Chapter 12
The two guardians looked extremely petrified. Following closely behind them was the "postal man", the same person that had visited everyone's house, devised the entire evil plot, Dr. Gero. Tagging along behind him were two teens: a boy and a girl, slightly older than the one from the future.
The girl had neck length blond hair that seemed too perfect to be real. She wore a long striped lavender shirt underneath a sleeveless jean jacket, and a skirt over black pants ending at her red boots. Her eyes were empty and lifeless, without emotion or any expression at all.
A few steps ahead of her was her male counterpart. Exact same sort of features, same lifeless eyes, long hair, except black. He looked smug, proud, and uninterested to be in his present state. He donned a shirt with the typical 'Red Ribbon' logo and an orange scarf to top it off.
Dr. Gero stopped suddenly, a good distance away from the unmoving Z- force.
"I see you all came as invited. But," he glanced around desparately, "where is Goku?? I demand you tell me now!" Gohan could nearly see the steam rising from his head, so he stepped forward a little from the group.
"He's sick in bed with a big virus... uh, sir." he piped in. Dr. Gero's icy glare made him scurry back to his spot within the group. Dr. G's eyes bulged.
"NO! I demand one of you bring him here immediately!" Nobody moved. They all glanced around at each other, exchanging glances, but everyone was frozen in place.
::Great fight huh Vegeta::
It'll start soon.
::Scared?::
The Prince of Saiyans does not get scared you nitwit! You should know that by now! Or maybe you're not my conscience but an imposter in my mind!
::Are you sure you're not scared?::
Of course I'm sure!
::Look at Bulma:: Vegeta looked out of the corner of his eye at Bulma. She was trembling from head to toe. She was only inches away. He could just reach over and hold her close but the arms of pride didn't reach that far.
::Look how afraid she is::
And what do I care?
::You're lying again::
When I rule the universe I'll illiminate everyone's conscience. Starting with you.
::Universe? HA! You're lucky to get the neighborhood!::
Grrrrr... Vegeta saw something snap inside Bulma's eyes. She stopped trembling and stood straight, a small smirk forming at the side of her mouth. Vegeta sensed a little of himself in that smirk. She began to walk straight towards Dr. Gero.
Damnit woman! Get back here!
::Vegeta....::
Shut up! I don't care what you have to say! Bulma.... come back...
::Be ready to help her Vegeta. Remember, she's not a fighter like you::
Oh thanks for pointing that out. I'll take notes next time. Bulma reached Dr. G.
"Well, Dr. Gero, I never forget a face. Especially someone as ugly and pathetic looking as you. You know it's too bad I didn't have a camera with me when your entire fleet was taken down by Goku. It would have been a great comic relief. A Kodak moment, as they say," She smiled smugly. Gero growled.
"You weakling! You have no idea! Be prepared to face the consequences for that one! And who are you to talk about being taken down?You nearly destroyed your own company!Your father was an economic fool in leaving YOU his entire fortune and capacilities. " She brushed it off and kept her ground.
"Economic fool? Funny you say that. To begin with, Daddy hasn't left me anything, considering he's still alive! And since I began working the company has increased by 75%! If your statement is so true, then how did Capsule Corp. outsell Red Ribbon 10 years in a row? And more to come! A shocking fifty percent of your merchandise was returned because it was "defective or useless". Capsule Corp? A mere two. So now what Gero? I see no fool here besides you." Damn, she's good.
"You could never match my genius in creating these two," he pointed at the teens. Creating? I don't get it.
"As a matter of fact, I could, and have. I'm about to finish work on a new robot, made practically from life," Dr. G. was fuming. Bulma was surprised he hadn't burst a circuit or something. He began to circle her like a starving vulture.
"So Bulma, super genius, multi-billionaire, you never thought you'd see the day when you'd be my slave!"
"What are you talking about?"
"This!" Gero hit her from a back karate chop to the neck. Any of the other fighters would have immediately begun to duke it out. Bulma fell to the ground. She put her hands under her for support and tried to push up off the ground. She brought her foot up backwards trying to hit his "sensitives" but he easily dodged her kick. Bulma fell to the ground on her stomach and he grabbed her arms roughly. Holding her hands together with one hand, he pulled a capsule out of his pocket and exploded it next to him revealing an ominous looking pair of handcuffs.
Piccolo reacted and fired a large energy blast at him. Vegeta looked on in fear, afraid for his little weakling love. He felt like charging Dr. Gero and killing him before he knew what hit him...
