What Could've Been
Chapter 8: Unwelcome Twist
If there was one thing Future Seventeen hated equally as getting killed by the purple-haired upstart named Trunks, it was watching his other half engaging in the fight of his life against another former nobody whose only memorable trait was that unsightly green skin.
Huh, didn't other me knocked out this loser without breaking a sweat days ago? So why's this waste of space giving me, no him the run for his money?
The raven-haired future cyborg shook his head in disgust seeing Piccolo planting his fist squarely on this other him's midsection. It wasn't one of those inconsequential attacks either. No, the punch had been a near crippling blow as Present Seventeen trembled in agony struggling to keep his body from doubling over, his mouth agape about to spill out whatever was inside.
No, he's just toying with him, that's gotta be it...I mean what are the chances of these garbage getting stronger than us all the sudden?
An ear-deafening clash saved him from further unpleasant thoughts, only to plunge the diseased world conqueror into further nightmare. On the screen, Present Seventeen had finally managed to land a solid hit on Piccolo's shoulder and the display of pain on the Namekian's stoic face should've cheered Future Seventeen up.
Except it wasn't a clean hit but a trade that forced the bruised cyborg youth clasping his injured leg. The blows that followed, or rather exchanged, fared little better and soon that smooth skin of his became covered with red marks. It was all too apparent the only way to secure victory was to win through attrition and gradually tiring out the stubborn green man, as any advantage Present Seventeen managed to secure got snuffed out in an instant.
This is just like that other close call me and sis had with Gohan...yeah that guy was something else...if we hadn't had our infinite energy we would've lost for sure...
Recalling memories of that one-armed Saiyan still made Future Seventeen uneasy. The crippled warrior had fought like a man possessed, his green eyes burned like hellish flame in a sea of darkness, his fists never once let up until the very bitter end when they finally managed to pulverize every bone in his body. Afterwards, they had approached the unmoving corpse with such caution any slight movements, let it be Gohan's shirt blowing in the wind or his body twitching from still firing nerves, caused them to leap back and take up defensive stances. This mental scar ended up haunting them for months and, inside the dark confines of their apartment, the killers questioned their so called infinite energy and if an organic being could learn to acquire such great power, a power only they, the chosen ones were entitled to.
"Hahhhh!"
A fierce battle cry from Present Seventeen resonated through the room, causing it to shake much like how their battlefield had begun to rock on screen. With near untraceable speed, the cyborg fighter vanished before delivering a devastating punch that caused an unnatural bulge to appear on the Namekian's back.
"About time you take care of this pest bro, and I was getting worried you had forgotten how to fight properly!" Future Eighteen let out a sigh of relief.
"Hey I was just...no he was just playing around sis. Besides, if it were up to me, I would've killed this loser a long time ago and gotten to Goku. Yeah he might look like me but is clearly inferior." Future Seventeen bragged, flashing his twin a forced triumphant smirk all the while cold sweats dripped down his face.
Their celebration was short lived; however, as Piccolo was merely momentarily staggered and retaliated with a punch of his own. Another fierce melee ensued that saw neither party having the upper hand, forcing both to disengage with embittered expressions once more.
"W-what is this nonsense? This just isn't real!" Future Seventeen was no longer able to maintain his composure and blurted out despite himself, his shock shared by both versions of his sister seeing Future Eighteen's wide eyes was matched only by her gaping mouth and Present Eighteen could only brush her loose strands aside for a better look.
I...I am supposed to be the strongest there is, I mean I even exchanged my humanity for this so there shouldn't be anyone capable of matching my power...having infinite energy or not...
"Wow will you look at that? What a grotesque looking thing!"
Future Seventeen was brought out of his troubling thoughts by his sister's startled words. The cyborg shifted his attention back on screen and nearly fell out of his chair by the appearance of a strange creature looking like a hybrid between grasshopper and human. Blinking a few times to clear his vision, the brother shared a puzzled look with his sibling then glared at their host.
"Hey King Kai, what trickery is this? We are here to observe our other selves and not to watch your stupid science fiction flick!" He bellowed not bothering to hold back his temper.
