Long Distance Communication
Chapter 20: Acceptance
As the mentor and father figure to some of Earth's strongest warriors, Roshi considered himself lucky to be surrounded by loved ones in his old age and always have someone to share his time with despite of living on a lonesome island in the middle of nowhere. More recently, he found that to be especially the case when Krillin, who he had always considered as a son, fell ill and required his attention and care.
While the old master cherished these moments where he could still put his skills to good use, something he regretted tremendously for not able to during the whole Cell incident, he also feared for the boy's future. Since Krillin came back with a serious ailment after visiting the cyborgs, Roshi found his mind preoccupied with his prized student.
Yamcha has his baseball career ahead of him and will no doubt become more successful, there's no need to fret over him,
Tien and Chiaotzu have each other, not to mention Launch who sometimes drop by to visit them, they are in good hands too,
Gohan might have lost Goku but he's a strong boy and will undoubtedly mature into a fine young man,
That leaves just Krillin. What's he going to do after I pass away? That cyborg girl is nothing but trouble, first requiring my dear boy to help her train against Vegeta, and then asking him to help her brother with an interview, and now this?
Such were Master Roshi's thoughts as he drifted to sleep one evening while listening to the coughs and sneezes of his pupil resting upstairs, somewhat glad the boy still had that much energy to create audible noises but simultaneously felt his heart sank with each agonizing outburst.
An undetermined amount of time passed before Krillin's coughs abruptly stopped, allowing the centuries-old master to fall into a deep slumber, which was only disturbed by his own stomach growling later as a mouthwatering aroma he could only describe as someone cooking food drifted into his nostrils. Still sleepy and with his eyes half closed, the old man peered through the window mere inches above his bed to discover the surrounding sky still pitch dark without a trace of sunlight.
Hmph, now that's odd, usually Oolong wouldn't be making breakfast until eight, I wonder what's the occasion?
Loud snoring noises from the aforementioned pig's room would completely erase that thought and a quick peek into his room ascertained for the old man that Oolong was indeed still in dreamland with a copy of his favorite reading material covering his drooling face. Now semi-alerted, the old master tiptoed past the living room trying to mask his presence, his hands grasping onto a wall for support as he stuck out his head to look into the kitchen.
At first glance, Roshi was convinced he was still dreaming and he rubbed his eye before putting on a pair of glasses, only to find the same petite blonde woman working on a pot of steamy soup. Other unique facial features he noticed include the pair of hoop earrings she wore and, occasionally when she turned her head to the side, the warm blue eyes resembling seawater surrounding his estate.
Am I...am I in heaven? Is this my reward for being such a good person? My personal cook?
Therefore, the old man stood there, frozen in place till his chest felt heavy and found he had stopped breathing since discovering the strange woman in his house. The loud exhale would draw the shoulder lengthen blonde's attention; however, who looked over her shoulder and stared him dead in the eyes.
In that brief fleeting of a second, Roshi found his long dormant fighting instinct kicking in involuntarily under her gaze. The eyes resembling tropical ocean had plummeted in temperature to that of arctic winter while her gentle face hardened like a warrior's. Even without the presence of energy signature, the turtle hermit knew she was no easy foe. Thankfully for the old man's heart though, that frozen expression quickly thawed as her appearance reverted to that of a regular teenage girl's.
"Sorry to have woken you up Roshi, I'm just borrowing your kitchen to cook Krillin some food," she said with a straight face then turned back to her task.
"Oh it's no problem at all miss...wait...did you say Krillin? That must mean you are..."
"Yes, I'm Eighteen."
"Eighteen, as in Cyborg Eighteen?" Roshi couldn't help but to gawk at her, not believing this blonde woman was really the widely talked about Eighteen, the killer robot who was supposed to bring about the end of humanity but have since mellowed out.
The cyborg girl didn't respond but rather reached for several already prepared meat loafs with her delicate hand and put them into the delicious looking pot. At this point, Master Roshi wasn't sure if he's drooling from hunger or his old ugly habit had resurfaced. Nonetheless, he didn't get to stand there admiring her back for long as her voice soon reached his ears once more.
"Say, you've known Krillin for several decades haven't you?" she asked nonchalantly but the old man still sensed a considerable warmth in her tone.
"Well yes hehe...I've known Krillin since he was just a child,"
"Good, then you must know his food preference better than I do. Care to sample this for me?"
No way...did...did a woman just ask me to try out her cooking?
The old master nearly blasted blood from his nostrils while his face turned no less crimson than his blood but his parental instinct quickly overpowered his perverted side after seeing the reproached glare from the cyborg girl. Reaching out his hand, Roshi graciously accepted the bowl of soup from Eighteen and immediately felt a certain coziness coursing through his body, which would only magnify as he ingested the content.
"Well? How was it? Do you think Krillin would like it?"
Roshi's eyes were still glued onto the steamy broath but his acute senses nevertheless detected a tiny crack in her voice. Clearing his throat, the old man turned towards the semi-agitated blonde. "I don't know what you are worried about Eighteen, I'm sure Krillin will really appreciate your efforts!" whilst he talked, his gaze began to wander off from her face.
Eighteen's eyebrows first arched up as if touched by his compliments then furrowed to a frown. "I-I'm not worried in the slightest! Also you need to check where your eyes land on old man!" she snapped without fire and quickly filled a much larger bowl before rushing upstairs, leaving the old master to chuckle slightly.
Is she the one who Krillin's been waiting for? We'll soon find out!
Krillin meanwhile was resting on the bed, too excited about what Eighteen had in mind for him to fall asleep. As he laid there with his hands holding onto his well-toned midsection that, for some reason was still unable to resist the temptation of delicious food and was protesting avidly, conversations between Eighteen and Roshi drifted into his hears. Immediately, the haired monk was reminded of the many mishaps between his mentor and Bulma and Launch, prompting an uneasy feeling to creep up his spine.
Before he could make his way out of bed; however, the face of his angel had appeared once more and holding on her hands was a bowl of soup filled with different ingredients. Despite of how unbearably hungry he all the sudden got, Krillin still studied her face for signs of distress which, thankfully there appeared to be none.
"What's the matter Kril? You looked unwell. Did I made you wait for too long?" Eighteen asked as she placed the steamy bowl on the nightstand.