"You fool! You've just given me more energy!" he laughed maniacally as he absorbed the blue ball heading towards him. He cliked the handcufs into place around her wrists and picked her up like a baby. He threw Bulma, kicking and screaming, to the teen boy with black hair. He latched her on alongside Kame and Popo.
"Now you can watch your friends die! We shall proceed without Goku. When he arrives, all his loved ones will be gone! My revenge will be even better than I could have ever fathomed!" His maniacal laugh filled the air again, stabbing the spirits of the Z fighters. Gero slipped the key to the handcuffs into his vest pocket.
"17! Come here!" He growled behind him. The boy stepped forward.
"Yes doctor?" he smirked at the fighters and chuckled. Gero turned to the group.
"So, who wants to die first?" he said confidently
"I'll be first, but not to die," a strange voice said from behind the group. The owner of the voice stepped forward, his lavender haird blowing in the breeze. Leaning on his shoulde was a weak but surviving Goku. The boy set the hero down under a tree and took a fighting stance. The yellow aura surrounded him and his hair jagged golden in separate directions. If it weren't for the height difference and the hair, Bulma could've mistaken him for Vegeta. *How weird. They look so much alike! And from the side... Just give the boy some blue eyes, long black hair, stick his finger in a light socket and you've got Vegeta!*
It's him!
::Doesn't he look familiar Vegeta?::
Damnit I already figured it out! Moron...
::Sheesh! Just checking::
How annoying... I'm going to chop my head off because of you.
::I hate my job::
The boy smirked, mirroring Vegeta's trademark. He tossed Goku some a small brown bag; most likely sensu beans.
Bulma had seen a lot of fighting before, but never as front row like she was now. She could see their emotions, and she could tell that the future boy wasn't as confident as he made out to be. He seemed very focused though, and she knew he'd win, or at least hoped he would.
17 faced the boy, staring into him, analyzing, inspecting, waiting for the ideal moment to attack. Suddenly they flew at each other and disappeared from Bulma's sight. She could hear every punch and kick, and every once in a while they'd reappear and she'd catch a frame of the fight. She caught future boy putting his hands together and slamming them down on 17.
But future boy began slipping. Catching him offguard, 17 need him in the back sending him flying up into the air where he reappeared and slammed both his feet into fut. boy's stomach. He rebounded in the air and began throwing wild punches. 17 dodged each one easily. On the ground, the girl was smiling up at her brother.
I'm going to wipe that stupid smile off her face.
::Yeah right::
You don't think I can?
::Well, considering your super saiyan son from the future is having trouble with her brother, I don't think you could stand a chance::
Damn. For once you're right. Grrr... I SHOULD BE THE SUPER SAIYAN!!
::Calm down, you're going to give yourself an ulcer::
Fut. boy drew a sword Vegeta hadn't noticed before. He began attacking from all sides with it, and for a few seconds looked like this was his comeback. He slammed it down hard on 17's arm and a large chunk cracked and fell out. Too shocked to move, he was attacked again and he flew to the ground in a heap of rubble. He didn't get back up. Vegeta could still sense his energy, but it was barely there.
He glanced to Bulma. It looked like ideas were forming in her head. It was the same look she got when solving formulas or fixing complex machines. The boy stumbled back to his feet. Bulma caught his eye and made several motions with her hands, pointing to her pocket, twisting her wrist like she was turning something, then a little kick motion and pointing to Dr. Gero. He nodded his head in response and leaped at 17. Instead of commencing another fight, he flew straight past 17 and hit the unprepared Dr. Gero on the side of the head. He fell shocked to the ground and the flew from his pocket and slid towards Bulma. She caught it and unchained herself and the two other captives. She saluted the boy and he smiled back to her before calapsing onto the ground no longer golden-haired. Bulma rushed to the boy's side and pulled him to Vegeta's feet.
"Make sure he's ok. Hey Goku!" A small green bean came flying through the air and into Vegeta's awaiting hand. He slid it into the boy's open mouth.
"Chew." Vegeta commanded. The boy's eyes poppedopen and he sat up. "What's your name boy?" The boy stared at the ground, embaressed.
"My name is. . . Trunks." he blushed slightly and looked at Vegeta. Vegeta smirked.
"I figured it out. I'm not a moron, boy." Trunks smiled and looked at Bulma who was helping Goku get to his feet.
"What gave it away?" Vegeta responded with a you-must-be-kidding look. He looked around quickly to make sure no one was listening,but they were all helping Goku. He sighed and whispered, "A lot of things. #1- You're from the Future. #2- You look like her... and me I have to admit. #3- All the Capsule Corp. equipment," Trunks was blushing so much he looked like a negative picture of Piccolo, "#4- You're obviously Saiyan, and the only other possible people would be Kakarot, who's a little married, or Gohan... that's just nasty. And last but not least, #5- you used some of my moves."
