I love Outlaw Star, and everyone likes DBZ...mostly. That said, this is gonna be weird.
Summary: Two androids walk into a bar...no, this isn't a joke. Really.
Androids Drink Free
---------------------------
by XMAN0123
Android 18 sipped the last of her martini and sighed. It had been a long, hard week for her kind. Thanks to Cartoon Network putting the Cell Saga in reruns, the newbie crowd had nearly tripled in Subreality. The good news? They were fresh; overflowing with ideas, inspiration, and idiocy, three things that every Writer needed, to a certain extent. The bad news? None of them knew the first thing about writing when it came to androids, and even less about anime in general.
Her week had gone something like this: On Monday, a steamy, incest-filled tale starring herself and 17, who had been less than cooperative. He'd pointed out several times that they were brother and sister, but that only seemed to make the Writer more enthusiastic. Then he'd gotten upset and made the mistake of mentioning 16, and when 17 caught the glazed look in the Writer's eyes, she knew that a threesome scene was coming. Naturally, she'd blasted the fool into next week and made a run for it.
Tuesday was, strangely enough, normal. Just a simple fic with her, 16, 17, 19, and 20 blasting anything that moved. It was so simple, in fact, that no one sane or even slightly drugged would dare read it by choice.
Wednesday was angsty romance between herself and 16. It was new, annoying, and ultimately, devastating. 17 had gone into a jealous rage and blown himself up, taking most of 16 with him. That left 18 holding 16's head in her hands. The Writer had thought it was a poetic masterpiece. He'd been dragged away kicking and screaming, once it was discovered that he was really a Saiyan fictive that had escaped from Subreality Hospital's Psychiatric Ward.
Thursday and Friday had been reserved for something called "The Android Atrocities." In short, she, 16, and 17 had battled against Cell, Perfect Cell, and the Frieza-Bot, who wasn't an official android, but looked enough like one for the Writer. It had ended with Frieza-Bot being revealed as the love child of herself and Koola. No matter that it made no sense at all. On a good note, it was submitted to a mailing list and promptly torn apart by angry fanboys.
Saturday (today) was the one day 18 got to herself. No battles with crazed Cells, zealous Z-Fighters, or sadistic Super Saiyans. Just her, a relaxing martini, and a slightly uncomfortable barstool in the Subreality Dojo & Sake Bar. More specifically, the Sake Bar part of it. Then again, maybe blasting some poor slob's face off was just what she needed.
18 finished her drink and turned her attention to the other patrons. Like her, they were all androids, to a certain extent. The reason was simple, of course: the sign posted outside the bar, which proclaimed "Androids Drink Free! Tonight Only!" She spotted Zero over in the corner, doing impressions of virtually every character that had appeared in Tenchi Muyo for a small crowd. "Show-off," she muttered, continuing her search for anyone that wouldn't mind a good fight.
Instead of a worthy opponent, 18's gaze landed on a newcomer that had just entered the bar. With her came a strange silence that covered the whole room. She was dressed in a peculiar manner, even for an android. She wore some sort of dark blue cloak that might've doubled as a dress, if she was a lot shorter. Beneath that, 18 could make out a white shirt with violet necktie, a black skirt, a pair of long, shapely legs covered by gray stockings, and black shoes.
The hush gradually receded, and the dull roar returned as the patrons went back to their conversations.
The newcomer glanced around nervously for a moment, then made her way to the bar. She sat down and leaned over the counter, asking the bartender for something in a soft voice that 18 couldn't pick up from where she was sitting. The bartender's face twisted in either confusion or surprise, but he nodded and disappeared into the storeroom. Seconds later, he returned with a milk carton and glass, both of which looked as if they had seen better days.
Out of the corner of her eye, 18 spotted a table surrounded by Cell fictives. They all seemed to be eyeing the newcomer. Finally, one of the normal versions got up and strode over to the bar. No one dared to get in his way as he sat beside the newcomer and whispered something in her ear.
18 had seen it before, and though she usually would've ignored the setup, the newcomer obviously didn't know any better, and she seemed like a nice kid. Besides, challenging a Cell was the best way to get into a fight. With a heavy sigh, 18 rose off her stool.
"So what'sss your sssign, cutie?" the Cell was asking as 18 came closer. He was obviously very drunk.
The girl was staring at her glass, almost as if she was trying to burn a hole through it.