"Oh, it's nothing really, just...cough...a bit curious what you and Master Roshi were talking about. He didn't do anything that made you uncomfortable did he?"
"I was just asking him if you'd enjoy this soup that's all Kril, and don't worry about me and Roshi, his eyes were just a bit...voyeuristic," Eighteen said with a huff. "But it's nothing I can't handle so just concentrate on getting better okay?"
He gave her an obedient nod while feeling guilty for not trusting the turtle hermit more.
"Good, now are you well enough to eat on your own, or do I have to, you know, spoon feed you?" her feline eyes sparkled mischievously while a large sly grin occupied her otherwise innocent looking face.
"Why isn't it obvious Eighteen? I'd say I'm more than healthy enough to eat," the warrior monk rolled up his sleeves and tried flexing his diminished muscles corroded by sickness to which the cyborg girl rolled her eyes. "But if you'd like, I definitely don't mind getting spoon fed by my Sweeteen!"
Krillin kept his own playful smile trained against hers in a small battle of will that saw his Sweeteen gradually losing her composure until with a sigh, she dropped her act all together.
"Fine, you win you clever middle-aged man! But I warn you, I'm only doing this cause you are a patient in need of some proper nursing understood?"
"Yes ma'am!"
By kami, this could only be better if Eighteen were to dress as a nurse! Wait, why am I starting to think like Roshi?
"Good, now if that's clear, be a good boy and open your mouth!"
He did as he was told, opening his mouth and watched as she put the spoonful of broth into his mouth, his lips closing onto the spoon to make sure all of its contents were engulfed inside his oral cavity as he pulled away.
"Well?" she swallowed a gulp.
"This is incredible! Easily the most delicious food I've tasted!" he shouted without reservation.
"Yeah right! Way to over-exaggerate my skills!" she tried admonishing sternly but the words left her mouth sounding more loving than intended and the radiant smile he flashed made her realized she had failed to get her message across. "Listen Kril, I know you like me,"
"Of course I like you Eighteen, like possibly more than anything..."
"No, shut up and let me finish!" she had to resort to one of her death glares to silence him and it did the trick, even if she could tell he's enjoying the firm eye-to-eye contact somewhat. "I know you like me a lot, but that doesn't mean you should only throw praises at me, get it?"
He once again nodded obediently, although she doubted her full message was really getting to him.
Ah well, there's no use in getting him to listen to me now...besides why spoil the atmosphere?
The feeding resumed as Eighteen sat beside him on the bed and watched warmly at his joyful expression, the puffy cheeks that moved as he chewed his food never ceased to amuse her. His rich brown eyes met her crystal blue ones on numerous occasions to which none shied away from contact. Basking in the atmosphere, the pair lost track of time, repeating the same caring gestures over and over again until the cyborg girl's spoon scraped the bottom of the bowl and sighed in displeasure. Thankfully for her, Krillin was there to lift her spirit up by burping perhaps a bit too loud that caused her to giggle.
"See sweetie? I'm clearly not over-exaggerating your skill. Even my stomach agreed with my assessment!"
"Whatever you say you goon!" her flushed pink cheeks once again made her attempted monotone disingenuous, especially when she produced a towel and gently whipped off the food stains left on the corner of his mouth.
As the cyborg was cleaning his mouth, her eyes began to take note of how full his lips were.
"Promise me you won't cough into my mouth kay Kril?"
He nodded. Their faces drew closer as if gravitated by a near irresistible attraction until the two simply leaned in and enjoyed the kiss. Despite of his weakened state, Krillin still tried wrapping his arms around the object of his affection and Eighteen, realizing his intention, scooted closer to allow his hands around her waist while her own encircled his neck, locking him tightly against her.
"I-I should let you spoon fed me more often!" Krillin said with panted breath after the two finally pulled apart.
"Don't get used to this special treatment Kril! I like my man capable and not bedridden all the time!" she gave his chest a playful punch.
"Hey, with your help, I'm sure I'll be fully recovered in no time!"
"You'd better Kril!"
"It's a promise babe! You know me!"
They lean in for another quick peck on the lips, sealing the deal.
Outside, the rhythmic sound of waves crashed against the seashore, prompting both to turn toward the small opening that connected them to the dark surrounding lit up by the stars above.
"Do you, do you like it here so far Eighteen?"
"Mmhmmm..."
"Would ehh..." his stutter returned once again, earning him a displeased look from his angel. "I-I meant to say would you consider living here in the future babe?"
The question stunned her into silence and the blonde woman looked away from the adorable face that had become incredibly hard for her to say "no" to. Krillin, noticing the change in her demeanor, placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Never mind I asked that stupid question Eighteen..."
"No it's not stupid at all Kril! It's just that..." a brief pause ensued with her furrowing her blonde eyebrows as if deep in thought. "Well, let's just say that anything is possible once you are healed okay?"
"Sure babe!"
"Now would you want more food or are you good?"
His grateful smile was all she needed but while on her way to the door, a jarring sound quite unlike the soothing natural rhythm outside resonated through the room, followed by a loud thud and an old man's cry.
"Hey, who's there?" Eighteen's temper flared up like she had never felt before. It was as if part of her inner self had been left exposed against her will and her fists tightened and was only prevented from taking further action when Krillin pried his fist open and held her back.
"Bae...it's nothing really, probably just Master Roshi!" he almost pleaded seeing how enraged his angel at gotten.
Hmph, so rumors of him being a pervert is true afterall...I'm glad I wasn't imagining him gazing at me inappropriately at the kitchen...
But then again...what good is giving him a beating? That would only hurt Krillin's feeling...
"Master Roshi, can we have some space please? Eighteen's just looking after me that's all!" Krillin called out to his master while keeping his grasp Eighteen's hand, his calloused fingers rubbing circles around her delicate ones that he knew were capable of much more destruction than her appearance would let others to believe.
"Oh...yeah...I-I'm just checking to see if she's taking good care of you! Well, if you children are all set, I shall retire to my bed then!"
It was only after Roshi's footsteps vanished downstairs did the warrior monk let go of his companion's hand. "Thanks sweetie!"