The seated guardian spared him his trademark poker face that betrayed no emotion much to the already agonizing cyborg's displeasure. What the blue-skinned bastard nonchalantly blurted out next served only to exasperate him, "Just keep on watching Seventeen, I assure you this did took place. Besides you've met this creature before."
Although Future Seventeen wanted nothing more than to retort an undignified "You lied!" his sixth sense warned him to keep an eye on this grotesque new arrival, even if it posted no threats to him in the afterlife.
"Who is this weirdo? Hey Piccolo, I thought you told me you'd fight me one on one!" Present Seventeen appeared equally weirded out, his inquisitive blue eyes studying the tailed being with a mixture of disgust and bewilderment. "I'm asking you Piccolo, is this a friend of yours? Cause I swear his green skin looked familiar if you know what I mean," He taunted after getting no response from the petrified fighter.
Future Seventeen chuckled aloud at that creative insult, "Hey sis, did you hear that? Other me might not be a great fighter but he sure knows how to antagonize his opponents. I guess he's me after all."
Future Eighteen shared no such amusement; however, as her eyes blinked yellow in an indication of searching through her database until finally, those icy blue eyes snapped opened in shock. "That's another one of that sick bastard's creation brother, or have you forgotten the tiny embryo floating in that tank?"
"Huh?" The brother muttered in disbelief ready to follow up with more questions but the action had already begun as this mute creature went straight for Present Seventeen, throwing tail jab after tail jab at the cyborg, all of which he dodged by mere hairs length. When the rapid stabs finally stopped, its cyborg opponent was visibly stunned, allowing the green monstrosity to grab his hand and toss him onto the ground.
To the future cyborgs, the whole sequence appeared in a blur and both swallowed nervous gulps knowing it was impossible for either to evade the frenzied attack.
What is this nonsense? This creature isn't even mechanical and yet he's got me pinned like a ragdoll...besides why would Dr. Gero create something else when he already had two invincible killers?
"Can you two keep track? Or do I have to slow it down a bit?" King Kai offered warmly seeing his guests' petrified expressions but in reality only ignited the powder keg that was Seventeen's shaky confidence.
Future Eighteen saw the look of loathing in his brother's eyes and quickly interjected with a cold "What made you think we couldn't keep track of their motion? We were just grossed out by that bug!"
"Yeah just like what sister said, so why don't you sit back and watch us pulverize this failed project!" The younger sibling chimed in already feeling better from his twin's intervention.
On screen, Present Seventeen still appeared dazed even in the face of this creature's tail thrusting toward his midsection. To Future Seventeen's dismay too, it took an inferior being like Piccolo to save his other half who, much to his revulsion, had thanked the Namekian.
"Watch out Seventeen, its name is Cell and it's another android created by Dr. Gero. He's here to absorb both you and Eighteen!"
Say what? What's Piccolo rambling about?
Future Seventeen was positively stunned, if not slightly enraged by the mentioning of his tormentor while his sister's stomach grew heavy with disgust especially hearing the absorption part.
"Rejoice brother, you are about to become a part of me and together we'll create the strongest warrior just like what Dr. Gero wanted!" Cell added, his lizard-like eyes flashing red with want
What's this? An ultimate being? But I am...WAS the ultimate being...I may not be human anymore, but I'm still the strongest artificial human and nothing can take that away from me!
Although Future Seventeen couldn't read his present self's mind, it was crystal clear he was thinking more or less the same. Flashing the newly arrived artificial human a confident if not taunting smirk, he pointed his thumb at his own face and with booming voice, proclaimed what his future counterpart held as his core value. "Sorry to disappoint, but I am the strongest warrior and there's no place for second rated fighters such as yourself."
The confident fighter then charged head first toward his opponent, cheered on by his future self, both their expressions the same, filled with an aura of self-loathing and a desire to prove their worth.
Except the exact opposite had happened, as this Cell evaded Present Seventeen's punch delivered at full strength then pummeled him onto the ground. Piccolo, who had fought evenly with him got smacked around like a punching bag too.
W-why's Piccolo getting destroyed like that? Common man, get up!
