Desert Shadow

By: Sophie5 (Pai-Chan)

Chapter 3

"Twist of Fate"

1 WEEK LATER...

"Nina! Nina! Wake up already! Nina!" a tiny voice whined.

She slowly opened her eyes, a blurred vision in her view. They gradually adjusted to the rays of sunshine that engulfed her room through the window. Could the sun really continue to shine, even through these terrorizing times that had been waging on for the past 13 years? Apparently it could, but the Earth would never truly be healed until the evil androids were eradicated. Finally, her eyes were focused and she could see the one who was desperately trying to get her to rise.

A little girl, now 7 years old and very zealous, was continuously tugging onto her arm, trying to drag Nina out of bed. The child had pretty, shoulder length auburn hair with dark green eyes to lighten the face and hair, as well as the creamy skin. She was dressed in her favorite outfit. Denim overalls that stopped a little past her knees, a yellow and white t-shirt with socks to match. Her name was Kasumi Hanoi, Nina's little sister, and today was her birthday. A celebration needed to be at hand.

Unfortunately, Nina was the one who offered to do the decorating of the house as well as to supervise the children who were coming to her party. Kasumi tugged onto her shirtsleeve again, adding extra force to get Nina's attention. "Nina! C'mon! It's already morning and you have to help get my birthday party ready!" Kasumi continued.

Nina sighed and brushed a hand through her tousled brown hair. It was a mess, she knew it was because she felt like a mess. "Alright Kasumi. I'm getting out of bed. Tell Grandma to have a cup of juice ready for me by the time I get downstairs."

Kasumi leaped into the air. "Okay!" she declared with excitement, then raced downstairs calling for her grandmother.

Nina smiled, suddenly wishing to be young again. But alas, she was 14 now and had to deal with grown-up responsibilities. She didn't mind though because it always gave her certain freedoms that other kids her age didn't have. They didn't complain though, because they knew how rough Nina had gotten it in the beginning of her life, the very time she was just a baby. The house she was living in was not her real home, and Kasumi was not her real sister as well as the rest of the family was not her real family. But that never bothered Nina at all, because she still considered them a part of her blood, therefore she couldn't really care if they weren't or not.

The Hanoi family adopted her when she was a baby, or rather, they found her when she was a baby. Her parents, the ones who gave birth to Kasumi, had died when she was 9 years old. They were killed by the androids when they were out shopping. The parents of Nina's mother, Kikuyu Hanoi, were the Tatsumi's and they held custody of both Nina and Kasumi. The full story of Nina's past was not really explained to her. Instead, she was continuously told that "Her time would come to know." So instead of complaining about it, she just let it go and eventually forgot about asking. Nina gladly took life in stride and with a smile.

While clambering out of bed, Nina pulled her hair into a loose ponytail. True, she did miss the Hanoi's, but there was no point crying over something she could not change. The only thing she could really do about anything was to cherish the life she had now, and is thankful that she was still alive.

As she headed toward the bathroom down the hallway, Nina did a few punches to the air and then a high kick. The Tatsumi family lived out in the country, away from most android activity that took place in the city. But that didn't mean that the androids wouldn't attack there, so Nina took it upon herself to learn how to fight. Not only to battle the androids if they came, but to take on any of the crazy thugs that ran around different parts of the world, stealing what they could and taking advantage of the crazy chaos that was conquering over people's hearts.

But there was also more to it than that. Nina had always thought that it was in her blood to fight. She didn't know why though, and yet that rush for battle still swept over her like the wind. Her senses were keener, sharper, and her movements were fast. It was weird to her and she always found herself questioning her actual origin. Knowing that she wasn't going to get the answers she wanted, Nina also decided to shrug this feeling off as well, and yet tried to enhance it too. There was no harm in trying to make a use of this fighting instinct of hers.

She slowly pulled off her shirt and jumped into a pair of jeans while snatching up a white tank top. I wonder if I'll ever find the answers. Nina thought nostalgically.

"NINA! Hurry up already!" Kasumi called from downstairs, apparently getting agitated.

Nina felt herself laugh. "I'll be right down Kasumi! Keep your shirt on!" she yelled back while pulling on her blue and white plaid shirt, rolling the sleeves up to her elbows. Then she headed downstairs to prepare for her long day of work.

