REASON
Reason transformed into prejudice is the worst form of prejudice, because reason is the only instrument for liberation from prejudice.
-Allan Bloom
Disclaimer: The Dragonball characters and concepts in this story do not belong to me. They belong to Akira Toriyama and I'm not Akira Toriyama because if I was I don't think this would be called a fanfic. I'm not making any money off posting this.
Authors Notes: Sorry that this took so long. I'd like to say that from now on these will be more regular, like before, but exams are coming up so I don't see that happening. Don't blame me, blame the stupid cyclone and assignments and my boss and exams and hangovers. By the way, if this is getting confusing then tell me. I tend to get very confusing at time because I know what I'm talking about, but I forget you don't. Just be warned that certain things are meant to be slightly confusing at the minute, but you should be able to understand the basic plot.
For those who wanted me to stop cutting parts out of my story then the full version is now available, it's published as a separate story, hopefully very near this one. I will continue to post both versions for the rest of this story.
Chapter 5: Closing In
The group scanned the skies, waiting and hoping that Gohan and Piccolo would land before them any second with apologetic grins on their faces. Goten did not expect such a thing to occur, deep down he knew it was impossible, but he still hoped. He looked over at Trunks, who quickly looked away trying to pretend he had not being studying Goten closely, wondering why he was sensing something that nobody else could. Goten knew that Trunks thought he was being foolish, but he knew for sure that these powers did not belong to the people they felt like.
Just as the impatience began to show amongst the group, two small specks appeared on the horizon. It was mere chance that Goten managed to see them, as everyone had expected an aerial arrival. Goten however was trying his best to think outside the box, as something rather unusual was going on and he knew it. There was something about this enemy that worried him, they weren't the typical, 'I must be the strongest and control the world' enemy. Instead they seemed to have tact and stealth and definitely a lot of understanding of the Z-Warriors fighting style. He took a double take, making certain his eyes weren't lying to him. Realising that the figures were not a figment of his hyperactive and nervous imagination he alerted the others to the presence. Everyone watched closely, unsure of how to react. It certainly could have been Piccolo and Gohan, but Goten was acting very defensive, not taking his eyes off the approaching specks. To Goten the advance seemed to take forever, he could almost hear the gentle tick of the clocks in the world slow down. The closer they came, the more he could sense the void in the souls of these things. "Androids." The comment was simple and clear and now nobody doubted his assumption and fully accepted the fact that someone had been imitating the power of their close friends. Each of them took a fighting stance, now also waiting alongside Goten. Suddenly, to all the approach became tedious and deliberately frustrating. They were all too familiar with the mind games that Gero's androids had played.
Krillen, trying not to let his voice shake too much said, "Bulma, Chichi, Videl, you'd better get inside."
Bulma opened her mouth to protest, but Chichi gave her a gentle tug on the arm and whispered to her, barely audibly, "Go look after Vegeta." Chichi knew she had hit a soft spot, something that Bulma would deny in the future, because Bulma gave up and almost hastily returned to the shelter of Capsule Corporation.
"Chaotzu, you'd better go too." Tien said. Although it pained him to batter his confidence so, Tien knew that Chazotzu just wasn't strong enough. However, at the back of his mind something reminded him that none of them were really. Not even Vegeta or Goku had been strong enough to win, so what chance could they possibly have. Trying to ignore the morbid thoughts that wormed into his mind he looked at the warriors around him, noticing similar fear reactions.
As the two silhouettes moved closer it became very clear that they were the androids. The two approaching with saccharine smiles imprinted on their faces and evil imprinted in their eyes. The way they carried themselves alone told the group that they were androids. They were immortal beings, unaware of such human vices as fear and remorse. It was likely they didn't even know of death's cruel games. The confident strides were still strangely relaxed. Their short black hair was tousled by the slight breeze making their silent smiles appear even more foreboding.
Fear was beginning to breed amongst the warriors. "Why are they taking so long?" Yamucha cried out in frustration. Nobody answered, it was not a question that required an answer and in any case nobody could answer without proving to themselves through their nervous ramblings just how afraid they were. Instead the group waited in silence.
*
"Sir, Yonhyakugou and Gohyakugou encountered some resistance during their search for Goku. There were two of them, but sensors indicate they fled from the scene after only a short battle. However, during the battle a Hisan no Kosen was fired."
"Why? The androids should not be wasting power on such insignificant matters so soon before the great battle."