To his confusion, Future Seventeen found himself cheering for someone not his sister for the first time since he could remembered and the thought troubled him greatly.
No I must be going nuts from watching this stupid show for so long...or maybe I wanted someone as strong, no slightly weaker than me to last longer against this Cell...yeah that must be it, that's gotta be it!
Present Seventeen appeared even more concerned for his former foe's wellbeing, his emotional ocean blue orbs wavering, his body shaking emotionally when the overpowered monster not only shrugged off the Namekian warrior's strongest blast, but retaliated with crippling punch to the Namekian's neck then blasted off much of the green man's torso.
"I-it can't be. You killed him you psycho!"
These were the last fighting words coming out from Present Seventeen's mouth before he was beaten senseless in front of the horrified future cyborgs. While both were no stranger to seeing corpses stained in sinister red, seeing the same crimson color all over Future Seventeen's look alike touched something deep within them. Without thinking, the two began juxtaposing many of their victim's dying faces onto the injured cyborg and both jerked from their seats as if they've been hurt themselves.
It was the same desperate look from those pitiful humans right before their death, it was the same pleading eyes begging for this all to stop...he may not have surrendered, but those struggling arms might as well be waving white flags...
"Let him go you monster! He hasn't done anything yet! He doesn't deserve this!" Future Seventeen could no longer contain himself and tried launching at the screen, only to be held back by his sister's trembling hands.
"C-calm down bro, t-this has already happened remember?" Future Eighteen counseled with shaky voice.
The brother shot his sibling an indignant glare. "No I won't calm down sis, and besides why aren't you helping? Are you just going to stand there and watch the life getting snuffed out of me?"
The sister's grip on her brother loosened at those accusatory words, allowing him to shrug her off with a huff. There was something different about her whiny brother's complaint this time. It wasn't one of those inconsequential remarks about her blowing up one of his cars. No, it was him accusing her, his lifelong partner of not helping in a life or death situation.
Brother's right, why is this dumb blonde not helping? If it were me I would've jumped in and gave that sorry-ass bug man a taste of my mind...
Or would I...it looked so...tough and ready to maim...definitely much stronger than Gohan and maybe even that Trunks...would I be able to do anything even if I joined the fight?
Future Eighteen's judgmental glare softened as she studied her other self's petrified expression, noting how those icy blue eyes always so confident even against the combined might of all z-fighters had widened to an unnatural extent and the haughty frown on her face now quivering uncontrollably.
She's no longer Artificial Human Number Eighteen...she's Lazuli lying on Gero's operation table...watching the mad bastard cutting into her brother...
"Now brother, let's reunite and become a perfect being!" Skin-crawling words invaded Future Eighteen's mind and when she looked at the screen, what she saw made her slump back against her seat, too petrified to move.
Present Seventeen's bruised and bleeding body was now being lifted above the ground by his scarf, hovering right above his head was no longer a pointy tail but a widened vacuum dripping with vile liquid slowly descending in a mocking way. The male cyborg gritted his teeth as he held onto the outer rims with trembling hands, evidently pushing with all his strength but was nevertheless failing miserably. Bit by bit, the spotted tail engulfed the top of his head, garnering more groans and curses from him as his head disappeared into the void.
"No fight him, fight that monstrosity! Hey sis do something! And where's that Sixteen? That useless piece of junk!" Future Seventeen snapped, waving his hands wildly in a half-begging, half-belligerent manner.
Future Eighteen tried opening her mouth to comfort her brother but couldn't find the right words, her only productive action being glaring at the still passive Present Eighteen with accusatory eyes while somewhat glad she wasn't put in the same situation.
She looked so frightened...it must be hard stomaching the fact you weren't the most powerful being anymore...
Just like how we fought against Trunks...
Just like all those humans finding out our existence...no stop, we were nothing like those losers...
Against her will, the future cyborg woman found her stomach twitching uneasily as frightened pre-death expressions of her victims clouded her mind.
Cell's ear-piercing laughter now resonated throughout the house. For the future cyborgs, it was like Gero was mocking them in real-time, letting them know how futile their rebellion had been. No longer able to bare the sight, Future Seventeen had shut his eyes and covered his ears, doing everything to block off the sickening visual and audio cues.