"Does my mom... Bulma... know?" Trunks struggled with the words.
"Don't think so. Have you told Kakarot?"
"Kakarot? Oh you mean Goku. Yeah, I told him on the way here. I didn't know if you'd be here or not. In my time you were killed by them," he pointed to the teens, "and so were the rest of the Z fighters. Gohan was the only one to survive. The entire world is living in fear. I've taken the androids on before and was nearly killed. It's horrible! Having to run all the time, and having nowhere to run to. The only person I have left is her." He pointed to Bulma. He sounded like he was on the verge of tears.
"They're androids?"
::Moron, I knew they were::
Shut up! This is supposed to be a father-son moment damnit!
::Is Vegeta going soft?::
No damnit! Shut the hell up!
::How sweet. You're being fatherly::
I'm going to find the dragonballs and wish you away.
"Yes, all of them. Even Dr. Gero." Vegeta looked in shock at all three of them. He saw 18 hive fiving 17 as he landed on the ground and Gero recovering from his blow to the head. Vegeta held out a hand for Trunks to stand. Trunks grabbed it and Vegeta pulled him to his feet.
"One more question."
"Yeah?" Trunks replied warily.
"How did you go Super Saiyan so young?"
"When they killed Gohan, I snapped.... I guess it's just part of my blood." Vegeta smirked.
"You got that right." They walked to where the rest of the Z team was standing. Goku stood firm and challenged 17.
"Do you think you can fight?" Bulma asked.
"Don't worry about me, Bulma." He marched bravely forward. Without effort his hair stood out golden in every which way and his eyes turned the color of Bulma's hair. Without another word they slid into fighting poses. They flew and began beating into each other. For a while it looked like 17 would win again. He punched at Goku, who dodged it easily but was hit smack in the face with the back of 17's arm. Goku flipped backwards, bringing his foot up and nailing 17 in the face with his left foot. When he flipped upright again he kicked him down in the gut. He teleported from anyone's sight and reappeared where 17 was about to land. Goku caught him by the foot and slammed him into the ground. It took 17 a few moments to get back to his feet, but Goku was ready for him. 17 attacked furiously, head on. Goku kicked him straight into the air then positioned his arms.
"KA-ME-HA-ME...." He pulled his cupped hands behind his back, preparing for the kill. He hesitated for a few seconds, powering it up as strong as it'd go.
"He's gonna go it!" Gohan was leaping up and down in excitement.
"HA!" Goku thrust his cupped hands forward, sending a gigantic wave towards the falling android. Halfway through he was cut short with a kick from 18 which sent Goku flying through the air.
Her brother fell slowly to the ground. She rushed to where he landed, his body charred and blacked. He was gone without a doubt. Circuits covered the ground surrounding his frame. His entire right side was either sparking or gone. His mechanical eyes lay open wide along with his gaping mouth. Every once in a while he'd move his arm and she'd regain hope. But it was all shattered when the light behind his eyes died. She stared in horrific shock at him. She kneeles by his broken body.
"17, I can't believe youre gone..." A look of rage overcame her. She jumped to her feet and floated into the air, targeting the helpless Z team. Trees collapsed, the shrine crumbled and Z fighters dove mercilessly to the ground.
"18! Calm down! You're malfunctioning!" screamed Dr. Gero over the noise. She aimed an especially large blast at him, knocking him to the ground. Bulma, not knowing exactly what happened, began a desparate sprint towards Vegeta. Her weak legs not carrying her fast enough, 18 spotted her and sent a yellow ki blast down on her. She screamed and flew clear off the edge of the shrine floor.
In a flash Vegeta was after her at blinding speed. She hadn't fallen far when he caught her and floated slowly back to the group. He set foot behind a wall and sat on the ground, still cradling her. He didn't care who saw him either. But everyone's eyes were focused on Goku, tired from the previous battle and being battered by blasts by the much stronger 18.
Vegeta lay Bulma down on the ground in front of him, supporting her head with his arm. She was unconcious, and instead of concentrating on the fight, he held her close. Trunks brought over the sensu beans but the bag was empty.
"Damn you androids!" Vegeta screamed. No one turned to look. Goku was about to fall; their hero was still very weak from his sickness. Vegeta hated the whole damn catastrophe. His world was dying around him. The only person he ever loved lay dying in his arms while his only friend in the world was being beaten to a pulp by an android and being torn apart by a virus inside. Vegeta didn't care about himself or if he killed himself. He just wanted the world to stop.