"They've still got at least ten minutes before they find Goku, so there will be plenty of time to recharge. Besides, the android logic systems enable them to make judgement calls such as that one. If they used Hisan no Kosen then there will have been a good reason for it..." Paul's voice faded as his attention was drawn towards the screen, "which there was. Take a look at this, sir."
Jaques leaned towards the screen. "What? What am I looking at?"
Paul pressed a few buttons, and enlarged the grainy image on screen. "We've just received these images from Gohyakugou." Typing in a few more commands the image began to grow clearer. "It's Son san's son, Gohan."
"So Gohan has been hit with a Hisan no Kosen."
Paul nodded blankly.
"Then god truly is on our side."
The simple quote drew Paul's attention. It amazed him to think that Jaques was fighting God's war in his mind. He had originally hated the pompous attitude of Jaques, but he was starting to sound a little more than fanatical.
"Do we have an approximate time of impact?"
"Umm," Paul squinted at the screen. "Approximately 0157 hours."
"And how much longer till Vegeta and Goku start to feel the effects of the Hisan no Kosen?"
"Only a few more hours."
*
"Hang in there." Piccolo told Gohan as he gently lay him on the dry earth. Gohan let out a low moan in his unconscious state. Piccolo quickly checked Gohan over properly searching for any additional damage other than the scalded hands. Piccolo had fled the scene without any plan other than getting away from the battle. Not normally his style, but there was more at stake than his pride. He was almost at Capsule Corporation, but had decided to walk the remainder of the journey for safety reasons. He gently lay Gohan over his shoulders and continued on.
Arriving at Capsule Corporation Piccolo was surprised to find everyone outside staring at two androids. The pathetic quivering of the other warriors irritated Piccolo, but he realised he had just walked in on a very tense situation so wisely said nothing. Instead he walked by them all and kicked open the front door of CC. Without hesitation he walked swiftly through the corridors with his cape flowing behind him.
Bulma and Chichi stared at one another when they heard the footsteps echoing through the halls. The air suddenly seemed to thicken with tension and Bulma silently cried out to her husband to wake up. Although she'd never admit it, she enjoyed the sense of security she experienced around Vegeta, when he was awake anyway. Chaotzu, who sat quietly in a dark corner recognised the power signal, but didn't say anything. He hadn't really noticed the reactions of the other girls in the room as he was too busy wallowing. A huge shadow appeared menacingly in the doorway and Bulma and Chichi sank further back in their seats. Videl, however, seemed to recognise the figure and called out a greeting, "Piccolo."
"Hm!"
"Where have you been? Have you seen Gohan?"
Piccolo emerged into the full light revealing his company. Chichi seemed to suddenly come out of her state of shock and rushed up to attend to her son and Bulma followed suit only a second later. Piccolo ignored the frantic women and pushed past them to a vacant bed. He paused for a second as if reconsidering his actions, then with the grace and care of a parent lowered Gohan to the mattress. He took a step back to let the others tend to him, but found himself stepping into Chichi.
"Hey, watch where you are going."
The shrill cry pierced Piccolo's ears. Nevertheless his pride would not allow him to show the pain caused so he simply moved to stand in a dark corner, content to watch from a distance. He felt slightly ashamed that he had revealed so much tenderness towards a person and hoped that everyone was too occupied to notice or remember. Taking the opportunity Piccolo glanced over his enemies, Goku and Vegeta. He noticed that Vegeta's face was especially sallow and that Goku didn't look much better. Both had very low power readings. He also noticed Chaotzu sitting quietly in a corner with his head bowed. Had he not been given the opportunity to reflect then Piccolo would have probably overlooked Chaotzu due to his secluded position and his low power. Piccolo wondered how he must feel being left behind by all the other fighting giants.
He wasn't given long to ponder it. Not much later everyone took their attention away from Gohan for long enough to interrogate Piccolo. He gave a brief recount of the events before taking off to the battle which he sensed had just begun outside.
*
Goten and Trunks began to power up, sensing that they would probably have to control the direction of the battle, at least until their fathers arrived. Juuhachigou did the same only seconds later. Krillen, Yamcha and Tien reluctantly gathered their energy preparing for the hard struggle that inevitably lay before them. Even Goten had a touch of fear in his eyes, but Trunks seemed almost eager to rip the androids apart. Goten briefly gave Trunks a sidelong glance, but Trunks caught his eye and silently reprimanded him for not focusing on the androids. The androids stood impassively, watching the events with amusement. A silent cue seemed to go off in their programming once the Z-Warriors reached a certain power and the two took a flying leap in a perfectly synchronised motion. Still unsure of what they were up against the others readied themselves for the action, but with less grace and confidence than the androids. Their lack of organisation cost them as each member was singled out and picked off within seconds. Fortunately no member was seriously hurt, but somewhat perturbed. Trunks, fuelled by the rage emerging from his hurt ego, got straight back into the action, but again was simply tossed aside. Neither android seemed particularly interested in killing anyone, only keeping them out of the way. It was about then that Piccolo let his energy surround himself, drawing many eyes. As his aura swirled about him the androids began to speak, "Where is Goku?" The voice was very crisp. No words or emotions were wasted in the request, making it sound so much more dangerous.