As she made her way down the stairs, Nina caught a glimpse of Kasumi running outside the house. Their dog Rocky, a German shepherd, followed her close behind. He barked excitedly at Kasumi and she giggled in return while petting his nose.

Nina smiled and then she turned her attention to her grandmother who'd just placed a glass of orange juice on the counter for her. Snatching up the glass in her hands, Nina quickly gulped down the juice and then placed it in the sink. She was just about to head towards the shed when her grandmother caught her attention.

"Nina!" she called.

Nina turned around. "Yeah Grandma?" She noticed the wary expression on the old woman's face and suddenly began to worry. "Is something wrong?"

The elderly woman shook her head. "No honey, nothing's wrong."

"Well then, what's up?"

Mrs. Tatsumi sighed slowly as she sat at the kitchen table. "Nina. There's something that I need to tell you, and I believe that you're old enough now to understand."

"Huh?" Nina's curiosity grew. Perhaps she was finally going to know the answers she had been longing to know.

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Seventeen paced around the empty ruins of East City, the place where he had first encountered his mysterious Desert Shadow. He had not seen her in the last week, even after the rains had stopped. It was peculiar that he didn't know of her whereabouts with this much time between then and now. But he had no clue as to where to look for her, and it's not like she had a ki signal anymore. Why was he so interested in her? Sure, there was the simple fact that she was an android who was created by Dr. Gero, the same lunatic who was able to composite his cybernetic body. But was there more to it? There had to be. It just didn't make any sense to pursue her like this if it didn't mean anything to him.

His toy.

That's what she was. Seventeen had enjoyed his little game with her that wet night, and the thought of it aroused his lust for carnage. He longed for the touch of that flawless skin against his own, the smell of her sweet fragrance, her growl echoing through her throat. All of it enticed Seventeen to have more of her.

I will have her. he thought to himself as a smile formed on his lips. I will have her at any cost! She will be mine and mine alone!

It was a new obsession for him. Even more than seeing how long Blondie could keep up with Eighteen and him before they tore him apart, leaving him for dead. But they never hurt him enough to where he would die after a few hours. Blondie was persistent and wouldn't go down easily. Seventeen had a feeling of that. It would only be a matter of time before Eighteen would decide that they finish him off.

Seventeen walked towards the building that Desert Shadow had crashed against. He slowly let his hand caress the cracks in the stone while his fingers traced the lines where the stones had split apart. The side of his body slid against the ruin until he was finally on the ground. Seventeen rested his head against the impact crater and inhaled slowly. He felt himself smile because the jasmine scent was still there. Continuing the gentle movement of his fingers, he slowly closed his eyes as his smile broadened.

"Desert Shadow, I will find you." he whispered to the rock, then sighed, reopening his light blue eyes. "I'll change the shape of this entire planet if necessary! As long as you are mine in the end!"

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A lone figure stood on the top of a cliffside, admiring the Earth's tranquility. Could the planet really still feel like it was at peace? It was hard to tell from his point of view. Things were hard enough as it was with him being an android and all that. He shifted the black armband that was wrapped around the middle of his t-shirt sleeve, wondering if his sister and he could really defeat the androids. It was hard to believe, seeing as how the odds were heavily stacked against them. By what she had told him, the terrorizing duo were not easy pickings.

And what's worse, one of 'em is our friend! he thought bitterly, then sighed. She wasn't sure of the other one, but there's a good chance that the other android is also the female in that photograph.

He flopped onto the ground as tiny blades of grass flew around him. Grabbing a few, he began to twirl them in his fingertips. Damn that Dr. Gero, the sick bastard! I hope he's miserable, and dead!

"Ten." someone called to him.

Slowly turning his head, he caught view of his sister. "Nine." was his only reply. Then he turned back towards the horizon, overlooking the natural landforms.

Ten felt his sister's shadow cast over him, then she sat down, touching shoulder to shoulder. "Ten, what're we to do? The human race will pretty soon be wiped out if we don't do something about it." she stated calmly, then she leaned her head against his shoulder.

He brushed one of the longer strands of his hair from his face, even though everything else was cut short. Then he scratched the back of his head, wishing that he had his cap on. "Yeah? Well what is there to do Nine? You couldn't beat them, so what chance do I have huh?"

"The only reason I lost was because you weren't there so we could work it together!" she countered.

