making their ways through the nearly endless stretch of ocean with the bald monk warrior flying slightly ahead of the cyborg girl, their reflection imprinted on the clear crystal blue water below, showing a short statured man in adventurous attire and a silky-haired blonde in denim jeans and purple shirt much like the one she had bought the other day.
"Aren't we there yet Krillin?" asked Eighteen slightly impatient but the tone of curiosity was evident in her voice and her companion turned back to flash her a smile which she responded with a grin of her own.
"Soon Eighteen, very soon and I guarantee you its well worth the effort!"
The purposeful withholding of information made the blonde cyborg twitch her eyebrows in annoyance as memories of his newest letter, or should she say fancy postcard with a giant bird on the back came to her mind. At that moment, two questions appeared on her mind, first how and where did he obtained such a beautiful card and second, what exactly will they be doing for the day.
Hello 18!
Thank you so much for agreeing to meet up with me again! Please wait for me by your cabin around 10ish again on August 28th! As for the destination of the trip, please excuse me for withholding that information now. I want to keep it a secret and trust me, it's a good one!
Krillin
"It better be worth it baldy!" said the blonde cyborg but there wasn't a trace of biting cold in her tone and Krillin smiled to himself knowing she was just as excited as he was to visit the place.
It wasn't long before a large island covered by thick tropical vegetation came to view and the warrior monk began making his descend to which the artificial human followed suit. In one graceful movement, both touched down on a clearing sparsely populated by trees and were instantly surrounded by sounds of wild life.
"So why are we here again?" asked Eighteen, her eyes already scanning the area trying to familiarize herself with the new environment, a second nature her warrior side displayed on instinct as her body tensed slightly. As far as she could see, the place was covered in green foliage and every now and then random movements could be observed from behind tree leaves, alerting her to possible attacks from whatever unknown source might lurking beneath the bushes.
I know Krillin won't ever lead me into harm's way but what's up with these dense tropical trees and the thick canopy above us? When I meant by going to a quieter place I don't mean the middle of a rain forest...
Instead, her inquiry was met with silence and the impatient blonde turned around in irritation. "Hey Krillin did you hear wha...?" she was silenced by her companion raising his index finger to his lips and produced a small "shh" sound before his focus once again turned to whatever source had captured his attention. Curious as to what could've caught Krillin's attention, Eighteen decided to play along and walked closer to get a good look.
"We are very lucky Eighteen, over there, look." Said Krillin pointing at a specific spot hidden beneath the leaves and upon closer inspection, the cyborg girl was stunned into silence, her eyes glued onto the creature before her.
"Wow!"
"Yeah I know right? That's a pretty big bird, even for a scarlet macaw! I mean just look at its wingspan and the colors, beautiful isn't it?"
All Eighteen could do was to give Krillin a small nod, her cybernetic vision zoomed closer onto the parrot perched on the tree branch, its primary colored feather of red, blue, and yellow registering in her eyes.
"So tell me again Krillin, what's the bird's name again?"
"Oh sure, it's..." began the warrior monk but was stopped mid-sentence when he realized the red glow in her natural crystal blue eyes.
"Yes? I'm waiting for your answer Krillin. Don't tell me you are stuttering again?" continued Eighteen with her blue orbs emitting an artificial crimson tinge and her voice gradually becoming monotone.
"O-oh right yeah. We-well...it's scarlet macaw." Stammered the monk stuttering for real now looking at her unblinking eyes.
"Can you spell it out for me?"
"Uh...oh sure, it's s-c-a-r-l-e-t and then m-a-c-a-w."
Unbeknownst to the small statured monk, the cyborg girl had just opened her data recording function and had mentally written the bird's name in her system. Now with the name recorded, Eighteen could have the name display turned on and off with a quick mental switch and her lips curved up in a smirk as her vision began picking up other so called scarlet macaws nearby.
I see you now scarlet macaw! If only Sixteen's here with us. He would no doubt be recording bird names like crazy as well.
"Are you alright Eighteen? Need anything else?" the voice of her companion jolted her awake from her thoughts and she blinked for the first time in minutes.
"Yeah I'm alright Krillin...just memorizing bird names," said the blonde cyborg calmly as if nothing strange had happened, "care to show me other bird species?" her voice was coated with anticipation and how could the warrior monk say no to her, who was all too glad to show her more of his knowledge regarding bird species.
