Age 771, 10 Days After The Gathering
Today was the big day. It had been 10 days since Gohan asked 18 out and was not rejected, an unexpected outcome. He called her the following evening, around the time he expected her to not be that hungover. He was a bit worried that a sober 18 might end up canceling the date, but was pleasantly surprised to see her opinion remained the same.
Their conversation started as just a chat between two friends, 18 complaining about her head and Gohan laughing hysterically at her pain. The topic however shifted to their date, right after ending their talk about how the night went and how sweet everyone was. 18 was quite happy with the new friends she made, especially Bulma.
They decided on a traditional date. A nice dinner followed by a movie, the latter recommended by 18. Gohan was internally ecstatic that she too was looking forward to their date. His insecurities expected 18 to insult him or something any moment.
And this was why Gohan was in the middle of his room, only in his boxers, trying to figure out how to tie the tie given to him by Bulma. He had no idea why the hell his godmother recommended such a formal outfit, but given her status as the best scientist in the world, he trusted her judgement.
There was also his brother, who was trying to stop him from going away so that they could play. Gohan chewed his baby brother out quite harshly, causing the boy to burst into tears because "big brother is mean to me!", as Goten put it. Matriarch of the house scolded her firstborn quite well.
After a well-deserved yelling session with Chi-Chi and apologizing to Goten repeatedly, Gohan finally managed to leave the house. He still had 2 hours until he was going to meet with 18, and wanted to be prepared for everything.
The hybrid checked and double-checked everything before he left the house. Money from Bulma, which gave her teasing rights,check. Right outfit? Check. Bulma's dad's fancy watch to complete the outfit? Check. Flowers? He was going to the city this early to complete just that.
The Saiyan looked calm, but in reality he was nervous beyond belief. This was his first true date, and the lady happened to be a very classy and older woman.
Hybrid needed some male advice, but sorely lacked. That was why, since the cursed day of 26th of May 767, this was the first time he was truly furious with his father's choice.
During the early years of puberty, The Cell Games was on repeat in his mind. Thinking that he was not enough, he got foolish and arrogant. He himself was the one who did wrong, no one else. And the universe was punishing him accordingly, the boy who orphaned himself.
It was the Prince of All Saiyans who put an end to that. Vegeta made it clear that "the clown chose to be dead" and the brat was "so arrogant to think you control death". After that, Gohan never stopped thinking about that day. But rather what he thought of changed.
A subtle anger replaced his self-doubt. Why did his father leave them? Did he know of his mother's pregnancy? Was he angry at his firstborn, his miscalculation during the fight caused his death, after all.
Because his father thought this was the proper way, Goten would never get to meet his father. Who was to blame for that? Not even Gohan himself knew. He dismissed this line of thought, he knew all he was doing is gaslighting to himself, wrapping the events around his head.
The hybrid shook his head, all was over now. The date was what mattered the most. His thoughts went to his lady. Did she have the same worries as him? Probably not, since 18 was more experienced at dating, compared to him. Not to mention being all around a calmer person.
18 had not felt this nervous in a long time. And for many many good reasons. 1: She was entering a relationship in which she was secretly serious about, even at the beginning. Gohan was the perfect partner for life for her, though they were barely at the outskirts of the mountain.
2: It had been more than a year since the cyborg dated anyone, her new "partner" being the youngest ever. How should she act? She can't treat this as just any relationship, that's for certain. Outside of his age, Gohan also had a quality almost no one around her truly had before.
Passion, respect, and helpful. If she was to describe her uhh… friend? With few words these would've been them. No one but 16 and 17 actually interacted with her through sheer good-will. Everyone had ulterior motives with their relationships with 18, no one but the 3 of them.
This was why 18 could not act as she was entering any other relationship. Her general attitude toward dates, especially first dates, was distant and she treated the other as if they were no more than strangers. Most of her previous dates were all with strangers, anyways.
This rule was shattered like glass against pavement by Gohan. Not only did he not deserve her usual cold attitude, but also the blonde spent more time with him than anyone else, excluding 17 of course. He knew her quite deeply, as they had gotten pretty tight, courtesy of their therapy sessions.