"Goku who?" Piccolo replied.
"Tell us where Goku is?"
Trunks beat Piccolo to the response, "Never." His words were emphasised by a strong burst of power emanating from his every pore. With their wits gathered the group launched a more organised assault with Trunks pushing at incredibly high levels for so early on in the fight.
Thud, thud! Two more identical figures landed and calmly approached the scrimmage before letting their power explode outward. With more ease than seemed likely each claimed a single opponent. One had isolated Goten from the group forcing him into a one on one. The other simply got on Trunks's nerves, coercing him from the safety of his friends.
Goten pushed his foot outward in a sweeping kick aimed at the ankles of the android. The young girl skilfully flipped over the foot, but Goten reacted quickly managing a reasonably aimed roundhouse to the knee. With the android off balance from blow Goten zipped up to his opponent landing a well placed uppercut to the young girls jaw sending her flying backwards for a second then falling to dig a trench with her own torso. The exhilaration of success began to loosen Goten up even further. Keeping a wary eye on the figure that lay in the dust Goten threw his hands to his side preparing for a Kame Hame Ha. Before he had the first syllable out he noticed a quick movement and suddenly the battered girl was gone. Stunned and confused Goten looked about him, seeing the other raging battles around, but unable to locate his foe. On a whim he twisted his head skyward and found a foot falling toward his face. He jumped from the path of the falling android, but the foot clipped his shoulder making it numb for a second. That second was enough to allow the android to place an elbow squarely in Goten's gut. Goten's eyes spread wide, his mouth captured in a half formed cry of pain. The android took advantage of his situation and landed a blow to the head before chambering a foot for a back kick. Goten recognised the sign and quickly moved to block the attack, but the blow to his head had stunned him just enough to slow his reaction. The foot hit Goten's upper torso and he let himself fall backwards, needing a chance to recover. The android was strong and it was too dangerous to let her land many blows, especially in such quick succession. He considered going Super Saiyan right then, but decided to save his trump card for really dire straights. For a split second he took a quick glance at Trunks, hoping that he was doing better.
Meanwhile Trunks was facing his own threat. He also had an android to himself, but had been experiencing less luck than Goten. Already blood trickled from several places and flowed freely from others. Trunks had managed to maintain possession of his sword, but was seriously considering getting rid of it. Although it was an advantage, this android was a lot stronger and faster than Trunks and that meant his weapon could be turned against him. Deciding on a final attempt with his sword Trunks jumped aside from a low front kick and drew it across the androids chest, feeling it jar as it traced its way through the skin. Almost doubting his own senses Trunks took a double take and realised that he had indeed hurt the android. The android touched the wound gently then cocked his head sideways, glaring at Trunks out of the corner of his eyes and smirked. The smirk contained so much of Vegeta in it that Trunks found himself doubting the identification of this creature and relaxed his posture. A cry of pain from Yamucha in the distance brought Trunks back to reality though and he quickly resumed a fighting stance.
Piccolo, Yamucha and Tien had ended up facing another android. Piccolo dominated most of the fight with Tien and Yamucha acting as back up. Taking the gamble of energy attacks Piccolo fired a Makankosappo toward the android, but keeping it relatively weak just in case these androids could absorb energy. Because all four looked alike it was impossible to tell which was which and any differences in abilities and strength. The beam raced towards the android at an incredibly menacing speed, lighting up the area immediately around it. Almost instantaneously the android moved out of the blasts range letting the two coiled beams fly towards the distance. Seconds later an enormous explosion was heard as it impacted some distant mountain. Neither Piccolo nor the android saw it though as they were already exchanging blows once more. Tien saw an opportunity and sped around the back of the android while he was occupied by Piccolo. Taking the second attacker in his stride the android simply sped up his blocks, letting each arm move independently, perfectly tracing the strikes of his opponents. By now Yamucha had his fears in check and also moved to attack the android. Realising this would stack the odds unfairly the android pushed back on his opponents almost toppling them as he took to the sky allowing his feet free motion. Now when all three blasted towards him he was able to utilise each of his limbs to block attacks and only seconds later, blast Tien and Yamucha from the sky.