The two ventured deeper into the rain forest with Krillin taking point and Eighteen close behind with the former pointing out different exotic bird species and letting the bird enthusiast behind him know of the exact spelling of each creature. They spent long hours trudging through small streams and brushing away tree branches getting in their way, slowly accumulating dirt and mud on their attire.
Usually, the young cyborg girl wasn't one to enjoy getting her clothes and especially her hair dirty as she preferred a simpler and hassle-free lifestyle but today she was too entranced by the various bird species all surrounding her to take notice.
"And here's a toco toucan! It's spelled t-o-c-o, space, t-o-u-c-a-n." Said Krillin pointing at a black bird with unusually long yellowish orange curved beak and his companion eagerly recorded the bird's name while trying to get a sound bite of the winged animal's cries.
"It sure has a large beak for its size, I wonder how it was able to maintain its balance?" pondered Eighteen looking at the disproportioned bill.
"Oh it may look huge but believe me Eighteen, it's much lighter than it looked since its mostly hollow inside!" replied Krillin excitedly always eager to share his knowledge with her.
For the split of a second, the blonde cyborg considered recording what the very learned man had to say in her data but decided to let go of the idea and instead tried to memorize the information with her human brain. Sixteen knew she's been flashing those red eyes of hers tad bit too frequently and as much as she wanted to literally write down everything Krillin had to say mentally, part of her wasn't too keen on showing the "inhuman" side of her to the bald man just yet.
Eventually, the two came upon another clearing and the warrior monk, now panting for breath, asked for a time out to which she gladly complied.
"You know Krillin," began the cyborg girl and immediately the worn out monk's face livened up and his emotional brown orbs sparkled with life.
"Yes Eighteen?" he asked eagerly ready to answer more of her bird questions or even how had he known such a place.
"You should've told me we are coming to a dense tropical forest such as this. Now all my clothes are dirty thanks to you." She asked with fake annoyance while grasping her denim jeans that were now stained with soil and other forest elements.
I was going to ask you how come you seemed to know this place like it's the back of your hand but seeing how overly excited you are and will no doubt get louder hearing my original question, I think we'd better tone your energy down a bit...
The unexpected inquiry hit Krillin harder than getting Recoome kicked in the neck and his head seemed to drop several angles, not to mention the spark in his eyes dimmed a bit making Eighteen mentally kicking herself for being so cruel.
"Oh...haha...yeah I-I guess I should've warned you shouldn't I? My bad Eighteen..." said Krillin scratching his head.
Great, now the stuttering and self-deprecating laugh. And you know who have caused this? You did Eighteen! You yourself brought out this side of him you dummy!
"Don't sweat it Krillin, it's not like some dirt on me will kill me anyways. Just be sure to let me know next time kay?" she asked trying to flash him a smile of sorts and thankfully, the z-fighter seemed to have caught her forgiving tone as he visibly exhaled and got more comfortable.
The next several minutes were spent with the two casually chatting about the many animals they've encountered. Occasionally, the cyborg woman would lower her head and try to recall information she had inputted into her system, her eyes once again flashed in a tint of crimson as she went through the list of bird names she had gathered, pleased with the fruits of her efforts.
The day had gone smoothly for the warrior monk of Earth's special defense force thus far; he was able to fulfill his job as a tour/bird guide with utmost efficiency, at least according to him that is, a feat he only achieved by going through dozens of bird guide books until he memorized every single feathered creature there is around the neighboring islands.
By Dende am I glad reducing my training time and spending long hours holed up inside my room paid off, and I was beginning to think Master Roshi was about to give me another lecture seeing me slacking off for now reason...
Even now with the two of them sitting by a clearing across the space from each other, Krillin was still on high alert, ready to answer any question his companion may have for him. Looking at her mud covered form, he couldn't help but to get all emotional at how beautiful she looked even with her attire covered in Earth's natural elements. The Eighteen he knew always appeared so pristine and her image carefully cultivated but he'd be lying to himself if he was to say there wasn't a certain appeal to her now more rugged look. Maybe he's just a love smitten mess, but her light silky blonde hair came across as more attractive than usual looking slightly ruffled and dirtied.