She let out a defeated sigh. "It's alright Kril," she gave him a reassuring grin before her face hardened once more. "But if I ever see that fool spying on me, I'll take appropriate measure!"
Krillin's only response was to shake his head in resignation. "If you do though, make sure you don't overdid it alright? Master Roshi may have some flaws of his own but he's still a great guy."
"I'll try."
That night, Eighteen made rounds between the kitchen and Krillin's room till her patient fell asleep. Afterwards, she claimed the chair beside his desk for her own and watched over him protectively. Without thinking, she started counting of how many times he exhaled and inhaled per minute, the tempo of her breathing gradually resembling his.
It wasn't till first hint of sunrise appeared over the horizon that the modified human directed her attention once more to the view outside.
"This is really quite nice!" Eighteen mumbled to herself as she absorbed the cobalt blue that began to replace the pitch dark before a pinkish orange spread across the entire canvas. The ocean waves that were pitch-black first turned dark green then grew lighter until finally resembling her own ocean blue eyes. All around her, cries of wildlife filled the air, surprising the blonde woman who hadn't thought such rich ecosystem was possible at a simple setting like this one.
I guess this is what they call tunnel vision; all that hunting down Goku business must have blinded me to the natural beauty around Kame House. Well, I'm not about to miss this opportunity again!
Krillin wouldn't awoke till ten in the morning and when he did, the peaceful face of Eighteen staring out the window greeted him, her platinum blonde hair made all the more angelic by the tropical sunlight, brightening the golden locks and giving off the illusion of gentle flame waving in the wind.
"Eighteen! So it wasn't a dream!" he exclaimed loudly.
"Of course not silly, how dare you think it is all in your dream after what I've done for you!" she accused him in a stern voice when in reality the cyborg was feeling quite touched by his relieved voice.
Wow, he looked pretty adorable shouting like that...let's see if I can make him even cuter?
"Or perhaps you'd rather this all to be a dream? In that case I'm leaving now! Bye!" she made a fake attempt at leaping out the window, to which Krillin almost fell off the bed in panic.
"No...of course not sweetie! Please stay!"
"Sure I will Kril!" she flashed him a mischievous smile and only then did he realized she was joking.
Greeting them downstairs was a dining table composed of Eighteen's broth and several more dishes Oolong was carrying to the table.
"Hey Krillin, good to see you are awake and whoa...who is this hot babe?" the pig nearly dropped the plates in his arms at the sight of the blonde woman who in turn shot him a heart numbing stare.
"Oh sorry I haven't informed you yet Oolong, but this...is Eighteen...yeah" Roshi quickly changed his wording from both his disciple and the cyborg girl's warning glance.
"Thanks old man, at least you are quick on your feet!" Eighteen acknowledged Roshi's delivery then turned to Oolong. "AND just who are you calling babe you dirty pig? I'm Eighteen and that's the only name you'll address me as is that clear?"
How dare he use the term babe on me, Krillin's the only one who gets to call me that!
"E-Eighteen? You are that Eighteen?" Oolong blurted out. "I mean ye-yes ma'am! Eighteen it is!" the pig's crimson face paled as if pressed against a glacier while his eyes averted Eighteen's icy glare like a plague.
That Eighteen? What's that supposed to mean?
Krillin could only sigh at this. "Thanks for cooking us breakfast Oolong, but please show some restraints in front of Eighteen okay?"
"Ye-yeah I got it!"
Once the table was set up properly with the help of all five present, Krillin stood beside Eighteen holding onto her hand while the other three stood on the other end of the table. Giving the cyborg girl a reassuring smile, which she returned with a firm nod, the haired-monk turned toward his friends.
"So as you've all noticed! We have a new guest starting today. Please allow me to introduce Eighteen who has come here last night to help me with my sickness."
"Thanks Krillin, and I'm Eighteen, just Eighteen!" her piercing eyes darted between Roshi and Oolong as she said the last part, causing the two to flinch slightly.
Her eyes then rested on Turtle, the last occupant and immediately sensed a completely different vibe from it. True to her observation, Turtle would prove to be the polar opposite of Oolong the other two as he reached out its fingerless hand to shake the cyborg girl's, his eyes devoid of, according to Eighteen, erotic thoughts which put the blonde at ease.
"Welcome to Kame House! The home of the turtles!"
"Thanks Turtle! Please, call me Eighteen!"
Tthe atmosphere during breakfast was tense at first, seeing that Oolong was still rather scared of Eighteen and would keep his eyes glue on his food, a phenomenon that didn't escape the cyborg girl's cybernetic enhanced vision who quickly identified it as a sign of fear.
Great, now I've overdid it and one of Krillin's friend got scared...
Without changing her cool demeanor, Eighteen reached for one of Oolong's dish and put the food into her mouth. The entire table fell silent, especially the pig who looked at the intimidating blonde savoring his cooking while praying to kami the taste was to her liking. Krillin too peered over at the cyborg girl with a curious gaze before his eyes widened in realization.
If I know Eighteen as well as I think, she's just trying to ease the tension. Well, better lend my sweetie a hand...
Following her lead, Krillin also gathered a portion of Oolong's dish onto his spoon.
"This is pretty good!" Eighteen said swallowing the braised fish.
"I...cough...know right, Oolong may not look like it, but he's one of the best cooks I know!" Krillin added despite his sore throat least his girl felt out of place and was reciprocated by a hand on his shoulder from Eighteen, whose eyes beamed with both gratitude and concern.
"There's no need to look after me like that Kril! Just focus on your food okay?" her warm gaze seemed to tell him nonverbally.
"Sorry babe, force of habit that's all!" his grin alone communicated his thoughts.
"You-you two mean it? Thanks a lot guys! And yeah, that fish was just caught yesterday. There are in fact plenty of those around the surrounding ocean!" Oolong explained proudly, his head raising for the first time.
"Really? I'll have to catch one myself these days," Eighteen replied in an assuring voice.
Galvanized by the young blonde's words, the pig felt his cheeks turning red yet again, his large nostrils expelling air and his hands thumping his chest. "Well, if you want to catch some fish bab..." he abruptly stopped, his trembling hands covering his mouth.
"Yes pig? What did you call me?" Eighteen put both hands on the table and leaned over the carried away pig.