"You're one of thossse ssshy 'droidsss, aren't you?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
The girl shuddered and made an unsuccessful attempt to push his arm away.
"Aw, don't be that way, babe! Howzabout a kisssh?" The Cell leaned closer and tried to kiss her, though his lips ended up planting a very wet kiss in her black hair.
"Please, go away!" she pleaded. "Leave me alone!"
The Cell chuckled. "You know you want me, hot lipsss!" He pulled her closer and tried for a second kiss.
The girl let out a frightened squeal and pushed his face away. "No! Stop it! Go away!"
18 walked over to them and cleared her throat loudly.
The Cell looked at her. "Whadda you want?"
"That happens to be a good friend of mine you're bothering."
"Yeah?" The Cell burped and pointed an unsteady finger at her. "What are YOU gonna do 'bout it, blondie?"
"Just this." 18 grabbed his finger and broke it in six different places. The Cell opened his mouth to scream, but 18 drove his bottom lip into his throat with an uppercut. She flattened him with a kick to the forehead. Then, with a surprisingly calm attitude, 18 sat down on Cell's stool and ordered another martini.
The girl stared at her in shock. Finally, she managed to whisper, "Thank you."
"No problem." She eyed the girl's glass of milk. "You're new here."
The girl nodded.
"You got a name?"
"Melfina," the girl replied. "What about you?"
"18."
"Huh?"
"Well, Android 18, if you wanna get technical."
"I see." Melfina looked back at her milk. "Why'd you help me?"
18 shrugged. "Had a bad week. Figured I'd take it out on somebody."
"Well, thanks for not taking it out on me."
"I was looking for a fight," she admitted slowly. "But you don't look like much of a fighter. More like some tough guy's girlfriend."
Melfina blushed a bit. "No, not really."
"Sure." 18 sipped her martini. "A little advice, though. Don't walk into a place like this without some back-up."
"Aren't you here alone?"
The blond android smirked. "Yeah, but I can take care of myself. You obviously can't."
Melfina fussed with her cloak, trying to find any reason to avoid eye contact. "How can I repay you?"
18 thought for a moment. "Find somebody to protect you. I might not be there next time."
"Why are you so concerned about me?"
"Isn't it obvious? In case you hadn't noticed, it's a cruel world out there, and thanks to these wanna-be Writers, none of it makes sense anymore. Cute little android like you wouldn't last ten minutes without some help. I figure the few of us that can still pass for human should stick together."
Melfina raised her head. "You think I'm...cute?" she asked, not really understanding the statement.
18 gulped down the last of her drink. "Maybe it's the martini talking, or maybe I'm more human that I thought. Either way, I've gotta go." She stood up and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Melfina." 18 quickly walked out of the bar, counted to five, then smiled as Melfina raced out. "Like clockwork."
Melfina barely managed to keep from blushing furiously. "I was wondering...could you walk me home?"
"Depends on where home is, kid."
"Okay, just over to where that wooden boy's standing, then," Melfina said, pointing up the street.
18 looked off in the distance and grinned. "You ARE new here. That's the Writer's Cafe. No fictives allowed without special permission, ourselves included. Even that smile of yours wouldn't work on Pinocchio."
Melfina frowned. "Well, I guess I should go back to the space station, then. That's where my friends parked."
18 arched an eyebrow. "There's a space station in Subreality?"
"Gene said it was only temporary, something our Writer made just for tonight."
"Figures. Yeah, I guess I could walk you up there. If you don't mind some company, anyway."
"Like who?" Melfina asked warily.
"Just us," said another android as he suddenly appeared beside 18. He was followed by a tall, muscular android with strange eyes.
Melfina took a step back. "You know them?"
18 rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately. 17 is the annoying one, and 16's the silent one."
"Who's your friend, 18?" 17 asked with a smile, ignoring his sister's comment.
"This is Melfina, and before you ask, she's not available."
"What a shame." 17 took Melfina's hand and kissed it. "A pleasure to meet you, Melfina. I hope to see more of you in the near future."
18 smacked 17's hand away. "That's enough."
"Do my sensors detect jealousy in that tone?" 17 teased.
18 chose to ignore his question. "Melfina, walk with 16. He doesn't talk much, but he'll keep an eye on you."
Melfina nodded and stared up at the taller android. "Um...hello," she whispered.
16 nodded. "Greetings."