His mind slowly wandered off to other more distinguishing features of her and the young woman's icy blue eyes immediately came to his mind. Under normal circumstances, he'd find her cat-like eyes a sight to behold, but during their trip those orbs of hers had been flashing red on and off, and not in an emotional way he had witnessed back at the mall balcony, but in a robotic way that seemed inhuman.
But how can I think of her as anything less than human? She's probably just organizing data, the data I supplied her that's all.
Stealing another glance at her direction and trying not to focus too hard on her glowing eyes, unconsciously he began to make mental remarks of how stoic she looked deep in thought, a complete change from her relaxed state merely minutes ago.
"So Eighteen," the monk broke the silence while trying to control his voice knowing he was slightly nervous approaching the topic, "how's your data organizing coming along?" he finished with a slight gulp while patting himself in the back for not stuttering once during his sentence.
Eighteen's eyes snapped wide opened before narrowing in a quizzed look. "Data organizing? What are you on about Krillin? I was just thinking that's all," she blurted out, her eyes staring straight at Krillin's when a realization downed on her seeing his eyes observing hers and must have caught the blinking red in them. "So what if I'm organizing data baldy? Something wrong with that?" her trademark biting cold tone returned but the monk could've sworn this angel before him sounded more defensive than mad.
"Whoa Eighteen, of course there's nothing wrong with that. If anything I'm flattered you took what I have to say seriously...hahaha..." said Krillin scratching his head praying the chuckle at the end came out naturally.
It appeared to have done its job, for that the cyborg girl's glare softened up and her facial expression resumed a more relaxed state.
"Of course I'd take you seriously you goon." Her statement was brief but it seemed to have struck a chord as the warrior monk found himself blushing.
"Ehh...gee thanks Eighteen. I'm fortunate to have such a studious companion like you." This time it was her cheeks to become slightly heated.
Nice save Krillin, better make a mental note to never even hint at her glowing red eyes...
The sounds of bird cries engulfed the two once more, both enjoying the sound of nature and let the tranquil atmosphere carry them away to another world for once. At that moment, Artificial Human Number Eighteen, a former human woman remodified into a living weapon, looked completely at ease and her bald companion almost wished she could stay like that indefinitely just being herself.
"And that's a black noddy,"
"Wait what?"
"I said that's the sound of a black noddy Krillin. And that cry just now belonged to the white ibis," said Eighteen nonchalantly as if merely stating facts.
"Wow you sure pick up knowledge fast don't you? And I can't even tell some of these sounds apart from one another," replied Krillin genuinely impressed.
"Well it's not that difficult when I have..." Eighteen stopped in her sentence, her blonde eyebrows furrowed in an irate look catching the monk by surprise.
She's not the type to pause when she speaks, so whats going on...wait...I ruined it again didn't I?
"It's okay Eighteen, I understand..."
"No, let me finish KRILLIN!" she shouted vehemently, her piercing blue eyes glaring dagger at him for a second before shifting her glance elsewhere embarrassed, "I'm not so emotionally fragile that I need you to complete my sentence for me!" spat Eighteen taking a deep breather trying to subdue the rush of anger swelling up from deep within her.
"It's not that difficult when I have an inbuilt digital database that I can easily add and retrieve new information. You on the other hand didn't have any of this but still managed to memorize this many bird species and that's much more impressive than what I've done today Krillin!"
Not a single word came out of Krillin, not even a word of comfort as the only thing he could do was to stare at the distraught woman in silence waiting for her to continue.
"And you know what's the worst thing about this Krillin?" she asked sternly to which all the warrior monk could do was to shake his head, "it's that I'm too used to this convenience Krillin. I'm not going to lie, but when you made that wish to revert me and Seventeen back to human, part of me was glad the wish failed because I was afraid I'd lose my ability to fly and whatever convenient crap that mad doctor installed inside me!" her eyes got somewhat red again and not from the crimson light flashing this time. If Krillin didn't know better, he could've sworn she was fighting back tears.
But Eighteen never cries, she just doesn't. But what if she's genuinely upset now? Do I approach her? By kami give me a sign!
Slowly, Krillin stood up from the tree root he sat on and began making his way across the circular clearing towards Eighteen, his short frame illuminated by the scorching early afternoon sunlight. Many times the cyborg woman shifted her gaze upwards to look at his approaching figure and every time the monk was certain he'd be told to go back to his seat but her harsh words never came. Instead, the blonde woman shifted her body to the side giving him a place to sit beside her, one that he gladly took.