She had 3 hours for the date and 18 had no idea what to wear. A skirt would not be appropriate, a dress would be too formal and anything else might be too casual. There was also the freezing cold of January up their asses.
After changing a few outfits, 18 decided on a white lacoste and blue skirt that went right below her knees. She also wore a red scarf and white leggings, accompanied by her favourite black coat. Not as classy as she usually prefered, but more appropriate for today. 18 didn't wear her glasses today, no need to look even older.
Her brother found it unexpected to see her dating their little friend. 17 did not expect 18 to harbor any sort of romantic feelings towards Gohan, but was evidently wrong. He couldn't dismiss his sister's reasoning of Gohan being an ideal partner to her in the future. There were very few people who understood them and could relate to them, Gohan was the best of the bunch.
17 wasn't exactly thrilled that 18 was going to be dating a minor for now, but trusted her judgement. After all, she was the serious one; if 18 was going to commit to something, it was probably a good thing.
18 finally managed to leave their house after doing her hair and applying the minimal amount of makeup, minimal amount, maximum efficiency. Gohan found a nice diner in the centre of the West City, and planned to meet at the outskirts and then walk there. It'd take around an hour of walk to get there, giving them enough time to get in the mood and all.
The cyborg landed behind a tree, completely erasing the spider that dared to climb on her while doing so. She tried to sense Gohan's ki, a skill taught to her by himself. She almost laughed out loud to sense his nervousness when she did sense him. He stood around 150 meters away, stressful and nervous.
18 walked up to him, as Gohan couldn't sense her non-existent ki. And then she saw him, checking his too-fancy-looking-for-him watch and looking around.
18 threw her head back and burst out, laughing.
For reasons only the great lord of lords knows, he looked as though he was on a business meeting. Brown jacket and a black vest over a light blue button-up, tucked in of course. Brown pants, black belt and and dark blue tie also fit the look rather well. 18 was 100% sure the hybrid wasn't the one to pick this attire. He also had a wonderful bouquet: roses, orchids and many more. The flowers were really good. She had to give him that.
Gohan looked embarrassed and furious. He spent half an hour tying this stupid tie and his date laughed at him the moment she saw him. The poor hybrid didn't know what to do or say. His date was dressed well, as per usual, though not as fancy. Should he compliment her? Respond in kind? Not say a single word about her outfit?
Deciding on the proper action, Gohan fiercely glared at 18, "Nice to see you too, 18!" He checked his collar, maybe that was the problem. It was not. "If you wanted to make fun of me there was no need to wait for a date." He crossed his arms, "This is just rude."
18's laughter was immediately silenced as she noticed with resentment his tone, which he never used for her. Gohan was notoriously soft on her, unlike the furious man in front of her. 18 bowed her head, ashamed with the way she acted.
"I apologise, Gohan," Her mouth twitched slightly, her eyes going softer. "I didn't mean to be rude. It's just that you look so formal." A somber smile graced 18's features. Gohan was the only true friend she had, probably the second ever if Lazuli wasn't a very social girl, and his companionship meant greatly. Even before the date. An invaluable person.
Gohan sighed and closed his eyes, shaking his head. "Alright, apology accepted." He grinned so slightly, "I like dressing up formally, Bulma helped me pick these." The hybrid immediately regretted telling her he got help. Should he have told that?
18 on the other hand, smirked smugly. "Nailed it. I already knew you didn't pick that attire." She playfully smacked his shoulder. The cyborg knew exactly how to push her friend's buttons, mostly to annoy him.
Said hybrid glared at her, though a playful spark was dominant in his eyes. "Haha, oh great Detective Artificial Human Number 18." Gohan knew very well that she absolutely hated being called "artificial human". Made her self-concious. Serves her right, as far as he was concerned.
Blonde didn't feel like telling him to not call her that, but rather had a different idea concerning her name. Her true name was very very private. Only 1 person knew of it, and used it only in private. Maybe Gohan should be in the "Lazuli Circle"? He gets quite happy over being included in stuff. Even moreso if the "stuff" isn't a planet-buster alien lifeform.