* * * * *
"Gene, I'm worried about Melfina."
Gene didn't even bother to open his eyes. "Why is that?"
"She's been gone for hours!"
"She wanted to explore Subreality. She'll be fine."
Jim frowned. "But even Suzuka came back four hours ago!"
Gene sighed. "Melfina isn't a child, Jim."
"I'm forced to agree with Jim," Gilliam interrupted. "Melfina is unfamiliar with some everyday human ideas. The situation becomes even more risky in a constantly changing world such as Subreality. It would be best to find her at once."
Gene groaned. "You're both gonna whine until I go out and find her, aren't you?"
Just then, the door opened, and Melfina walked in. "I'm back!"
"See? She's perfectly fine!" Gene said.
"Melfina, where have you been?" Jim asked.
"Oh, just wandering around. I made some new friends, too!"
Gene stood up as Androids 16 and 18 appeared behind Melfina. "Where'd you meet them?"
"In a bar," Melfina replied.
"A BAR? YOU went to a BAR?" Gene asked in disbelief.
"They were having a special. 'Androids Drink Free.'"
"So there was no trouble?"
"A little," 18 said. "But I took care of it."
Melfina's light brown eyes seemed to shine as she took Gene's arm. "There was this weird green thing that sounded like a snake! It tried to kiss me, but 18 saved me from it! She and her friends were nice enough to talk me home. Isn't that great?"
"Wonderful, Mel," Gene said uncertainly. He turned his gaze on the androids. "Well, thanks for bringing Melfina back safely. We really appreciate it."
"It was our pleasure," 18 replied, "but we really should get going."
"Do you have to?" Melfina asked, her eyes begging them to stay a while.
18 nodded. "We've got a long day tomorrow."
Melfina stepped forward and hugged 16. "Thanks for protecting me."
16 smiled and patted her head. "You're welcome, Melfina."
Melfina turned to 18. "I wanted to say thanks again...for everything."
"Just remember what I told you, and you'll be fine." She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Looks like this is goodbye, then."
Melfina suddenly wrapped her arms around 18's neck. "I'm really going to miss you."
18 blinked in surprise. "Uh...I'll miss you, too," she said finally, gently patting Melfina's back.
"Promise to come and visit me soon?"
"Sure. We'll be in touch." 18 detached Melfina's arms from her neck. "Maybe we'll do a crossover or something."
"I'd like that," Melfina said with a smile.
18 nodded. "Seeya later, kid." She turned and walked out of the ship, followed by 16.
"So, did you have a good time?" Gene asked after a moment.
"The best!" Melfina blushed and smiled shyly. "Gene, I was wondering...would you be my boyfriend?"
Gene blinked. "Do you know what that means, Melfina?"
She nodded. "18 explained it to me. So what do you say?" she asked hopefully.
"I'll think about it. Are you sure you're not drunk?"
"Gene, I only had milk!"
"Well, how do I know if you can hold your dairy?! That might be just like beer to androids!"
Melfina sighed. "Well, at least you'll think about it."
Gene cupped her face in his hands. "Done. Yes."
"Y-You mean it?" Melfina asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Sure I do." He brushed a thumb against her cheek. "So, feel like celebrating?"
She nodded and turned to the door, but Gene pulled her in the other direction. Melfina glanced at him. "Gene, the door's that way."
"True. But my room is this way," he replied with a grin.
* * * * *
"Did you mean what you said?"
18 glanced at her companion. "About what?"
"Missing Melfina," 16 answered.
She shrugged. "I guess. What about you?"
"I will miss her." 16 placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to feel, 18."
"Maybe for you. I'm supposed to be heartless, remember?"
"Everyone has a heart, whether it is physical or not. Even you, 18."
"Whatever." 18 sighed and mumbled something under her breath.
16 smiled. "The stars look beautiful tonight."
18 looked up. "What are you..." She trailed off as she spotted the red ship flying overhead. "Okay, you made your point."
"Did I?"
"Yeah, you did." 18 smiled faintly and waved. "Good luck, Melfina. We'll be thinking of you." She turned to 16. "C'mon, 16. 17's waiting."
16 nodded and followed her down the street, wondering when their path would cross with Melfina's again.
--------------
Disclaimer: Androids 16-18 and Cell belong to Akira Toriyama. Melfina, Jim, Gilliam, and Gene belong to Sunrise. Zero belongs Pioneer.