"I...I meant if you want to catch some fish Eighteen, you can count on me to show you the way ma'am!" Oolong's quick fix and light stuttering earned him chuckles all across table.
"That's better, thanks Oolong and I'll keep that in mind."
The rest of the breakfast was carried out in relative harmony with Roshi and Oolong cracking jokes, turtle holding small conversations with Eighteen, and Krillin trying to start some small talks, only to sneeze. Whenever the ailing monk coughed midsentence, the cyborg girl would gave him a stern look, sometimes rubbing her palm on his back until the muscles loosened under her touches. None of this escaped Roshi's inquisitive eyes, who would pause to observe their new guest trying to support his disciple.
"Since this is Miss Eighteen's first day here on Kame Island, why don't we give her a toast to celebrate this special occasion?" the old master had taken out a bottle of young red wine after breakfast.
"Hey Roshi, how come you didn't bring out one of those when I came here to live with you?" Oolong asked giving the turtle hermit a dirty look.
"And how could I? You and everyone else were underage! Anyways here's to Eighteen!"
"Cheers!" they all said touching their glasses with each other, producing sharp clinking sounds that disappeared as fast as they filled the room.
For Krillin, seeing Eighteen toasting with the rest of Kame House inhabitants made the brim of his eyes a tad puffy but he held back his emotion and sipped on the alcohol, noting its soothing aroma that, while pleasant to drink, nevertheless didn't have too many layers of flavor.
Hopefully Eighteen and the rest of us will get to build a rewarding history together...
"So Eighteen, want to stroll around the beach with me? I always take small walks after breakfast," Krillin explained and with a nod from Eighteen, the couple hit the white sandy beaches surrounding Kame house, its fine grains sparkling under the morning sun.
If...if only Seventeen can see what I'm seeing now he will definitely love this place! Wait...why don't I send him a photo of this place to him?
Taking out a camera, Eighteen aimed it at Krillin who was walking ahead of her, telling the cyborg all kinds of stories regarding the beach. When after a few moments later and she hadn't responded to his tales, the haired monk spun around and looked into her lenses directly, his merry expression recorded with a click of button.
Several thousand miles away from the island, a raven-haired youth laid sprawling on his bed, twisting and turning as if acting out the contents of his dream.
"Mmm...loo-look over there sis, that's the Tyrannosaurus Rex I was talking about...be careful Krillin, it can really hurt you..."
As Seventeen mumbled in a barely comprehensible manner, he began performing shoving motions with his hands, accidentally hitting the eagle resting beside him. A couple more shoves later and his unintended victim let out a loud shriek, prompting the cyborg to leap out of his bed.
"Wha-what's the matter bird boy? Did you catch something good?" Seventeen asked while rubbing his eyes, expecting to see his two other companions fighting some dinosaurs but the accipitridae's unamused gaze brought him back to reality.
Unbelievable, and to think just a while ago sister dearest and her boyfriend were with us and now, it's just the two of us...
His feathered friend meanwhile had begun to tap its beak against the window panel and, upon taking a closer look, Seventeen was surprised to find another identical looking eagle standing on the other end.
Ahh...the sister eagle here to checkout where her brother lives no doubt...
Soon, Seventeen was standing in the midst of living room watching the two eagle siblings flying across the tight confines of his mountain cabin, performing difficult maneuvers without colliding against any of the furniture. A mischievous thought came to him and the cyborg reached out his arm just when the birds of prey were about to pass by him. Rather than ramming into his extended limb, they ended up perching atop his hand.
There you go, looks like you've recovered fully from your injuries, now why don't we head outside for a test fly?
Out in the open space, the eagles would prove to be even more adapt and attracted many of their own kind. Amongst the new arrivals, Seventeen spotted a particular individual that seemed to be rather fond of the sister, either that or it loved to advertise its presence, as the bird continued executing fancy moves around the sibling.
"Show off!" he mouthed aloud before a rude realization hit him, that he wasn't exactly reserved back at Monster Island when he jumped off the window in front of Carly. While pulling off such a stunt in front of normal humans was most certainly fun, recalling the incident had made him frowned at his nature.
Well, at least Krillin isn't like that, just imagining him doing goofy tricks in front of sis...
Wait...what if he is just like me and other males, only more secretive? Flexing his muscles in front of Eighteen when no one's looking? By Sixteen I really need to check up on them...
Turning around, the cyborg male was about to head inside when his pet let out a shriek and landed on his shoulder, which was then followed up by its sibling, then the show-off, and in no time the raven-haired cyborg had turned into a moving branch for the eagles to perch on.
"You birds really love me don't you?" he asked, not expecting the accipitridaes to understand him but proceeded nevertheless. "Well, you should've seem my old friend Sixteen, he's more of a bird guy than I can ever hope to be..."
Resigning to his fate, Seventeen stood still like a not-intimidating scarecrow and told his tale. His audience, whether they could truly comprehend or perhaps merely humoring him, would nod or shriek in response. It wasn't until the sun had sunk behind the mountains, signaling for the eagles to head back to their nests that the artificial human found the break to head for his hut and more importantly, checking the mailbox.
Has my sister dearest written me anything? Or perhaps Carly's sent me something...nope...ah well what was I expecting? I really need to calm down...
His trip wasn't without result though, since the sister eagle had apparently trailed him back to the hut and there, having claimed one of the spare chairs as their nest, the two siblings watched curious at the strange creature holding onto a black stick, making marks on a strangely white sheet of material.
"Are you sure you don't need your own room Eighteen? Cause...cough...there's a guest room right beside mine so...oh excuse me...cough...you don't have to cramp in with me all night." asked Krillin later the same day.
"Right, with how hard you are coughing again there's no way I can just sleep peacefully next door so drop the gentleman act and get in bed Kril! I'll just borrow your desk again!" Eighteen snapped impatiently at the ailing man, her hand holding onto a bowl of strangely colored liquid.
Once nestled behind the thick cover, Krillin noticed the bowl too except this time, the strange aroma made his face pale.
Dear kami, is that what I think it is? One of those ancient herbal medicines?
Despite of being someone able to eat just about anything thanks to the monastic life he once lived, the haired-monk still found rather himself repulsed by the repulsive smell.