"Lazuli". 18 interjected, this was it. "If we're going as far as a date, then you get to know my real name. " Gohan's eyes went as large as planet Jupiter at the revelation. Eighte-Lazuli? Why did he not know of this? How did he not even wonder about this?
Gohan frowned, confused. "Why are you telling this, now, why is this so important that you waited so long to tell me?" Son of Goku knew he was being rude, but wanted some answers. This appeared as though it was private business.
18 replied, calmly but with somewhat cold eyes. "My name in itself is important, do you not think?" Her voice gained venom, "Though clearly, you do not seem to think so."
Gohan panicked, she took it so wrong! "No no, I don't mean that!" He waved his hands rapidly, "I just didn't think if it was this important, you'd have told me already. I know enough about you to write a documentary." Of course she is angry, you idiot. Gohan thought to himself. He literally dismissed her name and was trying to justify it.
18 huffed in annoyance, "No one but 17 knows Lazuli. Not even late 16 knew it, may his soul rest in peace. "They shared a moment of silence for their fallen comrade. "You are the second person to learn about it, I trust you enough for that. So, you can call me Lazuli from now on." She lifted her finger, "But only in private or around 17. I don't want other people to learn about it."
Gohan nodded, happy that 18 trusted him so much. This was supposed to be her biggest secret, if he understood correctly. "Thank you for putting trust on me. " He took upon a confident smile, bowed and gave her the flowers. "Lazuli." 18 smiled sweetly and took the flowers from him as they chuckled at his antics,in the middle of puberty his personality was sometimes very mature and sometimes very childish.
They nodded to each other and began walking, a long night awaited them.
The walk took a tad bit longer than what they had planned. Around 80 minutes, they arrived to the gate of the restaurant, the duo enjoyed each other's company greatly. Their conversation began by reminiscing the days with 16, Gohan glaring at 18 when she mentioned the first day they met, happily reminiscing the day when she was the strongest.
Gohan knew she was being sarcastic, the days, entailing and following, of Cell were most traumatic for his friend. Blonde made fun of her misfortune quite a bit since their therapy sessions. Gohan theorized it was to cope. Their conversation shifted to lighter topics after that.
17's horrible cooking was what 18 complained about the most, as he somehow managed to burn the kitchen, boiling eggs. Gohan had no idea how he managed to pull that off, but all was a secret when it came to 17. He hoped the siblings still had room to cook.
They stood in front of the gate, ready to officially start their date. Colorful flowers decorated the gardens, encircling the entrance to an old-style restaurant. Wood and Stone everywhere, cobblestone as pathways and many trees inside. The place blend in rather well with the nature.
"So this is it?" Gohan broke the silence, the duo still in awe of the place. "We're here, finally." He took a deep breath, the air was surprisingly clear for the city.
18 sighed as she repeated his words, "This is it." Cyborg smirked slightly, "Date time, eh?" Gohan chuckled to that.
"Gotta thank those genes, I already look like an adult." That much was true, he had to shave every day! Quite annoying. He was jealous of 17 in that regard, he didn't have to spend 10 minutes in front of the mirror every morning.
18 raised her eyebrows, "And that matters because?" Then it dawned on her. "Oh yeah."
They spoke in unison, "Age gap."
"Let's find a table; we've got a reservation," Gohan said quietly after a few seconds of awkward silence. Subtle country accent made him sound funnier than he was trying to be.
Gohan and 18 finally managed to sit down, their reservation was somehow cancelled and they had to get everything right. They had a nice seat, near the garden and out of the vision. Not many people would walk near them, secluded and nice.
18 huffed, "I'll have a talk with the person who fucked up our reservation the moment I meet them." She gulped down the entire glass of cold water in front of her, to lower her blood temperature a bit.
"I don't think there is any reason to blast people for a mistake, 18." Gohan raised his own glass as a waitress refilled 18's, "Everything is fixed now, nothing left but to enjoy our night." He gave her a half-amused, half-threatening look. Sending the message that he was not going to let her kill people.
18 looked deeply into his eyes, using the long-since perfected glare,"I'm not gonna blast anyone, I'm too civilized for that." She crossed her arms, "A simple talk is all I want." Her frowning eyes betrayed her voice.