Trunks stared in awe as flashes of gold gleamed through his father's hair then faded to black. Again and again lightning formed around his fists. He lay Bulma down completely and stood confidently. He was about to march over and destroy every android on earth, but he stopped in his tracks when he heard a faint whisper.
"Vegeta...." It was Bulma, he ran to her and kneeled beside her. She brought her hadn to his chest. "Win... for... me..." She collapsed, barely breathing and unmoving. That was enough for him. He was already on the edge and that was the shove off. His scream echoed around the world through heaven and hell. Golden hair shot in every direction. His aquamarine eyes bore into the frightened android. She was frozen in terror at the sight of the transformed Saiyan. He marched over to her, stared silently, then simply slammed her in the stomach sending her flying. He follwed her and proceeded to beat her to a pulp every way he knew how.
::Vegeta stop!::
No! You can't stop me now! I hate her!
::Look at her! Look into her eyes. Whose do they look like?:: Vegeta stopped his tyrade and looked into the crying androids eyes.
Her eyes are blue like Bulma's... And she's... crying.
::Imagine it's Bulma::
Damn. That's like trying to beat up on your own mother.
::Exactly::
Shit. 18 lifted her head to look at Vegeta.
"I don't care what you do to me," she managed to squeak out. In that case...
Vegeta held his palm up to her face. She lowered her head, knowing what was coming. Just before Vegeta blasted her into the next dimension, Goku put a hand on Vegeta's shoulder. Vegeta didn't look at him.
"Put your arm down. Look at her. Her brother was just killed. A few moments ago we were all scrambling for our lives hoping she'd stop. Now when the tables turn she's hoping you'll do just the same thing. If we gave her another chance..."
"No! I will not be soft like you Kakarot! She deserves to die!" Vegeta shrugged his hand away. He stared into her eyes. For a moment he saw Bulma, on her knees crying, right after Yamcha had left. On the other hand... How could I kill Bulma? As he was lowering his arm, a foot slammed into his head and both he and Goku went flying back. Vegeta leaped straight to his feet, as did Goku.
18 looked even angrier than before. She glared at Dr. Gero, the one who kicked them.
"This was all your fault!" she yelled at him before kicking him in the back sending him flying towards Goku and Vegeta.
"KA-ME-HA-ME-"
"FINAL FLASH!"
"HA!" Dr. Gero's eyes went wide and he screamed like a little girl before being hit by both attacks. As the smoke cleared, the only remaining part left was the doctor's head.
"I will have my revenge Goku! Just you wait! Cell is coming! And he'll be..." 18's foot came down on Gero's artificial skull, crushing it to bits. The group was silent.
I get it now. She only fought us for killing her brother. She's programmes to react. She hated Gero and loved 17. Minus the circuits, she's practically human. 18 wiped the remainder of tears from her eyes and walked to Vegeta.
"Thanks..." she said softly, staring into his eyes. Vegeta nodded as an acceptance and turned and walked to Bulma. Yamcha was by her side, holding her in his arms. He shrank back at the sight of Vegeta.
"We have no more sensu beans, and it will take Korin a while to get more. She'll have to heal the normal way." Goku said, standing next to Vegeta. The Prince remained motionless, eyes and mind fixated upon the helpless, child-like Bulma. He tore his eyes away to look at Goku. He winked in response. Vegeta smiled back.
Trunks lifted Bulma from Yamcha's arms, reading his soon-to-be- father's mind, and placed her in Vegeta's. He lifted on and flew up silently towards Capsule Corp. The sun was setting to his right, shining in Bulma's face. As they drew nearer, they were flying over the ocean. She awoke, still weary, trying to take in her surroundings. *Am I dreaming again?* She looked up and saw Vegeta, smiling back at her. She fell asleep again, and he kissed her lightly on her forehead.
By the time they reached Capsule Corp., it was dark and there was no moon out. Vegeta landed softly on her balcony. Thankfully, the blacony doors were unlocked, and he pulled them open. He pulled back the covers, lowered her into bed, and pulled the covers over her.
You know what?
::What::
This worked out so damn well.
::Now maybe you'll start listening to me::
Yeah right. When pigs fly.
::Oolong can::
.... Guess I'm stuck.
::The mighty conscience prevails again::
You wish.
"Vegeta?" He turned to see Bulma, barely walking towards him. She stumbled a few feet away, but he caught her and she fell against him. She looked up into his face, and he went in for the kiss.
