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Chapter 37: The Monster At Hand I
"He asked about me?" Bulma inquired with wide blue eyes; she was shocked.
18 gave a nod, distractedly keeping an eye on her twins. "I told him that he should probably talk to you directly."
At this, Bulma fell quiet. After all, she wasn't quite sure how to feel or what to say.
She was torn.
Would it even do any justice to talk to him? It wouldn't change anything, especially his actions. Plus, Bulma didn't condone murder. What would that say about her if she continued to open her heart to Vegeta?
She didn't even know how Trunks or Tarble felt. Did they view Vegeta any differently? Or was it just her?
Bulma cupped her forehead with a pale palm; she was getting a headache from all of this.
"Oh, Vegeta," Bulma murmured to herself. How could it have come to this? How could she have not noticed anything of the ordinarily? And most of all, why did this hurt her as much as it did?
Upon noticing Bulma's behavior, 18 cocked a brow, "Hey, don't be too hard on yourself; you're not the one who did any of this." 18's voice was stern and to the point. The blonde tucked her loose strands of hair behind her ear, "No one is to blame but Vegeta."
Though even though Bulma was aware of this and agreed with everything 18 was saying, Bulma just couldn't bring herself to voice it. Instead, Bulma offered a weak smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
~0~
"How does it taste?"
Launch threw her head back in satisfaction. "Damn near perfect!"
Tien cracked a small smile at the sight. "I'm glad to hear that."
That meant that her pregnancy cravings were subdued for now; that should buy him plenty of time until her next round of cravings.
Then, Tien was rising to his feet. "You go in and lay down for a bit after you finish, Launch. I'm going to train some more."
Launch waited until she finished chewing. "Are you up to something?" Her green eyes narrowed noticeably.
Tien looked taken aback but was quick to recollect himself. He couldn't falter under Launch's strong gaze now. Not this time. He had to figure out what was going on in the world and he needed to figure out how he could protect what was left of his family.
Tien had already failed to protect Chiaotzu.
And if he had to be completely honest with himself, Tien didn't think he would be able to bear it if Launch and his unborn child succumbed to that same fate.
Tien couldn't let Chiaotzu's efforts be in vain; there was just no way.
Something had to be done before then.
"Try not to worry too much; I'll make sure we're fine."
~0~
"There he is," Piccolo stated calmly and behind him were Trunks, Goten, and 17.
Goten cocked a brow, "What exactly is he doing?"
"I dunno." Trunks responded before anyone else could. "He's just sitting there."
"He's meditating," 17 answered coolly. "I guess Super Buu has nothing else to do after killing everyone."
Piccolo harrumphed. "So it seems."
"So what's the plan?" Trunks inquired curiously. "Should Goten and I go ahead and fuse?"
"No, not yet," Piccolo answered gruffly. "It wouldn't be wise to attack just yet. We don't have the slightest idea of what happened while we were stuck in the Time Chamber."
And though Piccolo said that he didn't really have any idea of what happened, the Namekian started piecing things together when he picked up on Super Buu's monstrous ki. It definitely did not feel that way initially. But the fact that Super Buu was still here and Raditz nor 18 were present meant that they were either dead or worse.
Which was a horrible outcome no matter how it was sliced.
"17," Piccolo suddenly called out. "Android 18 - "
" - She's dead."
Piccolo's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
17 looked near insulted at the question at first but managed to get a grip on himself. "Of course I'm sure. 18 and I are twins. I don't expect you to understand seeing as you don't have any family, but twins share an unexplainable connection. I can usually feel 18."
Goten, on the other hand, miserably failed at stifling a cry. "Auntie 18 is dead?"
"Yes." 17 answered bluntly. Then his eyes were narrowing almost coldly. "Raditz failed to protect her."
Piccolo chose his next words carefully. "17, in all fairness - "
17 sighed, holding up a hand. "Don't bother defending Raditz. I know."
"Hey," Trunks warned, covering Goten's mouth with a small hand. "You can't cry too loudly Goten. What if Buu hears us?"
"Trunks' right." Piccolo agreed. "Let's focus on the matter at hand."