Eighteen saw the sour look and huffed. "Yes Krillin, it's exactly what you think it is. Turtle had offered to take me to fetch some herbs while you took an afternoon nap and here it is, the medicine that's supposed to cure you!"
"Yeah...okay well that's very good and all but I think your soup from last night already did a remarkable job so why don't we stick to those?" he tried flashing her his trademark ear to ear smile to which she let out an unlady-like snort.
"And it clearly wasn't enough you goon!" the cyborg girl admonished as she scooped up a spoonful of murky content. "Now open your mouth like a good boy!"
Krillin reluctantly obeyed and nearly wished he hadn't when the weird taste spread through his taste buds, sending shivers across his spine and almost paralyzing him. If it weren't for his Sweeteen's firm look, or should he call her Sourteen from now on, he was most certain he would've spat it out.
"Does it really taste that awful?" she furrowed her eyebrows at his uncharacteristic aversion of her cooking.
"Ack...you've obviously never tried this yourself haven't you?" he stuck out his tongue in a childish manner that under normal circumstances she'd considered cute.
I'm not letting you off this easy Kril, even if you hate this it's best for you!
"No I haven't you whiner and I clearly don't have to. Now your mouth Krillin! You know you need this!"
The bowl was emptied eventually, although it took him several tries and many water gulps along the way. Now almost knocked out from the pungent aftertaste still lingering in his mouth, Krillin sunk into his mattress and in his half-conscious state, he felt the alluring sensation of a warm lips against his cheeks.
"Did you just gave me a smooch babe?" he asked drowsily, his angel blurring in his vision.
"Yes Kril, but you won't get anymore kisses till you fall asleep!"
Eighteen watched protectively by his bedside until the droopy eyelids closed tightly then turned her attention to the desk she resided. Tracing her fingertip through the antique marked by countless scratches, the cyborg girl was surprised to find residuals of human ki against her skin. It was as if part of Krillin had been forever engrained inside wooden surface that were once alive itself.
Just how much effort have you spent on this desk, writing me letters Kril?
The cyborg girl pressed her face against the furniture, basking herself in his aura all the while her hand travelled lower and touched the drawer handles. For an instant, she almost considered opening the compartments but decided against it, reasoning Krillin probably don't want her to pry into his privacy.
Deciding on the next best thing, Eighteen took out a piece of paper and began penning a letter directed at her male counterpart, imbuing the paper with her artificial energy which some of it seeped into the wooden grain, mixing in with the human energy from her beloved lying on the bed.
The days came and went and Krillin, with his companion by his side, gradually recovered. The other three occupants of Kame House too grew accustomed to the cyborg girl by the warrior monk's side so much so the two almost became inseparable in their eyes; whenever one wasn't seem with the other, they'd inquire about the missing partner, prompting a quick summon of their partner-in-crime.
Roshi and Oolong had both gotten used to waking up to the sight of the young blonde either preparing some herbal based medicine or soup for their friend. While it was still rather hard to keep their perverted nature in check, as Oolong's mouth would occasionally slip while both at times "accidentally" gawked at her tad too long, repeated and mostly non-physical checks from the cyborg had kept them well behaved. After all, no one wanted to leave yet another Roshi-sized hole on the wall.
Turtle also grew fond of Eighteen's presence. The two would occasionally embark on missions to nearby islands to gather different herbs for the still-recovering z-fighter. During these trips, the centuries-old panchelonioidea was shocked to discover strange red flashes from the cyborg girl's otherwise crystal blue eyes.
"Don't worry Turtle, I'm just recording these herbs into my system so I can create these medicines without troubling you!" the young woman had said with a gentle smile, any traces of her nonhuman element long gone.
"I see, I'm sure he'll really appreciate that!"
For Krillin, living under the same roof as Eighteen at Kame House of all places made the days flew by like never before. While she had only begun to dwell at the house for no more than a week, it was as if this beautiful creature had always resided by his side since the very beginning. Let it be their peaceful walks along the beach, sampling each other's' cooking, or even consuming the weird medicines she created, Krillin found himself hopelessly entranced by her.
By kami, what if Eighteen left once I'm fully cured? Should I get sick just to have her stay a bit longer? No, she's too smart to fall for such a third-rated trick!
As for Eighteen, living with her beloved without having to worry about fighting Vegeta or Seventeen's interview had certainly granted her a different side of Krillin, a more everyday non-hassle side that, while not as intense as the warrior monk periodically on his toes for future troubles, was strangely charming in his own ways. Devoid of other troubles, the former cyborg killer found her life revolved around him, so much it actually scared her as she hadn't had any sleep since coming over to help him.
Another added bonus to staying with the world's strongest human, as the cyborg girl would reluctantly admit, was seeing his well-trained body regain its original shape. When he had tried flexing that sorry-excuse of a muscle days before in an effort to convince her he wasn't doing too bad, Eighteen could only shake her head in sympathy. Witnessing him painstakingly work back those muscles with astronomical amounts of push-ups, set-ups, and many other exercises had been a rather eye opening and, dare she say, cheeks flushing experience for her.
Granted, it wasn't like she hadn't seem him working out before, considering that six months they've spent inside the time chamber saw plenty of trainings. Now that there was no emergency looming over the horizon; however, this blasted peacetime had afforded her brain ample opportunities to daydream about his physique.
By Sixteen in heavens, I can never look at those muscles the same way again!
This increasing attraction had been something the cyborg girl found no one to confound to, until she had written a letter to her brother inquiring about his job application.
Hello Bro,
How you doing brat? Krillin's recovering pretty nicely and well, is definitely not as skinny as he was just days ago. Here's a picture of him, see for it yourself. I dare say he looked much healthier than you last saw him agreed?
Also have you heard any news from Monster Island? Hope you get a big "Yes" from them little bro. Can't wait to see you in one of those park ranger uniforms!
Love,
#18
To the elder sister's surprise, she ended up getting a rather elaborate reply.
Dear Sister Dearest,
Sup my dearest sister? Looks like you've been keeping yourself busy. Yeah I agree, Krillin sure looks fine. Also shows just where your eyes are glued at with these nicely taken photos.