Gohan slumped his shoulders, backed down and muttered, "Your future-self would say a word or two about that." This was a topic he was not planning to talk to 18 anytime soon, but unfortunetaly she heard him.
18's frown lessened, barely. "Future-self?" She tilted her head to the left, "Who the hell is that? What are you talking about?" Gohan looked very uncomfortable mentioning some future personality, was there something he convienetly forgot to tell her?
The hybrid's eyes widened, 18 expected an explanation. He took a deep breath. "This is not a pretty story, 18. Definitely not as pretty as you." He chuckled, a somber undertone to his voice, "Are you sure you want to learn of it? I'm not claiming for a good ending, either."
18 nodded confidently, "There is something you are upset about and it concerns me." She realized her own pun, "Both emotionally and literally, appearently." This may be an unusual circumstance, but 18 still wanted to know what is it that has shaken him up.
Gohan closed his eyes to prepare himself, the following story began with his father's death, followed with his 13 years of torture, by the very woman sitting in front of him, and ended with eventual death. He cursed the day he begged Trunks to tell him everything. He couldn't escape the nightmares for a while.
"Alright, it all begins with the lavender-haired person you met 4 years ago…"
The duo sat in silence, uncomfortable as Gohan finished telling the tale of Trunks and his timeline. She understood his distress all too well, now. More than what she'd like.
Gohan told her the tale of a timeline, different from their own. A place where 17 and 18 were more than just numbers, but also the names of two great executioner siblings. A place where Lapis and Lazuli truly died, a place where Artifical Humans replaced their very identity.
18 could not pick what was the most horrifying fact about his story. Her and her baby brother killing billions? Maybe. Slaying countless innocent children? Maybe. Or, on a much more personal note, torturing and murdering the very person she's dating.
18 went pale, all blood driven from her face. What was her reasoning with everything? She had to have some reasons, right? Maybe their release from the bunker was worse? Maybe, uhh…
Go to hell.
There was nothing to justify, she was nothing more than an executioner there, and according to Gohan's story, this was how things were supposed to turn out. Destroying cities and murdering innocents, torturing Gohan, and Trunks every now and then, and not giving a damn about their actions while doing so.
Her hands shook as she imagined herself there. Dropping buildings on people to test out laws of physics for example, what was she even thinking?
Gohan's words of comfort fell on deaf ears. All Lazuli could think about, at that very moment, was how many people she herself would've murdered mercilessly, if not for Trunks coming back in time to reshape the past.
She remembered Trunks as being against her the most, now truly understanding his point of view. She wasn't just any enemy, she was the enemy. A murderer through and through, and no act of redemption can redeem for the dead, tortured or both.
"Lazuli!" Gohan bellowed, he cursed himself for telling her everything. Her face pale, eyes sunken with a somber expression. He was 100% sure her eyes were subtly moistened.
Lazuli rose in her seat, returning back to the real world. She looked up to Gohan, his eyes full of worry. She went so deep in her mind she forgot the real one. Then she said, quietly, "I did all that, huh?" She closed her eyes, the world was too fast right now.
Gohan tried to comfort her, "You and that woman may look similar," For the first time in their date, he reached to her hand, holding and grasping it firmly. "But you two are not the same person. You're better than that, dear Lazuli."
18 forced a smile, happy that he at least tried to make her feel better. Unknown to her date however, 18's doubts and worries on life were rooted deeply, and the more she thought of the world, all she could imagine was one where she was the enemy.
Her eyes watered, Gohan thought it was because she was happy he was trying to comfort her. Unknown to him, those were the tears shed for a world, full of people. A world long gone, all because of her. Not for a simple act of kindness.
The cyborg shook her head nonetheless, grasping Gohan's hand firmly. "I know, I know." She gulped down another glass of water, breaking eye contact, "I was supposed to be that woman, right? The one that kills. The one that harms-" She remade eye contact, frowning deeply, "One that harmed you."
Gohan gently squeezed her hand "You were supposed to be the woman who is my friend," He grinned, raising his glass of water as if he was toasting, "Who is also dating me now, not her."
Since they entered this damned restaurant, 18 has finally managed to smile genuinely, mimicking his actions and raising her own glass."I guess so. No need to wonder of what could have been." She wasn't exactly happy, but his truthful words helped a little.