Ten turned to look at her, pale eyes blazing angrily. "And was that my fault? You're the one who went off on your own in the middle of the night, remember? So don't you even try and lay this on me!"

He heard her sigh, then she suddenly rose to her feet. "You're right. I guess since all you can do is sit here and find ways to get mad with me, then maybe I ought to go and settle this myself!"

Ten rose to his feet in a flash, teeth bared while a growl escaped. "Now look here Nine! I never said that I was mad with you! I'm mad at the fact that you wanted to face them alone! It's been a week already and all you've done is do nothing but plan, and planning without me!"

He paused as both of their pale eyes burned with anger. Not towards each other, but to their behavior. Emotions were a weird thing for them and they still didn't think they'd get used to them, even after all these years.

They both sighed and Ten grabbed his sister's hands. "Look Sis, if we're going to beat them together, we have to get our priorities straight together. Okay?"

Nine nodded. "Alright."

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Gohan breathed heavily against his pillow. It had to have been close to mid morning by now, but his body just didn't feel up to rising just yet. He still had to recover from the last fight he went through against the androids three days ago. The good thing was that the pain was actually worth it this time. Gohan had stopped the 2 maniacal androids from completely eradicating District 657. There were some setbacks though. His arm was broken in the battle and so were 2 of his ribs. But they were almost completely healed. Gohan could feel that as he stretched his fingers on the damaged arm, then arched his back to test his ribs. He sighed with relief to know that they were fine now.

He slowly turned onto his side, wondering how he had managed to survive this long on his own. If Dad were here, none of this would be happening right now! This misery would've ended long ago. Gohan concluded for maybe the millionth time since the androids' assaults. He longed for Goku greatly, but then again, so did everyone else who knew what he was capable of.

Gohan felt his eyes wander towards a framed photograph nearby his window. The sun's rays hit the glass covering perfectly, giving the picture a certain glow. It was of Goku and himself when he was a little boy, no older than 6 years old. Goku was completely wrapped in bandages from head to foot while Gohan had a bandage wrap around his head and arms. He was sitting next to his dad on the bed, and regardless of the pain they were in, they could still smile. It was taken after the battle with Vegeta and Nappa. When that battle had finally ended, they then let Vegeta go free, even though they really didn't want to.

But it was all because of Goku's kindness and mercy. Otherwise, the Earth would not have had the Saiyan prince as an ally. Yet it was still all just a waste. Somehow the thought of Earth being jinxed by Goku was unlikely because he was dead now.

Suddenly, Gohan noticed that water was sliding down his cheeks and he pressed his face against the pillow. He was crying again, but for the first time in a long time. Oh Dad, I wish you were here.

SEVERAL HOURS LATER...

"Nina! I loved my party! Thanks so much!" Kasumi declared, overjoyed.

Nina smiled down at her little sister, quickly bringing herself back to reality. "Anything for my little sister!"

Kasumi gave a cheesy grin and clutched onto her big sister's hand as they walked down the busy streets of Pepper City. Nina responded by firmly grasping the tiny fingers in her own palm. The knowledge of knowing that this little being, this precious lifeform that she had practically raised herself, was only not her real family, but there was no hope that Kasumi could ever be. Many thoughts attacked her like hot knives into her chest, causing a sudden spark to hit her throat. She fought hard, with all her strength, to swallow the pain down to the pit of her stomach. Nina sighed as she recalled the words her grandmother had befallen onto her.

"When the Hanoi's found you Nina, you were just an infant. It was when the androids had just demolished Koga. They drove by this house that was on the brink of falling apart when they could've sworn that a baby's cry could be heard from within. Your mother, Kikuyu, risked her very life to get you out of that house. On your wrist was a name bracelet that had the words inscribed, 'Nina,' and you had a necklace around your neck, with an ivory colored stone as the charm. She said that she found you inside this pod-like spaceship, for safety purposes was her only guess. The other object she found was this photograph of what was probably your real family. The back of it says 'A Saiyan Family.' I just felt it was your time to know."

Nina slowly lifted her arm to touch her chest. The photo of her real family was hidden away behind her vest and so was the necklace. I don't even know who I am anymore. she thought sadly as a nostalgic feeling welled up in her heart.

"Nina?" Kasumi called to her from below.