No I haven't gotten any news from Monster Island unfortunately. If I don't get it though, I'll just have to visit the park on a regular basis. Don't be surprised, but I'm doing what you did all those months ago, exchanging letters with someone special.
And no, she's not short or muscle bound like your Krillin, not everyone digs the exact opposite to their physical form after all.
Okay, all jokes aside, I'm very happy for you sis. We'll meet again once Krillin got better and who knows, maybe by then I would've already gotten a job!
Your one and only brother,
#17
"Very cute little bro. It's good to see you finding someone though...wish you luck!" the elder twin said folding the letter neatly, holding onto it just a tad longer before placing it into her chest pocket.
That same afternoon while walking along the white sandy beaches, Krillin had tightened his muscles while only wearing a swimming trunk, giving her a clear view of just how much he had progressed.
"Hey Eighteen, check this out! I think I have completely recovered thanks to you!" Krillin proclaimed proudly while striking a pose.
Instead of finding her happy for him though, the young blonde woman let out a gasp then turned her face away from him, her cheeks flushing like never before much to the warrior monk's confusion.
"G-good for you Kril!" she muttered rather coldly.
Is Eighteen okay? Or perhaps she just doesn't believe me?
"Alright sweetie, how about this, why don't we spar a bit and you can see for yourself just how much I've recovered!" the warrior monk proclaimed taking up fighting stance.
No no no...not now...how can I face him like this? This is torture!
"No thanks Kril! Not interested!" Eighteen spat turning her back toward him.
"Oh common babe, don't you know better than to turn your back against your opponent?" she heard him calling out from behind but kept up her pace, trying to draw a bit of distance.
"Okay then, but just to let you know I'll be attacking you on the count of three!"
"Right, as if you can ever attack someone not intending to fight!" she declared and continued marching onward when suddenly, Krillin appeared in front of her and charged delivered a punch much to her shock.
A heated sparring session ensued, and the combatants darted all around the tiny island, kicking up white sandy grains all over the place as neither was willing to back down. Krillin was surprised by how much he wanted to prove to her, his strikes imbued with strength and his brain working overtime trying to find a strategy to crack her defense.
Common babe, don't you see just how far I've recovered thanks to you?
Eighteen meanwhile felt herself pushed to her limits; the sleep deprivation had taken its toll on her, not to mention his well-chiseled body was making concentrating near impossible. Her inner strength refused to falter despite the distraction; however, as the cyborg tried drawing strength from every fiber of her being.
Curse that dumb doctor for thinking he can create tireless killing machines just by giving us an infinite energy reactor. Guess he's never taken decreased cognitive abilities into account...
In their tired state, both combatants tried looking for an opening that would guarantee their victory and coming to the same conclusion.
I'll have to create a fake opening and then counterattack...please don't take this too harshly my love...
The warrior monk found a gap in her midsection just when the cyborg girl discovered his unguarded right chest, causing both to send their fists flying in unison.
A loud shockwave coursed through their tiny island estate, creating a small tidal wave that engulfed smaller waves beneath it. Once the dust settled, the pair ended up at the same spot where they had begun except for a few bruises and cuts on their attires.
"Hey, are you alright Krillin? Did the cyborg go haywire again and tried to attack you?" a foreign yet strangely familiar voice drifted into their ears and the two looked up to find Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu hovering above them.
"Relax Tien! Eighteen's just testing to see if I've recovered! She's been staying with us for the past week or so taking good care of me in fact!" Krillin quickly responded to his fellow z-fighters while subconsciously positioning himself in front of Eighteen.
"Oh yeah? Well she looked pretty serious back then if you ask me!" Yamcha chimed in appearing concerned.
Although the trio looked to be relatively at ease, both Krillin and Eighteen found telltale signs of them gearing for battle with the air current around them pulsing unnaturally.
"No you three don't get it, Eighteen really is just helping!" exclaimed Roshi rushing out to the opening, followed by Oolong and Turtle.
"Yeah, this lady over here can be a bit cold at times, but no one can deny she has a thing for Krillin here," Oolong said but not before eyeing the cyborg girl warily, secretly hoping she wouldn't get mad at him for calling her anything other than Eighteen.
"Thanks Roshi and Oolong!" her response almost made the two perverts undergo an out of body experience.
"Yo-you are most welcome ba...Eighteen...!" they exclaimed with deep crimson blushes, streams of equally red liquids could be seem dripped from their nostrils.
The trio let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Sorry to be so judgmental Eighteen, us warriors tend to take things a bit too seriously at times." Tien said apologetically.
"None taken, it's all good!" Eighteen replied but was too drained to soften her face.
On their way inside, they found a Roshi-shaped hole on a wall to which Yamcha palmed his face and peered over at the old master in a reproached manner while Tien and Chiaotzu exchanged puzzled glances.
"Uhh guys, what's with the hole?" the triclops inquired, trying to wrap his serious brain around the issue.
"Oh uhh...you see..." began the turtle hermit hesitantly. "So one day I tried handing Miss Eighteen her own room key, not that she would ever need it since she always sleep inside Krillin's room,"
The new arrivals were visibly caught off guard by this, their shocked expressions glued onto their friend and the blonde girl.
"Hey, don't give them the wrong idea old man, I was just making sure Krillin's alright twenty four seven. You on the other hand tried feeling up my arm after handing me the key so I tossed you through a wall!" Eighteen protested vehemently.
"Oh yeah, that happens a lot back when Launch and Bulma used to live here!" Yamcha stated matter-of-factly shaking his head. "You'll get used to it Eighteen, every female has experienced something like that here!"
The cyborg girl gave the desert bandit a tired smile. "Gee thanks Yamcha! You made me feel much better already!"
Back inside, the group gathered around the living room. Eighteen found herself laying sideways on a sofa comfortably, observing Krillin chatting lively with his companions. There were no coughs, sneezes, or anything, just smooth conversation from her patient. As they talked, the warrior monk would glance over her direction, always carrying that healthy smile devoid of sickness. Slowly but surely, the cyborg girl drifted into slumber herself, her mind finally at ease.
"So uhh...is Eighteen asleep?" Yamcha said pointing past Krillin's form.