Gohan nodded confidently, "Indeed."
The duo left the restaurant after 2 more hours, finding themselves before the local cinema. The place was made out of crimson bricks, led lights enlighting the entire frontyard. It wasn't anything grand, unlike the restaurant. Just the entrance and a few trees here and there. And also a statue of oh great Mr. Satan, golden and shining proudly. 18 decided she didn't like this place very much.
There were a lot of movies to pick from, a playful argument sparking over them.
"I suggest the rom-com, ma'am," Gohan teased, raising his eyebrows and putting the most shit-eating grin 18 had ever seen on him, "Perfect for the perfect night, is it not?" He grinned even wider.
18 delinked their elbows, flicking him in the head, clearly not amused with his joke." Even if we did see that," She slided her hand through her hair, fixing the loose strand, "You'd sleep for 90% of it. Don't even try to deny it."
Gohan raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin not falling one bit, "I denied no such thing, miss Lazuli." He went back to his insufferable teasing, "So you say you'd watch a rom-com with me? It's sooooo lovey-doveeeee- ugh!" 18 elbowed him harshly, served him right. The hybrid didn't even complain, if anything he was happy his teasing did what he desired.
18 wanted this ridiculous argument to be over so she said, curtly,"Action Adventure, there is a movie about a bald guy with an axe and a brat, fighting against some divine shit. Should be amusing." Without speaking a word, she marched to the ticket seller, leaving her date standing there, unable to contain his mirth.
Gohan and 18 left the cinema, much much more impressed with the story than they expected to be. Appearently the story wasn't just a daddy with his girl fighting a god or two but rather actually had some good story-telling and action. Gohan shed a tear when the father "Fratos" called his daughter "Butreus" daughter and not girl the first time, right at the end.
"Damn, that was a good one!" 18 laughed, reciting the jokes of the talking head in the movie, Kikir. Gohan took her hair and wrapped it around his head, to create a fake beard, "I am? I am! Oh I wonder how long that's been so." He laughed momentarily, unable to stop himself, "Back when Preya had my head on her mercy, or back when I figured out Taldur's weakness?"
18 laughed, again. "Head! Tell me Taldur's vulnerability." The story was emotional and tense, but the jokes were 10/10. 18 planned to watch it again, 17 must see this.
"Sorry sister, but Taldur is blessed with invulnerability to all threats, physical or magical!" They grasped each other's shoulders, the date was ending and it was such a perfect one.
18 wiped the tears on her eyes, sighing happily. They stood in silence for a few minutes, relishing in each other's comfortable presence.
Gohan checked his watch as snow began to fall, it was a January night after all. 23:20 to be precise. 18 wasn't planning to catch cold because of snow, so she decided the best course of action was to officialy end the date night. Even if she did not want to, at all. "This was a good night, do you not think?" Gohan chuckled to that, "You talk like Fratos now, huh?" 18 shaked her head, amused.
"Indeed it was. Thanks for everything, 18." His hands found her's again, this was a critical moment and he had a good guess about her answer. "A second date perhaps, ma'am?" Gohan sounded very professional, as if talking to a manager , "I believe my schedule for next thursday night is open."
18 tucked her hair behind her ear, fallen from laughing so hard. "It appears as though my schedule is wide open, Sir." Doing her best "Kikir" impression while talking, "I suggest I give you a call this time, it's only proper." They nodded to each other, the duo enjoyed tonight greatly.
"I believe so, too. Miss Lazuli. Take care." They squeezed each other's hands and took their leaves. 18 knew, somewhere in her soul, tonight was definitely the start of something big.
Dear reader, I apologize for anything and everything about this chapter! The fact that it took 3 weeks to write, the fact that I'm very unhappy with it and the fact that it's shorter than what I want for my chapters. The main reason behind all this is that I simply had no wish to write this chapter, it was never a part of the original story plan. I simply forced myself into writing it, the result is this inferior chapter compared to the previous one. I apologize once again, the next chapter is going to be much more unique and I can't wait to write it. Please be brutally honest with your reviews, they mean a great deal to me!