"Is 18 dead or absorbed?" Dende inquired thoughtfully.
17 cocked a brow. "Dead. Why does it matter how?"
Dende swallowed nervously. "W-Well, if I remember correctly Majin Buu has an ability to absorb people. Isn't that what you told me happened to one of the Kai's?"
Piccolo gave a nod of confirmation. "That's probably what happened to Raditz. It would explain why Super Buu has a massive boost in ki. It definitely didn't feel that way when he first came to the Lookout tower. I hate to say it this way, but we should consider ourselves lucky that Super Buu did not absorb 18."
17 harrumphed. "Unlimited stamina is the last thing that freak needs." The android was turning his head to face Piccolo. "We need a plan here; it's not like we can trail him around forever."
Goten sniffled, smacking away Trunks' hand. "W-We have to do something. I keep losing everyone I love; I don't want to lose anyone anymore."
Trunks' gaze fell. "I don't either."
Piccolo placed a reassuring hand on either of the boys' heads. "Don't worry, we'll figure this out together."
"Well?" Android 17 prodded. "I think we all know that our best chance of saving the world is Goten and Trunks."
"So what?" Piccolo inquired, "Are you suggesting we rush and send them to their deaths?"
"Well," 17 countered, "What better time to take Super Buu out than now? While he's meditating?"
Silence.
Dende seemed to consider 17's words. "Maybe he has a point. How do we know if we'll come across another opportunity like this?"
"Exactly," said 17.
"I doubt I would call this an opportunity. We have no idea what could happen the moment we send those boys in to attack. What if he's not even mediating and Buu's aware that we're here?"
At this Dende fell quiet.
"Then what?" Piccolo continued, eyes on 17.
17 narrowed his eyes. "Well, it's not like we can send them back in the Time Chamber to train them more."
"Obviously." The Namekian agreed, "But the second those boys fuse, right beside Buu, we may be in for trouble. If Buu really has absorbed Raditz, then not only do we have to worry about its power but its intelligence as well."
"Does it look like we have time to wait around?"
"That's where you're wrong. It's only us left in this world and there is nothing left but time."
"Well, who was it that died and made you king? I don't recall saying I'd take orders from you."
Piccolo ignored the comment. "Try not to fly or use any ki until we get something figured out. Dende you come with me. I need to talk with you anyway."
Trunks cocked a brow. "Where are you two going?"
"We're going to scout around for a place to lay low; don't do anything rash while we're gone."
17 harrumphed in response but didn't verbalize anything. He simply watched the two Namekians trek off in silence, before diverting his eyes onto the boys. If Super Buu had absorbed Raditz, would Gotenks even stand a chance in the first place? This was Raditz they were talking about. While he wasn't stronger than Goku, Raditz was definitely up there.
As well as Vegeta.
However, the strongest ones were ironically unable to help.
While he didn't want to agree with Piccolo, those kids had no battle experience. And they were just that - kids. Logically, what could a couple of kids with no battle expertise do against a sinister villain?
Boy, this sure was one hell of an annoying situation to be in; the last time he felt this powerless was against Cell.
Still, waiting around was not something he was good at.
~0~
"Goku?"
Goku blinked at the call of his name.
All of this waiting around was making him zone in and out; he was getting anxious.
"Uh...Kibito right?"
Kibito looked crestfallen for a few seconds, but managed to pull himself together; he still wasn't entirely over what happened with the Potara earrings. "Right. But Goku - " he paused, frowning - "you look awfully serious. What's going on?"
"To be honest, I guess I'm still kinda blaming myself for this happening. I probably should be the one fixing this. Not Gohan."
On cue, the two males spared a glance at the Saiyan in question.
Then, Kibito was offering Goku a kind smile; it was rare to see Goku this way. "I doubt any of that matters to Gohan. What matters the most is stopping Buu once and for all. However, if it's anyone that is at fault, it's Buu's creator. Even the Kai's fell to Buu's power, so Saiyans doing what the Kai's could not...should not be overlooked. We are in your debt."
"Maybe you're right."