Summary: Two androids walk into a bar...no, this isn't a joke. Really.
Androids Drink Free
---------------------------
by XMAN0123
Android 18 sipped the last of her martini and sighed. It had been a long, hard week for her kind. Thanks to Cartoon Network putting the Cell Saga in reruns, the newbie crowd had nearly tripled in Subreality. The good news? They were fresh; overflowing with ideas, inspiration, and idiocy, three things that every Writer needed, to a certain extent. The bad news? None of them knew the first thing about writing when it came to androids, and even less about anime in general.
Her week had gone something like this: On Monday, a steamy, incest-filled tale starring herself and 17, who had been less than cooperative. He'd pointed out several times that they were brother and sister, but that only seemed to make the Writer more enthusiastic. Then he'd gotten upset and made the mistake of mentioning 16, and when 17 caught the glazed look in the Writer's eyes, she knew that a threesome scene was coming. Naturally, she'd blasted the fool into next week and made a run for it.
Tuesday was, strangely enough, normal. Just a simple fic with her, 16, 17, 19, and 20 blasting anything that moved. It was so simple, in fact, that no one sane or even slightly drugged would dare read it by choice.
Wednesday was angsty romance between herself and 16. It was new, annoying, and ultimately, devastating. 17 had gone into a jealous rage and blown himself up, taking most of 16 with him. That left 18 holding 16's head in her hands. The Writer had thought it was a poetic masterpiece. He'd been dragged away kicking and screaming, once it was discovered that he was really a Saiyan fictive that had escaped from Subreality Hospital's Psychiatric Ward.
Thursday and Friday had been reserved for something called "The Android Atrocities." In short, she, 16, and 17 had battled against Cell, Perfect Cell, and the Frieza-Bot, who wasn't an official android, but looked enough like one for the Writer. It had ended with Frieza-Bot being revealed as the love child of herself and Koola. No matter that it made no sense at all. On a good note, it was submitted to a mailing list and promptly torn apart by angry fanboys.
Saturday (today) was the one day 18 got to herself. No battles with crazed Cells, zealous Z-Fighters, or sadistic Super Saiyans. Just her, a relaxing martini, and a slightly uncomfortable barstool in the Subreality Dojo & Sake Bar. More specifically, the Sake Bar part of it. Then again, maybe blasting some poor slob's face off was just what she needed.
18 finished her drink and turned her attention to the other patrons. Like her, they were all androids, to a certain extent. The reason was simple, of course: the sign posted outside the bar, which proclaimed "Androids Drink Free! Tonight Only!" She spotted Zero over in the corner, doing impressions of virtually every character that had appeared in Tenchi Muyo for a small crowd. "Show-off," she muttered, continuing her search for anyone that wouldn't mind a good fight.
Instead of a worthy opponent, 18's gaze landed on a newcomer that had just entered the bar. With her came a strange silence that covered the whole room. She was dressed in a peculiar manner, even for an android. She wore some sort of dark blue cloak that might've doubled as a dress, if she was a lot shorter. Beneath that, 18 could make out a white shirt with violet necktie, a black skirt, a pair of long, shapely legs covered by gray stockings, and black shoes.
The hush gradually receded, and the dull roar returned as the patrons went back to their conversations.
The newcomer glanced around nervously for a moment, then made her way to the bar. She sat down and leaned over the counter, asking the bartender for something in a soft voice that 18 couldn't pick up from where she was sitting. The bartender's face twisted in either confusion or surprise, but he nodded and disappeared into the storeroom. Seconds later, he returned with a milk carton and glass, both of which looked as if they had seen better days.
Out of the corner of her eye, 18 spotted a table surrounded by Cell fictives. They all seemed to be eyeing the newcomer. Finally, one of the normal versions got up and strode over to the bar. No one dared to get in his way as he sat beside the newcomer and whispered something in her ear.
18 had seen it before, and though she usually would've ignored the setup, the newcomer obviously didn't know any better, and she seemed like a nice kid. Besides, challenging a Cell was the best way to get into a fight. With a heavy sigh, 18 rose off her stool.
"So what'sss your sssign, cutie?" the Cell was asking as 18 came closer. He was obviously very drunk.
The girl was staring at her glass, almost as if she was trying to burn a hole through it.