::I love this job::
The two guardians looked extremely petrified. Following closely behind them was the "postal man", the same person that had visited everyone's house, devised the entire evil plot, Dr. Gero. Tagging along behind him were two teens: a boy and a girl, slightly older than the one from the future.
The girl had neck length blond hair that seemed too perfect to be real. She wore a long striped lavender shirt underneath a sleeveless jean jacket, and a skirt over black pants ending at her red boots. Her eyes were empty and lifeless, without emotion or any expression at all.
A few steps ahead of her was her male counterpart. Exact same sort of features, same lifeless eyes, long hair, except black. He looked smug, proud, and uninterested to be in his present state. He donned a shirt with the typical 'Red Ribbon' logo and an orange scarf to top it off.
Dr. Gero stopped suddenly, a good distance away from the unmoving Z- force.
"I see you all came as invited. But," he glanced around desparately, "where is Goku?? I demand you tell me now!" Gohan could nearly see the steam rising from his head, so he stepped forward a little from the group.
"He's sick in bed with a big virus... uh, sir." he piped in. Dr. Gero's icy glare made him scurry back to his spot within the group. Dr. G's eyes bulged.
"NO! I demand one of you bring him here immediately!" Nobody moved. They all glanced around at each other, exchanging glances, but everyone was frozen in place.
::Great fight huh Vegeta::
It'll start soon.
::Scared?::
The Prince of Saiyans does not get scared you nitwit! You should know that by now! Or maybe you're not my conscience but an imposter in my mind!
::Are you sure you're not scared?::
Of course I'm sure!
::Look at Bulma:: Vegeta looked out of the corner of his eye at Bulma. She was trembling from head to toe. She was only inches away. He could just reach over and hold her close but the arms of pride didn't reach that far.
::Look how afraid she is::
And what do I care?
::You're lying again::
When I rule the universe I'll illiminate everyone's conscience. Starting with you.
::Universe? HA! You're lucky to get the neighborhood!::
Grrrrr... Vegeta saw something snap inside Bulma's eyes. She stopped trembling and stood straight, a small smirk forming at the side of her mouth. Vegeta sensed a little of himself in that smirk. She began to walk straight towards Dr. Gero.
Damnit woman! Get back here!
::Vegeta....::
Shut up! I don't care what you have to say! Bulma.... come back...
::Be ready to help her Vegeta. Remember, she's not a fighter like you::
Oh thanks for pointing that out. I'll take notes next time. Bulma reached Dr. G.
"Well, Dr. Gero, I never forget a face. Especially someone as ugly and pathetic looking as you. You know it's too bad I didn't have a camera with me when your entire fleet was taken down by Goku. It would have been a great comic relief. A Kodak moment, as they say," She smiled smugly. Gero growled.
"You weakling! You have no idea! Be prepared to face the consequences for that one! And who are you to talk about being taken down?You nearly destroyed your own company!Your father was an economic fool in leaving YOU his entire fortune and capacilities. " She brushed it off and kept her ground.
"Economic fool? Funny you say that. To begin with, Daddy hasn't left me anything, considering he's still alive! And since I began working the company has increased by 75%! If your statement is so true, then how did Capsule Corp. outsell Red Ribbon 10 years in a row? And more to come! A shocking fifty percent of your merchandise was returned because it was "defective or useless". Capsule Corp? A mere two. So now what Gero? I see no fool here besides you." Damn, she's good.
"You could never match my genius in creating these two," he pointed at the teens. Creating? I don't get it.
"As a matter of fact, I could, and have. I'm about to finish work on a new robot, made practically from life," Dr. G. was fuming. Bulma was surprised he hadn't burst a circuit or something. He began to circle her like a starving vulture.
"So Bulma, super genius, multi-billionaire, you never thought you'd see the day when you'd be my slave!"
"What are you talking about?"
"This!" Gero hit her from a back karate chop to the neck. Any of the other fighters would have immediately begun to duke it out. Bulma fell to the ground. She put her hands under her for support and tried to push up off the ground. She brought her foot up backwards trying to hit his "sensitives" but he easily dodged her kick. Bulma fell to the ground on her stomach and he grabbed her arms roughly. Holding her hands together with one hand, he pulled a capsule out of his pocket and exploded it next to him revealing an ominous looking pair of handcuffs.
Piccolo reacted and fired a large energy blast at him. Vegeta looked on in fear, afraid for his little weakling love. He felt like charging Dr. Gero and killing him before he knew what hit him...