Meanwhile, Gohan was wondering how much longer things would take. While it did help that this was actually working, he was still anxious about this ordeal altogether. Buu had caused a lot of trouble and it felt as if it was taking forever to close this chapter. A part of Gohan couldn't help but wonder if most of this could have been avoided if he didn't stay behind with the Supreme Kai. If he had retreated like his uncle Raditz wanted him to back then.
Maybe he wouldn't have been in the way and maybe the outcome could have been different.
Gohan sighed.
He had a bad habit of causing trouble, didn't he?
Just like with Cell.
If he hadn't gotten arrogant and simply finished off Cell when he was told to, his father wouldn't have had to die. Back then, because of what he did, so many people got hurt and suffered from his actions. Now, because he didn't retreat when his uncle wanted him to, people got hurt and died because of him again.
By any means possible, Gohan could not repeat his mistakes.
This time, he needed to do things the right way; he needed to redeem himself and settle things with Super Buu once and for all.
"How much longer if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well, I do mind but - " The Elder Kai distractedly flipped a page in his magazine - "but definitely not too much longer; it's almost finished so sit tight until then."
Gohan gave a nod, returning to his thoughts.
He could do this.
Gohan knew he could.
Back during the Cell Games, his father had proven to him that he had power that he could tap into. He had been the strongest Saiyan for a while after that battle. In addition, training with his uncle Raditz for the next seven years afterward helped him stay in shape - at least enough shape to maintain the Super Saiyan 2 transformation and more.
Gohan couldn't even begin to imagine how much stronger he would be now after the Elder Kai finished.
For as long as Gohan could remember, his anger had always given him an unexplainable boost in ki against Frieza, his uncle at one point, and even Cell. Gohan had to wonder if he really even had a limit.
"What has you all riled up?"
Gohan perked up. "Making sure that Buu's life ends the second I confront him; I'm going to kill him."
And that was a promise.
~0~
It was pitch black, but Buu wasn't thrown off in the slightest.
This was his mind and his body; he wouldn't be thwarted by a mere prisoner.
"You've been causing me a lot of trouble," Buu called out irritably. "You finished serving your purpose the moment I absorbed you, so why don't you stay put and out of my way?"
The clone, thought-form of Raditz said nothing, but Buu had his teeth bared.
"Then again, you were a strong one, maybe that had something to do with the absorption process." Buu's eyes narrowed meaningfully, "I will force you to submit."
Ever since Buu absorbed Raditz, Raditz had been interfering and it took him multiple meditation attempts to get to this point.
Easily, Buu was forming a pink sphere of ki in one of his hands; he quickly sent it hurtling towards Raditz. The Saiyan evaded it with a turn of his head and began to charge towards Buu.
In normal circumstances, this wasn't even supposed to be happening. Whoever he absorbed was never supposed to attack its own host, but because Raditz wasn't submitting to him fully, it would seem that many anomalies were happening.
Including this one.
Buu caught Raditz's fist and attempted to fling him down; however, Raditz kicked his leg towards Buu's feet and forced the monster down onto his back; it was a clean leg sweep.
Moments later, Raditz was quickly closing in and slamming his fist down.
Buu effortlessly created a gaping hole in his chest to avoid the hit, and then closed the hole in order to keep Raditz in place.
The Saiyan in question tugged his body back a few times but to no avail. Then, Buu was quickly sending Raditz flying back with a ki blast to the chest.
But as Buu would expect, Raditz was getting back up.
These thought clones were not meant to go down easily; they were meant to stop and kill intruders. In addition, Buu had spent a good bit of time trying to break past Raditz's memories, that he wasn't sure if it was smart to keep at it for much longer.
This was taking quite a bit of exertion on his part.
On that same note, what would happen if he called it quits for now? Would he have to start back over or could he pick back up from where he left off? Then again, it wasn't as if he left anyone alive that could oppose him so time or exertion shouldn't really be much of an issue.
Without saying so much as a word, Raditz was ascending.
To Super Saiyan 2.
~0~
"This is as far as I'll walk you."
Dende looked up at Piccolo in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Piccolo's eyes diverted onto the shorter Namekian. "If anything happens to myself or the others, it's nothing that can't be fixed; however, that only applies if you remain alive."