After hours of non-stop conversation, the partiers quieted down enough to take note of the passed-out cyborg resting on the cough, wearing to some a never-seem-before tranquil expression.
Hearing this, Krillin spun around, nearly falling off his chair to find his girlfriend had long passed out with her arms curled around her waist. "Yeah, looks like it! Thanks Yamcha," the fighter said and took off his coat, wrapping it around her body.
Upon coming into contact with the cloth, the cyborg girl encircled her arms around it tightly, almost pulling Krillin down with her who nevertheless managed to pry his arm off without awakening the sleeper.
"To be honest I am very relieved she's finally asleep. I don't think she's taken any rest since coming here!" the haired monk said brushing a few golden curls from her face and tug them behind her ears.
There, just the way you like it Eighteen!
"Yeah, no kidding, she's like a robot not requiring any rest! Kinda scary if you ask me!" Oolong added all the while looking over his shoulder to make sure the cyborg's eyelids were shut.
Despite not stating Eighteen wasn't human outright, Krillin still felt his chest burning with displeasure and eyed the pig with a rare display of contempt.
"Hey, I'm just saying it weirded me out by someone never having to so much as take a nap that's all. Her having infinite energy is no joke you know...not that her devotion to you isn't admirable and all." Oolong quickly added.
The small gesture wasn't enough to calm Krillin yet though, whose lips remained pressed together like a snapped mousetrap.
"Not to be sensitive Oolong, but I sense you have something else to say about Eighteen,"
The tension between Oolong and Krillin had grown so thick not even a kienzan can slice through it and the rest slightly shuddered at the abrupt raise in temper fromthe otherwise gentle warrior.
"Look Krillin, I can see Oolong's point," Tien interjected putting a hand on his comrade's shoulder seeing the tense look on his face. "We are all very glad both Seventeen and Eighteen turned out well here, but the same wasn't the case from Future Trunk's timeline. You can't blame us for not getting weirded out by them can you?"
"Yeah buddy, you know I'm always with you man right from the start and am happy you two worked out well," it was Yamcha wrapping an arm around Krillin, giving him some gentle pat. "But I'd be lying to say I wasn't worry in the slightest at the beginning since, well, you know, in another future, she and her brother...well...let's just say destroyed the entire humanity." It took the desert bandit some quick thinking to word his sentence as intended.
But...but those two are not our Eighteen and Seventeen...don't you guys see it's wrong to even assume the worst? All it took was negative assumption to influence someone's behavior!
"I know you guys mean me well, I really do, but this isn't fair for them. They haven't done anything wrong and yet we see them as if they are born criminals, guilty until proven innocent!" unable to help himself, the warrior monk raised his voice, his words heavy and laden with emotion. Several agonizing seconds passed then finally, with a deep breath, the emotional fighter recomposed himself.
Chiaotzu was the first one to approach the still distraught monk as the former assassin laid a hand on his back. "We know Krillin, and I think we've realized our faulty reasoning, since we all used to be former criminals isn't that right guys?"
At his faithful companion's question, Tien nodded in silence while Yamcha looked up the ceiling, apparently reminiscing about his old time as a bandit. The two men then turned toward each other and let out sour chuckles, recalling how their first fight ended up.
"Yeah, let's all just start over with a clean sheet shall we?" Master Roshi, who had been watching the entire conversation silently at the back, interjected at last. "From what I've witnessed in the past several days, Eighteen's just a bit misunderstood and I can attest to her character. We'll forget about her future self what do you all say?"
The response was a unanimous "yes".
Krillin felt relieved and assured by the answers and while part of him wanted this whole business to just slide, he knew something else needed to be cleared so with great reluctance, he took to the stage once more. "Thanks fellows, also no more talk of this non-existent future Eighteen okay? There's only one Eighteen and Seventeen and they are both innocent!"
Again, the others readily agreed.
"Good, it's settled then, sorry about the outburst!" said Krillin feeling rather spent as he collapsed onto the couch beside Eighteen, gently stroking her hair.
"Hey, it's cool man, we get it!" Yamcha responded in good nature.
"Yeah it's all good Krillin, glad we can get this cleared up!" Tien added.
As they were talking, the clock struck eleven, signaling it was time for departure for the many guests. One by one, the z-fighters gave each other heartfelt hugs, their small quarrel long forgotten, replaced by a sense of comradeship.
"Thanks for coming over to check on me guys!" Krillin said as he wrapped his arms around each one of his friends.
"Good to see you well buddy!" Tien replied, his three eyes focused on the smaller man intently as if checking if he's really back in full shape.
Soon, the small congregation had dispersed, each to their own respective life like the many shooting stars flying toward their destination. Looking at the ever diminishing white auras, the four Kame House residents stayed at the beach until the bright lights were gone.
"Well, so are you happier now Krillin?" Roshi's voice came from behind the warrior monk.
"Yeah, thanks for the support master, and Oolong," Krillin turned toward his decades old friend with a smile. "I...may have been a bit too worked up back then, apologies!"
The pig could only shrug his shoulders. "Hey if there's someone to blame, it's me for making that kind of stupid comment!"
"Thanks Oolong, now if you will all excuse me, I should probably take Eighteen to bed."
The moment those words escaped Krillin's mouth, he knew he had made a terrible mistake as the entire Kame House became filled by an obnoxious and rather teenage-like "ohhhhhhh!" from the two resident perverts. The loud howling had made the monk cringe and much to his discomfort, feeling a bit dirty even if he hadn't harbored such vile intentions.
"No you idiots, I meant getting Eighteen a more comfortable place to sleep! My goodness!"
The trip upstairs had been an arduous one, not that his angel was heavy or anything. Truth being told,Eighteen weighted about as much as an ordinary woman. The challenging part came from carrying her while avoiding hitting the railings and corners until she's safely back in their shared room.
"Rest well babe, you more than deserved this well-earned rest!" he said as he placed her onto his mattress and was about to pull the blanket over her body when Eighteen suddenly grabbed hold of his arm.
"Eighteen!" he exclaimed in surprise but was more caught off guard by the most intense look in her eyes. It wasn't just anger, fear, or sorrow, but rather an unhealthy mix that had managed to erode past the aloof exterior she would put on during dire situations.
"Babe?" he blurted out, not knowing what else to say but feared the worst.