"You fool! You've just given me more energy!" he laughed maniacally as he absorbed the blue ball heading towards him. He cliked the handcufs into place around her wrists and picked her up like a baby. He threw Bulma, kicking and screaming, to the teen boy with black hair. He latched her on alongside Kame and Popo.
"Now you can watch your friends die! We shall proceed without Goku. When he arrives, all his loved ones will be gone! My revenge will be even better than I could have ever fathomed!" His maniacal laugh filled the air again, stabbing the spirits of the Z fighters. Gero slipped the key to the handcuffs into his vest pocket.
"17! Come here!" He growled behind him. The boy stepped forward.
"Yes doctor?" he smirked at the fighters and chuckled. Gero turned to the group.
"So, who wants to die first?" he said confidently
"I'll be first, but not to die," a strange voice said from behind the group. The owner of the voice stepped forward, his lavender haird blowing in the breeze. Leaning on his shoulde was a weak but surviving Goku. The boy set the hero down under a tree and took a fighting stance. The yellow aura surrounded him and his hair jagged golden in separate directions. If it weren't for the height difference and the hair, Bulma could've mistaken him for Vegeta. *How weird. They look so much alike! And from the side... Just give the boy some blue eyes, long black hair, stick his finger in a light socket and you've got Vegeta!*
It's him!
::Doesn't he look familiar Vegeta?::
Damnit I already figured it out! Moron...
::Sheesh! Just checking::
How annoying... I'm going to chop my head off because of you.
::I hate my job::
The boy smirked, mirroring Vegeta's trademark. He tossed Goku some a small brown bag; most likely sensu beans.
Bulma had seen a lot of fighting before, but never as front row like she was now. She could see their emotions, and she could tell that the future boy wasn't as confident as he made out to be. He seemed very focused though, and she knew he'd win, or at least hoped he would.
17 faced the boy, staring into him, analyzing, inspecting, waiting for the ideal moment to attack. Suddenly they flew at each other and disappeared from Bulma's sight. She could hear every punch and kick, and every once in a while they'd reappear and she'd catch a frame of the fight. She caught future boy putting his hands together and slamming them down on 17.
But future boy began slipping. Catching him offguard, 17 need him in the back sending him flying up into the air where he reappeared and slammed both his feet into fut. boy's stomach. He rebounded in the air and began throwing wild punches. 17 dodged each one easily. On the ground, the girl was smiling up at her brother.
I'm going to wipe that stupid smile off her face.
::Yeah right::
You don't think I can?
::Well, considering your super saiyan son from the future is having trouble with her brother, I don't think you could stand a chance::
Damn. For once you're right. Grrr... I SHOULD BE THE SUPER SAIYAN!!
::Calm down, you're going to give yourself an ulcer::
Fut. boy drew a sword Vegeta hadn't noticed before. He began attacking from all sides with it, and for a few seconds looked like this was his comeback. He slammed it down hard on 17's arm and a large chunk cracked and fell out. Too shocked to move, he was attacked again and he flew to the ground in a heap of rubble. He didn't get back up. Vegeta could still sense his energy, but it was barely there.
He glanced to Bulma. It looked like ideas were forming in her head. It was the same look she got when solving formulas or fixing complex machines. The boy stumbled back to his feet. Bulma caught his eye and made several motions with her hands, pointing to her pocket, twisting her wrist like she was turning something, then a little kick motion and pointing to Dr. Gero. He nodded his head in response and leaped at 17. Instead of commencing another fight, he flew straight past 17 and hit the unprepared Dr. Gero on the side of the head. He fell shocked to the ground and the flew from his pocket and slid towards Bulma. She caught it and unchained herself and the two other captives. She saluted the boy and he smiled back to her before calapsing onto the ground no longer golden-haired. Bulma rushed to the boy's side and pulled him to Vegeta's feet.
"Make sure he's ok. Hey Goku!" A small green bean came flying through the air and into Vegeta's awaiting hand. He slid it into the boy's open mouth.
"Chew." Vegeta commanded. The boy's eyes poppedopen and he sat up. "What's your name boy?" The boy stared at the ground, embaressed.
"My name is. . . Trunks." he blushed slightly and looked at Vegeta. Vegeta smirked.
"I figured it out. I'm not a moron, boy." Trunks smiled and looked at Bulma who was helping Goku get to his feet.
"What gave it away?" Vegeta responded with a you-must-be-kidding look. He looked around quickly to make sure no one was listening,but they were all helping Goku. He sighed and whispered, "A lot of things. #1- You're from the Future. #2- You look like her... and me I have to admit. #3- All the Capsule Corp. equipment," Trunks was blushing so much he looked like a negative picture of Piccolo, "#4- You're obviously Saiyan, and the only other possible people would be Kakarot, who's a little married, or Gohan... that's just nasty. And last but not least, #5- you used some of my moves."