"I think you are selling yourself short Eighteen, so what if that bastard Gero installed some kind of database inside you? You are the one who took the time and effort in recording those bird name and sound aren't you?" he asked, his eyes observing her facial expression attentively hoping for the tiniest bit of hint she was taking in what he said well.
Instead, the shoulder-length blonde turned her face away from him and let out a contemptuous "Hmph".
"Look Eighteen, do you think it's easy to keep on exchanging letters with me for as long as you've done?"
She shook her head but remained silent.
"See, you know you are trying hard already so stop denying yourself of your accomplishments, cause when I see you, I don't see a mechanical being having her life handed to her thanks to some mad scientist. I see a person trying her best to fit into the environment!" still no response from her and that really got her companion worried.
Great, so what do I have to do to relieve her of her pain? What would Yamcha do? What would Roshi do? Wait, those two probably aren't the best ones to ask for advice. So what would Eighteen want me to do?
Perhaps Krillin was merely trying to get his point across, or perhaps he was feeling extra ballzy, but the warrior monk initiated something he would never have dared without a clear green light from her as he clasped his battle hardened hand on top of her elegant ones, his fingers holding onto hers tightly hoping the physical contact could sooth her worries.
The move seemed to have distracted the cyborg girl from her deep thoughts at least and earned Krillin a bewildered glance from the silky-haired blonde. Cold sweats began dripping down the bald man's forehead as he half expected to be met with a violent response but rather than backing off, the smaller man grasped onto her hand tighter and flashed her a reassuring smile.
"Regardless of what you may think of yourself I'll always be here for you Eighteen!" her eyes narrowed but not in an irate manner and rather in an understanding sort of way, her previously tense facial expression also loosened to a small grin.
"You know what my database said about you Krillin?" the abrupt change of topic came across as both a welcoming reprieve and a mild surprise. Now all of the sudden he's the main focus of their conversation.
"Ehh nope?" he squeaked unsure of where this was headed, his firm grasp around her hand loosening and his surge of confidence seemingly evaporated into thin air as he awaited her judgement.
All this change didn't go unnoticed by Eighteen's observant eyes of course, who let out a sigh not knowing whether to find the change in attitude cute or annoying. "That you are the strongest human on Earth with power level right behind the likes of the Saiyans and Nemekian, but the mad doctor certainly never mentioned anything about you being such a smooth talker."
At that, Krillin's confidence, or whatever was left of it ditched him and he hastily pulled his hand away from Eighteen's. "Eighteen, Eighteen! That's not what I was trying to do honestly!" he stood up and began waving his arms around in a full on panic mode, one that earned him a few chuckles from her.
"I'm just messing with you stupid, relax!" came Eighteen's reassuring voice.
"Huh? You are?"
"Yes I am silly, if anything I felt better now, so thank you I guess."
"Phew! You really scared me there Eighteen, and I thought you just went all Seventeen on me back there!"
"Hey I'm not my immature younger brother I'll have you know! Now what do you say we continue with this little tour of ours baldy?"
Several hours later and after going through several more islands, each of which housed their unique ecosystem, the two finally came to a halt the island closest to the Kame House but even then, the small pink hut was but a tiny speck from where they stood. It was now late afternoon and the bright white-hot sun of midday was now a diminishing ball of pinkish red hanging just above the horizon, its crimson sunrays reflecting off the dark purple sea waves.
For the two super-human beings and especially the cyborg girl who was used to getting everything done as fast and efficiently as possible, spending half a day just touring several islands on foot was certainly a new experience for her. By now, even her yellow socks and black shoes were completely drenched and no matter how hard she raised her artificial ki, she still couldn't quite shake the dried soil on her footwear and Eighteen began moving her trapped inside the damp confines of her shoes uncomfortably. The human warrior appeared to be more at ease seemingly not minding the discomfort, his eyes staring straight ahead at the sunset while stealing glances at his companion admiring how the pink rays of light cast a warm glow around the blonde's figure.
"Beautiful isn't it? The sunset?"
She nodded slightly without uttering a word also staring into the ocean. The breezy sea wind blowing across her silky blonde hair making the elegant strands flowing in the air like glowing strings of gold.
"Krillin?" asked the beautiful cybernetic creature and immediately her tour guide responded with a quick "yes?"