She's heard everything hasn't she?
"Kril, just tell me what were they talking about kay? What do they mean by destroying the entire humanity? Did I kill you too?" she muttered near breaking point.
Stunned beyond words, Krillin found himself confronted with the worst-case scenario but deep down he knew he'd have to face eventually.
"It wasn't you at all sweetie! You and your brother would never have done that to me, it was someone else!"
She wasn't buying it and her truth seeking orbs made that crystal clear.
"Someone else? Like another me from a different timeline? Is that why you guys were waiting right by the lab? To take me and Seventeen out before we can kill innocents?"
Krillin was unable to respond but nod at first. Eighteen looked like she was about to say something else but the warrior monk's raised open palm silenced her.
"It's a long story Eighteen, but you know the purple-haired youngster with a sword?" he finally gathered himself enough to ask the question, to which he nodded. "Well, that was Trunks, yes, the same infant in Bulma and Vegeta's arm during the party, that's him all grown up from another timeline."
The cybernetic creature didn't utter a word, her crystal blue orbs glued on the warrior monk's face, eagerly awaiting his explanation but in reality, she felt she already know the truth. There was no other way to explain why the z-fighters had gathered around the cave with those do-or-die expressions, there was no other explanation why someone as experienced as her Kril looked like he was scared to death despite the fact she and Seventeen hadn't killed anyone on the highway.
Krillin was obviously having trouble continuing too, his brows furrowed and his fist clenching and unclenching. Gradually, his healthy baby-pink complexion gave out to a chalk pale one and the cyborg immediately encircled her arms around him, putting him on the bed least he fainted due to his still on-going battle with illness.
"Anyways, the boy was from the future and he travelled back in time to inform us some four years ago that their world had been laid to waste by a pair of androids." He finally managed those words out with difficulty.
"And those two androids were supposed to be us?" she asked quietly, her delicate fingers brushing several strands of wet locks from his clammy forehead.
A firm not and worried gaze was all she got.
"And..." it was her turn to find courage deep within her to ask the next part, her heart thumping painfully against her chest. "And you know all this yet still decided to help me and Seventeen? But why? Because of the kiss? That silly incident?"
Her inquiry brought out a rather unexpected small chuckle from him, and while under normal circumstances she would've snapped, Artificial Human Number Eighteen still laid there beside him, her finger gently caressing his, hoping such meager gesture would lend him strength.
"As I've said in my letter before sweetie, it's more than that. Aside from the fact you two haven't done anything wrong, I guess a more innocent side of me can always tell there's more to you and Seventeen than rumor would have me believe. And that is enough for me to give you two a second chance which, as you can see, worked out well!"
Perhaps a wire within her had short-circuited, or perhaps she was merely stunned by the revelation, but Eighteen stayed there for some time unmoving, her pristine face frozen, suspended in time and space.
"Sweetie? You okay there?" he reached out a hand to gently stroke her cheeks, wondering if that would revive his beloved but she didn't respond.
She managed to shock him as the next thing Krillin knew, he was pressed against the mattress with the cyborg girl's arms wrapped securely around his body, her face buried against his chest. It was as if by letting him go, she would lose him forever.
To hear that he had already died twice was bad enough, but killed by my hands?
"You are such an idiot Kril! It wasn't just Cell absorbing me you had to worry about, but also the possible reality me and Seventeen could've snapped and killed millions, that's what you meant by your first letter! And you chose to let me go, giving me the chance when you could've saved millions not just from Cell, but from me!" she yelled, no screamed as her fists pounded against his without exerting much force.
In her past life, Eighteen might have cried as Lazuli, but since her abduction and forceful transformation into a killer cyborg, she had thought such human pleasure was completely deprived from her. That night; however, she found that assessment to be a big capital False as locked in each other's arms, the cyborg girl let rare traces of tear slid past her eyelids, all of which were gently kissed away by Krillin.
Gingerly, Krillin's lips trailed lower until he found it locked against hers, their tongues intertwined in a sensual dance that allowed her to taste the saltiness of her tears, further proof of her humanity that hadn't been robbed away. Their wandering hands meanwhile caressed each other's shaking form and for the first time, Eighteen paid especially close attention to the tactile sense of his firm muscles against her fingertips, feeling blessed and tad possessive she had lent a hand in helping him regain his physique.
"Shh...it's okay Sweeteen! It's okay..." he consoled afterwards, rubbing his hand in circle against her back until her pounding heart reverted to normal.
"You know, this might cheer you up a bit!" Krillin said after she had calmed down.
"Yes, Kril? What is it?" Eighteen asked staring at him with catlike curiosity, signs of her emotional episode had since vanished as fast as it arrived.
"You know that monster bug thingy?" he asked and her eyes narrowed in disgust.
"Yeah, I know that bastard Cell, what about him?" she spat before her eyes widened in rude realization. "There's another one in this timeline isn't there?"
Krillin saw the look of horror and found his heart sank for having brought the topic up but he also knew she'd be elated to hear what happens next.
"Yeah about that present Cell babe, you don't have to worry about him, because I killed him!"
As expected, the cyborg girl's face lit up like he had never seen before.
"You killed Cell?"
"Yup, blasted that guy to oblivion while he was still in a glass tube. So you see, there's nothing out there to worry about babe, cause I've taken care of everything!" the warrior monk boasted perhaps a bit too proudly, garnering him a playful flick on his forehead.
"Very cute! As expected from my Kril!"
The pair would drift into deep slumber soon after, feeling more complete than ever before with the other beside them.
A/N: Thanks for the long wait for this chapter. After indulging myself with those one shots, it was rather hard to come back to this story, which required quite a lot more concentration as well as fact checking with previous chapters to write.
Also some of you may have noticed that I broke the show don't tell rule by narrating what had happened in between Eighteen's stay at Kame House since showing every single day or event would've dragged this chapter way too unnecessary long. In short, I took a short cut and hope this didn't result in a decline in quality.
Once again thanks for sticking with this story and thanks for some of the suggestions from other readers. Your inputs definitely helped made this story better. At the same time I'm not sure when will the next and last main chapter be published, hopefully sometime in October. Afterwards is an epilogue so stay tuned.