"You're one of thossse ssshy 'droidsss, aren't you?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
The girl shuddered and made an unsuccessful attempt to push his arm away.
"Aw, don't be that way, babe! Howzabout a kisssh?" The Cell leaned closer and tried to kiss her, though his lips ended up planting a very wet kiss in her black hair.
"Please, go away!" she pleaded. "Leave me alone!"
The Cell chuckled. "You know you want me, hot lipsss!" He pulled her closer and tried for a second kiss.
The girl let out a frightened squeal and pushed his face away. "No! Stop it! Go away!"
18 walked over to them and cleared her throat loudly.
The Cell looked at her. "Whadda you want?"
"That happens to be a good friend of mine you're bothering."
"Yeah?" The Cell burped and pointed an unsteady finger at her. "What are YOU gonna do 'bout it, blondie?"
"Just this." 18 grabbed his finger and broke it in six different places. The Cell opened his mouth to scream, but 18 drove his bottom lip into his throat with an uppercut. She flattened him with a kick to the forehead. Then, with a surprisingly calm attitude, 18 sat down on Cell's stool and ordered another martini.
The girl stared at her in shock. Finally, she managed to whisper, "Thank you."
"No problem." She eyed the girl's glass of milk. "You're new here."
The girl nodded.
"You got a name?"
"Melfina," the girl replied. "What about you?"
"18."
"Huh?"
"Well, Android 18, if you wanna get technical."
"I see." Melfina looked back at her milk. "Why'd you help me?"
18 shrugged. "Had a bad week. Figured I'd take it out on somebody."
"Well, thanks for not taking it out on me."
"I was looking for a fight," she admitted slowly. "But you don't look like much of a fighter. More like some tough guy's girlfriend."
Melfina blushed a bit. "No, not really."
"Sure." 18 sipped her martini. "A little advice, though. Don't walk into a place like this without some back-up."
"Aren't you here alone?"
The blond android smirked. "Yeah, but I can take care of myself. You obviously can't."
Melfina fussed with her cloak, trying to find any reason to avoid eye contact. "How can I repay you?"
18 thought for a moment. "Find somebody to protect you. I might not be there next time."
"Why are you so concerned about me?"
"Isn't it obvious? In case you hadn't noticed, it's a cruel world out there, and thanks to these wanna-be Writers, none of it makes sense anymore. Cute little android like you wouldn't last ten minutes without some help. I figure the few of us that can still pass for human should stick together."
Melfina raised her head. "You think I'm...cute?" she asked, not really understanding the statement.
18 gulped down the last of her drink. "Maybe it's the martini talking, or maybe I'm more human that I thought. Either way, I've gotta go." She stood up and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Melfina." 18 quickly walked out of the bar, counted to five, then smiled as Melfina raced out. "Like clockwork."
Melfina barely managed to keep from blushing furiously. "I was wondering...could you walk me home?"
"Depends on where home is, kid."
"Okay, just over to where that wooden boy's standing, then," Melfina said, pointing up the street.
18 looked off in the distance and grinned. "You ARE new here. That's the Writer's Cafe. No fictives allowed without special permission, ourselves included. Even that smile of yours wouldn't work on Pinocchio."
Melfina frowned. "Well, I guess I should go back to the space station, then. That's where my friends parked."
18 arched an eyebrow. "There's a space station in Subreality?"
"Gene said it was only temporary, something our Writer made just for tonight."
"Figures. Yeah, I guess I could walk you up there. If you don't mind some company, anyway."
"Like who?" Melfina asked warily.
"Just us," said another android as he suddenly appeared beside 18. He was followed by a tall, muscular android with strange eyes.
Melfina took a step back. "You know them?"
18 rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately. 17 is the annoying one, and 16's the silent one."
"Who's your friend, 18?" 17 asked with a smile, ignoring his sister's comment.
"This is Melfina, and before you ask, she's not available."
"What a shame." 17 took Melfina's hand and kissed it. "A pleasure to meet you, Melfina. I hope to see more of you in the near future."
18 smacked 17's hand away. "That's enough."
"Do my sensors detect jealousy in that tone?" 17 teased.
18 chose to ignore his question. "Melfina, walk with 16. He doesn't talk much, but he'll keep an eye on you."
Melfina nodded and stared up at the taller android. "Um...hello," she whispered.
16 nodded. "Greetings."
* * * * *
"Gene, I'm worried about Melfina."