"When I'm accessing my data, was it very visible that my eyes glowed red?" the words left her mouth in something only a bit more than quiet whispers almost as if she's ashamed of herself and Krillin's heart ached hearing it.
"Well not really...hehe...I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who can pick that up." He replied unconvincingly, earning him a disgruntled "huff" from Eighteen.
"Fine, I'll take your words for it this time but Krillin," she paused in her sentence long enough to get his full attention, "if you see my eyes glowing red in public, I want you to tell me without hesitation in the future understood?" it was more of an order than anything and the monk readily nodded his head.
"Crystal clear Eighteen! But I honestly don't think it's such a big deal."
"Don't sugar coat it little man. I don't want to flash like a traffic light on the streets."
This time it was the monks' turn to chuckle at what his companion said, causing the cyborg girl to spin around sharply looking at him with annoyed glance. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing Eighteen, it's just that you take things too seriously at times. It's really no big deal trust me but sure I'll watch out for any red glows so just leave it to me!"
"Hmph, you'd better." She spat but the smile she returned was genuine.
"So what do you want to do now? Should I fly you home?"
"No, not yet, why don't we find an elevated position? I want to...observe the sunset a bit more."
Soon the duo was perched atop of the highest trees high above the many layers of canopies, their vision unobscured allowing them to take in the sheer beauty of Mother Nature. As they sat there in complete silence, flocks of birds could be observed flying above them, their cries mixed in with sound of ocean water crashing against the shore painted a multi-dimensional scene of wonder.
"If Sixteen's still here he'll definitely be enjoying this." Muttered Eighteen staring longingly into the distance.
Why wasn't Sixteen brought back like the others? He may be 100% mechanical but surely he has a soul just like any others...
"You really missed the green giant don't you?"
"Of course I do! He's a loyal companion and a friend, not to mention much more human than many other humans there is!"
"I believe you Eighteen, and you know what? I never think of you as anything less than human."
"Just can it already Krillin!" she snapped back but wasn't able to stifle her light giggles.
"And if I don't?" he challenged feeling extra brave yet again.
"Then I'll have to edit your profile to read: Krillin the self-absorbed loud mouth who doesn't know when to zip it!"
"Aww that would suck a lot!"
"You bet it would little man!"
Hundreds of miles away from the archipelago the monk warrior and cyborg girl were perched at was another figure wearing a slight frown standing on top of a tall pine tree overlooking what was known to the public as Monster Island.
It had been like what? A month or even more since the raven-haired youth had mailed out his application form along with his cover letter and so far, he hasn't gotten a reply from the Monster Island Ranger, the organization he had applied to yet. Surveying the scenery below, the his crystal blue eyes picked up the shapes of several intriguing creatures, organisms he was sure he couldn't find anywhere else but here on MIR.
Just imagine how thrilling of an experience it would be to work here!
By now, the teenage cyborg known as Artificial Human Number Seventeen had already dropped by the place numerous times and had the many animals residing here scanned, recorded, and their unique attributes meticulously documented in his database. Heck, he was sure he now qualified as a Monster Island animal expert and could do the job way better than any of the so-called rangers here, so why was it he wasn't chosen yet? Was it because of his cover letter? Surely that couldn't be the case now could it?
It is with this feeling of having something rightfully his denied from him that Seventeen flew back toward his mountain hut and by the time he touched down on his property, the lights were on, a sign his sister had made it back from her date with the midget man. Only sixteen knew what she and her not-yet but soon-to-be "boyfriend" was up to during the day.
Before he made his entrance though, first things first and he opened the mailbox with much anticipation, only to be disappointed yet again seeing it empty.
Well, at least it's much better than finding a love letter addressed to sister dear from that midget man, not that I've ever seen one of those but pretty sure I'd be having a stomach upset nevertheless!
The sound of water splashing against the bathroom was audible upon his entry and immediately he could tell Eighteen was taking a shower. Normally Seventeen was content to let his sister have her privacy, but there was a unique stench coming from the laundry basket and upon closer inspection, the younger twin quickly discovered undisputed evidence of soil and mud and kami knew what not on her discarded attire.
"So uh, where you been today sis?" the raven-haired sibling blurted out on impulse once his female and blonde counterpart stepped out of the shower room with a towel wrapped around her head.