Krillen and Juuhachigou had paired up and were actually experiencing the most luck out of the four groups. Juuhachigou had a considerable advantage as she knew the enemy well. She had been this same enemy not too long ago. Using incredibly quick and skilled feint techniques Juuhachigou was able to land several blows, although she never had enough time to pour all of her power into any of them. Krillen also benefited from the distraction because the android focussed his energy on Juuhachigou recognising her strategic knowledge. Juuhachigou feinted a roundhouse before ramming her other foot into the androids gut and pulling her fist upward under his ribs. For a second the android was stunned. Juuhachigou then moved to stand adjacent to him and rammed an elbow into his back causing him to bend at an unnatural angle. Then once more she stood to face him, fist cocked, just before she saw a flash of Piccolo's Makankosappo appear in her peripheral vision. The momentary hesitation cost her dearly as the android once more took control throwing an energy ball in her direction. In jumping out of the way she landed in a somewhat vulnerable position, her weight off balance and her arms not ready for blocks. Before she knew it a foot came flying for her ankles, knocking her off her feet. Flipping herself over backwards she gained a reasonable distance from the enemy and took in a few sharp and heavy breaths.
*
Bulma, Chichi and Videl could hear the sounds of a raging battle outside. Each felt guilty for their absence, but also realised that they would be more hindrance than help in the situation. Chichi felt torn between her sons bedside and her husbands. She could hardly believe that they lay there so helplessly while such a monumental struggle was on. What worried her the most was that Goten was out there, attempting to achieve what both Gohan and Goku had failed at. Bulma had to tend to all three warriors, but spent the most of her time with Vegeta. She enjoyed being able to gently stroke his brow and run her fingers along his arms without him yelling at her, but hated seeing him so weak because she knew what strength meant to him. She was almost envious of Chichi and Videl who sat next to their husbands as both Gohan and Goku were in far better states than Vegeta. Silently in her head she told Vegeta that he mustn't leave her now, especially now. If only you knew, she thought.
*
Mike and Trina trudged through the streets. "Hurry up!" Mike urged getting impatient with Trina's speed. They were at the back of the pack which was accelerating rapidly. All were eager to see Son Goku's demise, something that Jaques had promised them if they were to hurry. He did not offer any transportation due to sheer numbers. However, he had given them the location of the battle and all had rushed off to see the final hours. Trina felt a little disgusted that they could take so much enjoyment out of watching a man beaten to death, especially when he had no way of defending himself. Personally the thought of killing a person disgusted her no matter what the circumstances, but wisely she kept these opinions to herself. It was too late to get out now. Even if she managed to peel off from the group they would turn against her whenever she was spotted. In a game of rebellion those who sit on the fence are considered to be on the opposite side. She was not one of the rebels, nor was she one of the general public. She glanced casually at Mike who gave her a gentle smile, trying to give her silent support. She returned the gesture, knowing that he needed as much reassurance as she did right now. Releasing her hand from its warm spot in her sleeve she reached out towards Mike's hand which was swaying at his side. They grasped hands tightly and each pulled a little closer to one another. The warmth and comfort provided by the simple action was immeasurable at such a time.
*
Jaques tapped his hands on the armrest impatiently. "What's going on?" he snapped at Paul who was trying to keep track of all four androids at once while still trying to get Hyakugou onto the battlefield. There were five screens above the computer consoles, each with the respective name printed above them. Jaques stared impatiently at Gohyakugou's monitor which was showing a lot of static. "Why isn't Gohyakugou sending proper signals?" he demanded, almost expecting the answer he received two minutes ago to change.
"Like I said," Paul replied through gritted teeth, "it's probably just atmosphere."
"Then why isn't it affecting the others?"
"I don't know, but it's not important right now. Let me get Hyakugou ready then I'll worry about your television entertainment."
"Need I remind you that this is more than mere entertainment. Goku's demise will be the biggest event in history since the atomic bomb. Our record of that event should be more than a grainy blur."
"You have three other androids there which should provide you with more than enough footage and if you let me work then you'll have an image from Hyakugou too."
"Why wasn't Hyakugou working properly in the first place? I thought you said everything would be fine. I told you we only have one shot at this."
"Yes, yes I did." Paul said a lot more subdued, obviously lost in deep thought.