"You want me to abandon you and the others?"
"No," Piccolo corrected. "I want you to survive in case we don't; Let's part ways for now."
Dende frowned, lowering his head in thought.
This was the last thing he wanted to do; it was his duty as Earth's Guardian to protect everyone, after all.
But just what could he do?
And what had he done throughout this whole ordeal in order to help?
He did nothing but be useless and in the way. If this was a way he could help the others, then Dende would try his best to do it. Even if it did feel slightly wrong.
"Alright," He finally agreed.
~0~
"Boys," 17 addressed coolly. "Stay here and don't move a muscle no matter what."
Goten perked up, "Uncle 17?"
However, Trunks was already a step ahead of Goten. "You're going to attack Buu, aren't you?"
"Stay here and keep quiet as well."
Goten frowned. "What? We want to help too!"
"Yeah," Trunks agreed. "That thing killed my dad, my uncle, and my mom; he took too much from all of us."
"I may not agree with Piccolo completely, but you two are still kids at the end of the day."
"So what?" Trunks retorted. "Goten and I trained like crazy with the both of you in that Time Chamber. Not to mention, we are still Saiyans at the end of the day."
"Yeah," Goten backed. "If you don't let us help, we'll just jump in anyway!"
17 observed the two in silence as if mulling it over.
Naturally, 17 had wanted to do things his way before Piccolo returned, but it seemed as if things weren't going to be that easy. Arguably, the kids were stronger than him thanks to their fusion technique. However, what if Piccolo was right? What if Buu felt it the moment the boys fused?
They could immediately lose their advantage.
But if they did nothing, then what would become of things?
17 scoffed.
Patience was never one of his strong suits.
And it certainly wasn't in his character to dwell on things for too long either.
"Fine." He caved. "But you follow my lead and do what I say."
"And if we don't?" Trunks challenged.
"Then we'll probably die."
A/N: Thanks for all of the support and patience! From everyone! Apologies if I skipped over or missed anyone. Apologies for the delay and short chapter; I pulled more hours at work for two weeks straight and it threw my writing schedule off. Depending on what route I take the ending, the chapters could become a little bit longer.
I'm also going to start working on the next chapter first thing in the morning!
Gamelover41592: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Derek83: Thanks! And honestly, that would be a really good idea! That would certainly be an interesting route to take, to have Raditz expelled. I have thought about Raditz and Goku fusing before, but the fusion partners have to be the same build when I went back and watched everything. Unfortunately, that disqualifies Raditz and Goku from fusing. Buu unlocking Grand Kai is actually a phenomenal idea. That is probably something I would use (and credit you for) if I continued with Super. You know, as a part of Buu's training before the Tournament of Power.
coldblue2015: Q1/S1: This is a really good question! This is probably something I would come back to. I would probably have Vegeta and Bulma as well as Raditz and 18 deal with their relationship problems after Buu is defeated. This way I can focus more on the main battle to come for now. I do agree that the Saiyan ritual and the potential of Bra would definitely be something worth diving into.
Q2/S2: Yes, something similar to that! Super Buu and Raditz need to have a showdown to speak because they are both getting in the other way. It is definitely something that wouldn't go unresolved; I just have too many ideas about how to use this scenario and I'm not sure when to apply it just yet. We will see more of this in the next chapter.
Q3/S3: Honestly, I haven't really considered this, but that would have been something interesting to dive into. I've been kinda focused on getting to the main fights. Part of me feels like I may be dragging things on a bit, but it's difficult to judge this off of my opinion alone at times.
Q4/S4: While I haven't thought of this, I completely agree with you. This wouldn't be so bad at all. I like the foundation of why Lazuli and the others are training on Kai's planet. If I do go into Super, that would be worth exploring and that would be a pretty neat way to do it!
Q5/S5: That would be a nice addition to 17's skillset and I've always liked that ability. Especially after it was first shown to me in Naruto. If I continue with Super, I wouldn't mind using it (and crediting you) for the idea!
I hope I addressed everything! If not, feel free to PM me or leave behind a comment! Stay healthy and safe!