Instinctively, Nina's eyes brightened like crystals for her younger sister. "Yeah Kasumi?"

Kasumi held up a stuffed, light brown rabbit clad in a red overall dress. The rabbit's ears were straight but sagged at the tips and the black whiskers poked out from the tan mouth regions of its face. The coal black eyes glittered happily as the threaded smile was present on the plush doll's face. Nina saw the glow in Kasumi's green eyes as she grinned, her auburn hair now darkened to a near burgandy due to the straw yellow sun hat she had on her head.

"I really like the present you gave me!"

Nina felt like her heart had collapsed into thousands of pieces. How could it be, that this precious one was not even hers to claim as her family. They weren't even in the same race, because Kasumi was an Earthling.

While I'm just a freak. I'm an alien...a Saiyan.

"I'm glad." she replied, slightly gripping onto the tiny fingers in her hold again, cherishing the softness of the innocense.

But what is a Saiyan? she felt herself asking.

Suddenly, Nina's eyes were captured by a nearby store with many different charms and jewelry. She slowly calculated the numbers in her head and concluded that she had enough money to buy "bonding charm" neclaces for Kasumi and herself. Nina turned her head around to see if her grandparents were nearby. Her eyes caught a hold of the salt and pepper hair of her grandfather and she decided to leave Kasumi with him while she went and bought the necklaces. It was to be another surprise gift for her little sister.

Her brows narrowed slightly over her eyes. Or rather, my little companion. She isn't my real sister. She can never be mine to claim.

"Grandfather!" she called back.

The old man turned his gaze towards her, inwardly wishing that he didn't have to take his eyes from the new golf set on display in the shopping window. "Yes Nina?"

She held out Kasumi's hand that was held strongly in her grasp. "Could you look after Kasumi while I go to this store? It'll just be a minute."

Mr. Tatsumi nodded, a smile forming underneath his mustache. "Alright." he replied, and then held his hand out for Kasumi as she ran to him, giggling happily.

Before she decided to take off, she looked back and revelled at the scene of grandfather and grandaughter. How their smiles seemed infinate and indestructable. Nina clenched the palm that had held Kasumi's innocent fingers just moments ago, a feeling of deep sentiment cascading down the inner reaches of her heart. Then she turned and ran through the crowds in the streets of Pepper City, towards the jewelry store.

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"Seventeen, I grow rather bored just staying home." Eighteen complained as she tossed another outfit aside onto her bed, preparing to try on another one.

Seventeen watched his sister's movements from the opposite side of her room, resting his elbow on the armrest of the chair so he could prop his head up. "Well Eighteen, what do you propose we do? You always complained whenever we were destroying cities everyday, then every other day. Finally you came up with the conclusion of every three days. What now?"

She tossed her shoulder-length blonde hair to the side as she began to put on her denim Red Ribbon Army vest over her pin striped shirt and tank top. "I'm just so fired up about that nusiance Gohan! I can't believe he actually kept us from destroying all of District 657 three days ago!" Eighteen muttered, snapping her palms into fists.

The android smiled at his twin's annoyance. "Well, I think it was actually pretty ironic that he managed to do that. It just makes the game more fun. You have to keep an open mind about these things Eighteen."

Eighteen quickly turned around to face her brother, pale blue eyes narrowing further than the almond shapes were at normal stature. "You can be so stupid sometimes!" she countered roughly, then sighed. "But I suppose you do have a point. I hate it when you're right!"

Seventeen rose from the chair and made his way over towards his sister's side, placing a strong, tan hand onto her shoulder. She looked up at him, eyes flickering with no emotion. He couldn't help but feel his thoughts wander back towards the other female android, his Desert Shadow. Her eyes were so different from Eighteen's. Perhaps because they seemed so human, the other reason of how Seventeen had mistaken her for a human in the first place. After all his searchings, there was no trace of her whatsoever. It annoyed him to know that she wouldn't resurface, even after the attack on District 657. Maybe if he attacked another, well preserved and populated area like East City was, it'd get her attention back to him.

Seventeen felt his lips curl into a smile. "Tell you what? How about we go and mess up Pepper City? I've gotten kinda tired of bypassing that area anyway." he suggested, suddenly seeing the smile form on his twin's lips.

"I'd like to enjoy the sweldering smoke it'll emanate when we blow it up!"