"Are you going back on your word?" Jaques looked as if he was about to have a coronary any second.
"No, it's just a minor programming glitch. One of the code loops seems to have been bypassed. I'm running an analysis on it now and it will be fixed in no time. Don't worry, even if we had waited we might not have noticed this. We made allowances for this sort of thing."
"I hope so, for your sake."
Restraining a derisive laugh at the cliche Paul remembered the urgency of his work and watched the rows of numbers and commands run down the screen.
*
Gohan started to shift in his bed, his head shaking about erratically. Bulma told Videl, Chichi and Chaotzu that he was waking up. They all crowded around his bed staring down at him, waiting.
When Gohan opened his eyes his first reaction was fear. He drew back instinctively trying to get away from the people that surrounded him. Videl reached out to calm him but he slapped the hand away while still in his semi-conscious state. "Mmmm," he groaned feeling the pain of his palms coming in forceful contact with a hard surface. The pain exploding in his hands heightened his senses allowing him to realise that the people who surrounded him were his friends and family. He groggily opened his eyes and found himself looking into the eyes of his wife. "Videl?"
"Yeah, it's me, Gohan."
Gohan turned his head slightly to see his mother. "Hi Mum."
Without giving Chichi a chance to reply Bulma suddenly whipped out a small pocket torch and shone it into Gohan's eyes. He drew away, still not wanting to greet the day just yet. "Come on Gohan. You've been hurt in a fight. Do you remember?"
"Umm, I think so. I remember Piccolo telling me not to block an attack, then..."
"You're going to be fine, Gohan." Bulma said, doubting her own words before they emerged.
Gohan lay in his bed not wanting to shut his eyes. He knew his body better than anyone else in this room and he knew that he was being lied to. He was so afraid that if he shut his eyes he would never open them again. He hid his fear from Videl reasonably well, but she sensed something was wrong. She tried to get him to talk about what was bothering him, but he just told her that he was still feeling a little bit out of it which wasn't really a lie. He had seen his father before and sensed that he was not doing so well either. His power was low and it seemed that his heart had slowed as had his breathing.
"Bulma, can I talk to you for a second?" he finally ventured.
"Sure what's up Gohan?"
"Hmm, Videl, can you go and get me glass of water please?"
Videl didn't stop to consdier the unusual timing of the request. Instead she knew that Gohan wanted something so sped off to get it at top speed.
"Do you want to help her, mum?" Gohan asked.
Chichi was fully aware of what was really being asked of her so followed Videl out and took Chaotzu, knowing that Gohan probably didn't realise how stupid it sounded asking two people to get water due to his condition.
When they left Bulma came and sat at Gohan's side and waited for him to talk.
"Bulma, I'm not stupid and I can tell that I'm really not doing so well here."
Bulma hung her head in shame, wishing that Gohan didn't know so damn much sometimes. "Yeah. I thought you might figure that out. Sorry, I just didn't want to upset you or Videl."
"No, thank you. It's a good thing. I don't want Videl to worry. It's just that I was wondering if you knew of anyway at all to cure this. Couldn't you create some kind of antedote for it?"
"Well its not really a bacteria or something I can just pump some antibiotics in you to fix. You're a Saiyan, if it was something like that then you would probably be out there with your brother right now. I was thinking about that before, but I really don't think that there's anything I can do. We'll just have to hope that your Saiyan blood is enough to take care of it."
"It's not."
"You don't know that for sure."
"Yes I do. Firstly, I know my body. When I'm training I've always been told to pay attention to how well your body is holding out. Secondly, whatever it was that hit me was designed to take out a Saiyan. The Saiyan blood isn't the exception, its probably the rule."
"Well, I'll tell you what. I'll run a couple of tests and see what shows up. The truth is we don't even really know what this is doing to your body, so it's hard to treat."
"Thanks Bulma."
"Don't mention it."
"Oh Bulma, one other thing."
"What?"
"If you do come up with something, then test it on me OK?"
"Huh?"
"The world needs Dad and Vegeta more than me, so if you come up with something when we are all out of it, then test it on me."
"Gohan, you really don't know what you are saying. Just rest and we'll get you fixed up don't worry."
Just then Chichi, Videl and Chaotzu walked back in. Gohan looked pleadingly at Bulma, hoping she wouldn't say anything. She seemed to understand the silent request and said nothing. She just casually gathered some equipment and announced she was doing some tests.
Gohan didn't think it at all strange that none of them had any water.
*
Thanks for reading. Please Review. I'd love to know what you think.
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