"Does my mom... Bulma... know?" Trunks struggled with the words.
"Don't think so. Have you told Kakarot?"
"Kakarot? Oh you mean Goku. Yeah, I told him on the way here. I didn't know if you'd be here or not. In my time you were killed by them," he pointed to the teens, "and so were the rest of the Z fighters. Gohan was the only one to survive. The entire world is living in fear. I've taken the androids on before and was nearly killed. It's horrible! Having to run all the time, and having nowhere to run to. The only person I have left is her." He pointed to Bulma. He sounded like he was on the verge of tears.
"They're androids?"
::Moron, I knew they were::
Shut up! This is supposed to be a father-son moment damnit!
::Is Vegeta going soft?::
No damnit! Shut the hell up!
::How sweet. You're being fatherly::
I'm going to find the dragonballs and wish you away.
"Yes, all of them. Even Dr. Gero." Vegeta looked in shock at all three of them. He saw 18 hive fiving 17 as he landed on the ground and Gero recovering from his blow to the head. Vegeta held out a hand for Trunks to stand. Trunks grabbed it and Vegeta pulled him to his feet.
"One more question."
"Yeah?" Trunks replied warily.
"How did you go Super Saiyan so young?"
"When they killed Gohan, I snapped.... I guess it's just part of my blood." Vegeta smirked.
"You got that right." They walked to where the rest of the Z team was standing. Goku stood firm and challenged 17.
"Do you think you can fight?" Bulma asked.
"Don't worry about me, Bulma." He marched bravely forward. Without effort his hair stood out golden in every which way and his eyes turned the color of Bulma's hair. Without another word they slid into fighting poses. They flew and began beating into each other. For a while it looked like 17 would win again. He punched at Goku, who dodged it easily but was hit smack in the face with the back of 17's arm. Goku flipped backwards, bringing his foot up and nailing 17 in the face with his left foot. When he flipped upright again he kicked him down in the gut. He teleported from anyone's sight and reappeared where 17 was about to land. Goku caught him by the foot and slammed him into the ground. It took 17 a few moments to get back to his feet, but Goku was ready for him. 17 attacked furiously, head on. Goku kicked him straight into the air then positioned his arms.
"KA-ME-HA-ME...." He pulled his cupped hands behind his back, preparing for the kill. He hesitated for a few seconds, powering it up as strong as it'd go.
"He's gonna go it!" Gohan was leaping up and down in excitement.
"HA!" Goku thrust his cupped hands forward, sending a gigantic wave towards the falling android. Halfway through he was cut short with a kick from 18 which sent Goku flying through the air.
Her brother fell slowly to the ground. She rushed to where he landed, his body charred and blacked. He was gone without a doubt. Circuits covered the ground surrounding his frame. His entire right side was either sparking or gone. His mechanical eyes lay open wide along with his gaping mouth. Every once in a while he'd move his arm and she'd regain hope. But it was all shattered when the light behind his eyes died. She stared in horrific shock at him. She kneeles by his broken body.
"17, I can't believe youre gone..." A look of rage overcame her. She jumped to her feet and floated into the air, targeting the helpless Z team. Trees collapsed, the shrine crumbled and Z fighters dove mercilessly to the ground.
"18! Calm down! You're malfunctioning!" screamed Dr. Gero over the noise. She aimed an especially large blast at him, knocking him to the ground. Bulma, not knowing exactly what happened, began a desparate sprint towards Vegeta. Her weak legs not carrying her fast enough, 18 spotted her and sent a yellow ki blast down on her. She screamed and flew clear off the edge of the shrine floor.
In a flash Vegeta was after her at blinding speed. She hadn't fallen far when he caught her and floated slowly back to the group. He set foot behind a wall and sat on the ground, still cradling her. He didn't care who saw him either. But everyone's eyes were focused on Goku, tired from the previous battle and being battered by blasts by the much stronger 18.
Vegeta lay Bulma down on the ground in front of him, supporting her head with his arm. She was unconcious, and instead of concentrating on the fight, he held her close. Trunks brought over the sensu beans but the bag was empty.
"Damn you androids!" Vegeta screamed. No one turned to look. Goku was about to fall; their hero was still very weak from his sickness. Vegeta hated the whole damn catastrophe. His world was dying around him. The only person he ever loved lay dying in his arms while his only friend in the world was being beaten to a pulp by an android and being torn apart by a virus inside. Vegeta didn't care about himself or if he killed himself. He just wanted the world to stop.