"Nothing much really Seventeen, just out bird watching with Krillin that's all," replied Eighteen nonchalantly drying her hair with the towel before tossing it into the laundry basket, "how about you? You seemed like you've been extra busy today." She replied giving her brother a glance.
"And what made you think I've been busy?" the younger brother inquired curiously. His sister never seemed to be the observant type. Sure, she may have gotten a bit too much human emotion rubbed onto her recently but for the past few months, Eighteen's had her entire world preoccupied by a certain shorty and for once, her sibling wanted to hear what she's got for him.
"Your shirt is filled with pine needles and other plant debris for one Seventeen, and second, you have a certain unique smell about you that doesn't register as preys you'd hunt," her monotone was calm but possessed a certain authoritative presence to it as if secretly letting him know she knows he knows she's right.
This time, it was the younger sibling's turn to get uncomfortable at his sister finding out his secret and he looked at her seemingly going about her business with a newfound sense of respect.
"Hey we are twins right? If you can read me like a book surely I can read you too silly brother!" she answered his question before he even opened his mouth and the raven-haired cyborg could do nothing but to let out a sigh of surrender.
"So how was Krillin?"
The inquiry was without malice and it caught his sister off guard somewhat. "He's fine; the man really knows his stuff and is an excellent bird guide you know. Sixteen would be proud of him if he was still around."
An urge for Seventeen to make a sarcastic statement regarding "the man" filled the male cyborg and his eyes gleamed a mischievous glow. "Wow! It sure sounds like this Krillin's a big shot in the human world if he can impress you like that!"
"You know what Seventeen, he certainly can make it big out there if he wants to," Eighteen's reply was once again as nonchalant and as matter-of-factly as possible, "who knows, he might just be able to help you with your problem too."
At the mentioning of his "problem", the younger twin's eyes snapped wide opened not believing what he had just heard.
"Hey Eighteen, and just what problem might I have, I'm perfectly content to be here by myself doing my own gig you know!" he tried denying vehemently only earning himself a smirk from his sister.
"I believe you bro, but do let me know if you ever need anything else kay?" the cyborg girl stated before picking up the laundry basket and carried it upstairs, leaving her brother staring at her form disappearing into the second floor while pondering just how much she knew about his job application at MIR.
It's not like Eighteen can help me with landing a job anyways and besides, I don't want to come to her asking for help, the time I mentioned Monster Island to her is when I announced I have gotten myself a job there...
It was late evening by the time Krillin landed at Kame House, his entire body was aching and his muscles strained more than anything. Flying from Kame House to Eighteen's residence, then coming back to do some island hopping for the entire afternoon, before finally flying back to the mountain hut and then back to Kame House was way more exhausting than he could've imagined.
But at least the result is well worth it! Dende knew I'd do anything to see that genuine relaxed smile of hers again...
The warrior monk thought as he walked into the house which, surprisingly still had its lights on, his hand holding a letter Eighteen had handed him after he had dropped her at the her place.
Hello Krillin,
Thanks for the bird tour today, it was quite enjoyable despite of me getting my cloth dirty. I'll be honest to say that I was slightly annoyed at first when you said you weren't telling me what we were going to do but the result was well worth the wait, so you have my gratitude.
I also could've sworn you've improved quite a bit in regards to your stuttering problem it seems. Keep it up. I like this change, even if hearing you stumble on your words can be kinda funny at times I very much preferred this new you.
Lastly do keep an eye out for me will you?
#18
P.S. Why don't you show me where you got that fancy post card next time? It was unfair of you to move on to a new type of letter while I remained stuck with using plain paper you know?
"Yup, definitely worth the well worth the effort!" said the bald monk to himself as he stepped into the house and was immediately greeted by a twelve-year-old crashing into his body.
"Krillin! It's been forever! How's things working out for you? Mom's had me stuck at home studying too many subjects and I'm so sorry I couldn't visit you till now!" exclaimed Gohan as he held the older man with similar height in a tight hug.
"Go-Gohan...! What brought you here today?"
"Oh yeah! I haven't told you now have I? Grandpa wanted to organize a party for everyone to attend at our house. He thought it would cheer up mom who's rather depressed these days. So, can you come?"
A/N: Thanks for the long wait. As per usual thanks for all the reviews and feedbacks! You guys never cease to amaze me with how in-depth your critiques can get. Reviews and criticisms for this new chapter are welcome as always and until next time!