Gene didn't even bother to open his eyes. "Why is that?"
"She's been gone for hours!"
"She wanted to explore Subreality. She'll be fine."
Jim frowned. "But even Suzuka came back four hours ago!"
Gene sighed. "Melfina isn't a child, Jim."
"I'm forced to agree with Jim," Gilliam interrupted. "Melfina is unfamiliar with some everyday human ideas. The situation becomes even more risky in a constantly changing world such as Subreality. It would be best to find her at once."
Gene groaned. "You're both gonna whine until I go out and find her, aren't you?"
Just then, the door opened, and Melfina walked in. "I'm back!"
"See? She's perfectly fine!" Gene said.
"Melfina, where have you been?" Jim asked.
"Oh, just wandering around. I made some new friends, too!"
Gene stood up as Androids 16 and 18 appeared behind Melfina. "Where'd you meet them?"
"In a bar," Melfina replied.
"A BAR? YOU went to a BAR?" Gene asked in disbelief.
"They were having a special. 'Androids Drink Free.'"
"So there was no trouble?"
"A little," 18 said. "But I took care of it."
Melfina's light brown eyes seemed to shine as she took Gene's arm. "There was this weird green thing that sounded like a snake! It tried to kiss me, but 18 saved me from it! She and her friends were nice enough to talk me home. Isn't that great?"
"Wonderful, Mel," Gene said uncertainly. He turned his gaze on the androids. "Well, thanks for bringing Melfina back safely. We really appreciate it."
"It was our pleasure," 18 replied, "but we really should get going."
"Do you have to?" Melfina asked, her eyes begging them to stay a while.
18 nodded. "We've got a long day tomorrow."
Melfina stepped forward and hugged 16. "Thanks for protecting me."
16 smiled and patted her head. "You're welcome, Melfina."
Melfina turned to 18. "I wanted to say thanks again...for everything."
"Just remember what I told you, and you'll be fine." She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Looks like this is goodbye, then."
Melfina suddenly wrapped her arms around 18's neck. "I'm really going to miss you."
18 blinked in surprise. "Uh...I'll miss you, too," she said finally, gently patting Melfina's back.
"Promise to come and visit me soon?"
"Sure. We'll be in touch." 18 detached Melfina's arms from her neck. "Maybe we'll do a crossover or something."
"I'd like that," Melfina said with a smile.
18 nodded. "Seeya later, kid." She turned and walked out of the ship, followed by 16.
"So, did you have a good time?" Gene asked after a moment.
"The best!" Melfina blushed and smiled shyly. "Gene, I was wondering...would you be my boyfriend?"
Gene blinked. "Do you know what that means, Melfina?"
She nodded. "18 explained it to me. So what do you say?" she asked hopefully.
"I'll think about it. Are you sure you're not drunk?"
"Gene, I only had milk!"
"Well, how do I know if you can hold your dairy?! That might be just like beer to androids!"
Melfina sighed. "Well, at least you'll think about it."
Gene cupped her face in his hands. "Done. Yes."
"Y-You mean it?" Melfina asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Sure I do." He brushed a thumb against her cheek. "So, feel like celebrating?"
She nodded and turned to the door, but Gene pulled her in the other direction. Melfina glanced at him. "Gene, the door's that way."
"True. But my room is this way," he replied with a grin.
* * * * *
"Did you mean what you said?"
18 glanced at her companion. "About what?"
"Missing Melfina," 16 answered.
She shrugged. "I guess. What about you?"
"I will miss her." 16 placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to feel, 18."
"Maybe for you. I'm supposed to be heartless, remember?"
"Everyone has a heart, whether it is physical or not. Even you, 18."
"Whatever." 18 sighed and mumbled something under her breath.
16 smiled. "The stars look beautiful tonight."
18 looked up. "What are you..." She trailed off as she spotted the red ship flying overhead. "Okay, you made your point."
"Did I?"
"Yeah, you did." 18 smiled faintly and waved. "Good luck, Melfina. We'll be thinking of you." She turned to 16. "C'mon, 16. 17's waiting."
16 nodded and followed her down the street, wondering when their path would cross with Melfina's again.
--------------
Disclaimer: Androids 16-18 and Cell belong to Akira Toriyama. Melfina, Jim, Gilliam, and Gene belong to Sunrise. Zero belongs Pioneer.