Trunks stared in awe as flashes of gold gleamed through his father's hair then faded to black. Again and again lightning formed around his fists. He lay Bulma down completely and stood confidently. He was about to march over and destroy every android on earth, but he stopped in his tracks when he heard a faint whisper.
"Vegeta...." It was Bulma, he ran to her and kneeled beside her. She brought her hadn to his chest. "Win... for... me..." She collapsed, barely breathing and unmoving. That was enough for him. He was already on the edge and that was the shove off. His scream echoed around the world through heaven and hell. Golden hair shot in every direction. His aquamarine eyes bore into the frightened android. She was frozen in terror at the sight of the transformed Saiyan. He marched over to her, stared silently, then simply slammed her in the stomach sending her flying. He follwed her and proceeded to beat her to a pulp every way he knew how.
::Vegeta stop!::
No! You can't stop me now! I hate her!
::Look at her! Look into her eyes. Whose do they look like?:: Vegeta stopped his tyrade and looked into the crying androids eyes.
Her eyes are blue like Bulma's... And she's... crying.
::Imagine it's Bulma::
Damn. That's like trying to beat up on your own mother.
::Exactly::
Shit. 18 lifted her head to look at Vegeta.
"I don't care what you do to me," she managed to squeak out. In that case...
Vegeta held his palm up to her face. She lowered her head, knowing what was coming. Just before Vegeta blasted her into the next dimension, Goku put a hand on Vegeta's shoulder. Vegeta didn't look at him.
"Put your arm down. Look at her. Her brother was just killed. A few moments ago we were all scrambling for our lives hoping she'd stop. Now when the tables turn she's hoping you'll do just the same thing. If we gave her another chance..."
"No! I will not be soft like you Kakarot! She deserves to die!" Vegeta shrugged his hand away. He stared into her eyes. For a moment he saw Bulma, on her knees crying, right after Yamcha had left. On the other hand... How could I kill Bulma? As he was lowering his arm, a foot slammed into his head and both he and Goku went flying back. Vegeta leaped straight to his feet, as did Goku.
18 looked even angrier than before. She glared at Dr. Gero, the one who kicked them.
"This was all your fault!" she yelled at him before kicking him in the back sending him flying towards Goku and Vegeta.
"KA-ME-HA-ME-"
"FINAL FLASH!"
"HA!" Dr. Gero's eyes went wide and he screamed like a little girl before being hit by both attacks. As the smoke cleared, the only remaining part left was the doctor's head.
"I will have my revenge Goku! Just you wait! Cell is coming! And he'll be..." 18's foot came down on Gero's artificial skull, crushing it to bits. The group was silent.
I get it now. She only fought us for killing her brother. She's programmes to react. She hated Gero and loved 17. Minus the circuits, she's practically human. 18 wiped the remainder of tears from her eyes and walked to Vegeta.
"Thanks..." she said softly, staring into his eyes. Vegeta nodded as an acceptance and turned and walked to Bulma. Yamcha was by her side, holding her in his arms. He shrank back at the sight of Vegeta.
"We have no more sensu beans, and it will take Korin a while to get more. She'll have to heal the normal way." Goku said, standing next to Vegeta. The Prince remained motionless, eyes and mind fixated upon the helpless, child-like Bulma. He tore his eyes away to look at Goku. He winked in response. Vegeta smiled back.
Trunks lifted Bulma from Yamcha's arms, reading his soon-to-be- father's mind, and placed her in Vegeta's. He lifted on and flew up silently towards Capsule Corp. The sun was setting to his right, shining in Bulma's face. As they drew nearer, they were flying over the ocean. She awoke, still weary, trying to take in her surroundings. *Am I dreaming again?* She looked up and saw Vegeta, smiling back at her. She fell asleep again, and he kissed her lightly on her forehead.
By the time they reached Capsule Corp., it was dark and there was no moon out. Vegeta landed softly on her balcony. Thankfully, the blacony doors were unlocked, and he pulled them open. He pulled back the covers, lowered her into bed, and pulled the covers over her.
You know what?
::What::
This worked out so damn well.
::Now maybe you'll start listening to me::
Yeah right. When pigs fly.
::Oolong can::
.... Guess I'm stuck.
::The mighty conscience prevails again::
You wish.
"Vegeta?" He turned to see Bulma, barely walking towards him. She stumbled a few feet away, but he caught her and she fell against him. She looked up into his face, and he went in for the kiss.
::I love this job::