Curse you Cell! No, curse you Gero! Not only did you turn this other me into a third rate fighter who didn't managed to kill anyone, but you had even turned my sister into a cowardly little girl too scared to help her twin brother...
He then felt a familiar warmth embracing his shivering form and opened his eyes to find his sister's arms wrapped around his body.
"Sis?" Future Seventeen asked in a trembling, boyish voice.
"Sorry bro, but this is the most I can do for you! Now focus on me and don't look at the screen!" His elder sister ordered firmly and hugged his head closer to her so all he saw were ocean blue eyes radiating with never-before-seem warmth.
The pained groaning and sinisterly triumphant roars continued bombarding them, testing their sanity but the two cybernetic siblings gripped tightly onto each other for their dear lives.
Make it end soon, please make his suffering end...
BOOM!
Both were in such concentrated state neither registered a deafening sound until King Kai's comforting voice peaked their interest. "You two might want to take a look at this."
What kind of game is this bastard playing? Yeah, he's only trying to bait us into seeing Seventeen getting absorbed...
The future siblings kept their gazes on each other, too scared to even turn around slightly, at least not until another heavy thud reached them did they realize something had changed.
On screen, the previously silent Sixteen was now engaging in a fierce melee with Cell. To their surprises, the fully mechanical android managed to hold his own against the thought-to-be invincible monster. In fact and to their shock, after a few exchanges, the Mohawk Bot, as the future cyborgs loved to call him mentally, began to force the bug monster on the defensive. It was such a bewildering scene neither could believe their eyes as they blinked in fascination.
"W-why is that mute only showing his true strength now? And to think he's stronger than both of us all this time!" Future Eighteen questioned, displaying the same amount of awe as her present self whose eyes and mouth remained widened but for completely different reasons obviously.
Future Seventeen meanwhile had managed to shrug off that traumatized expression of his and flashed his sister a cocky grin, "D-don't you get it sister? Sixteen's winning because I had softened Cell up beforehand," he paused slightly and was met with a raised eyebrow so begrudgingly, the cyborg continued, "but anyhow, I'm glad someone's putting that monster back in his place. Yeah get 'em!"
Loud, hopeful cheers replaced dreaded whimpers and would only grew in volume when Sixteen's advantage widened, eventually accumulating in the giant robot sending a detached fist right into Cell's face then grabbed the downed insect by its neck and torso high up in the air.
"That's it; snap his neck and body at the same time! I want to see blood! Make him feel the pain we've experienced!" Future Seventeen demanded, slamming his fist onto the table.
"Damn straight brother, I want to see it pulverized until there's nothing left for it to regenerate from! But make sure you make it suffer first Sixteen!" Future Eighteen yelled like an out of control teenager letting loose her pent up frustrations, her usual well-kept hair amess and her eyes blinking crimson.
Their host, the guardian of Northern Galaxy had felt lingering pain seeing them cowering together when Present Seventeen was about to be devoured. Now he could only shook his head in disbelief at the display of bloodlust. It was as if all their leaked humanity had been displaced by a violent inclining so dominant they had turned into different beings.
No matter what Sixteen did, it couldn't seem to quench the cyborgs' desire to kill, not even when the android tossed Cell deep underground with such force the entire island shook from the impact then followed it up with a literal island shattering blast that saw blinding yellow energy beams shooting up from underground all the way to the sky. The rowdy future killers had only screamed and shot their fists into the air all the while wearing crazed expressions, their hungry gaze never stopped blinking bloody red.
"Heh, well I guess that took care of the little freak. Serves him right for messing with us!" Future Seventeen proclaimed, sliding his thumb across his throat and made a guttering noise akin to someone getting their throat slit.
Future Eighteen cackled in a rather unlady-like fashion while clapping her hands, "This is how it should be, no one should even dare challenge us. I only hoped the bug had lasted longer before getting squashed, sure wouldn't mind seeing other me taking a swing at this filth!"
"No kidding sis, it would've been good to pull Cell's wings apart then dissect this it like the insect it was!" Her brother licked his lips.
"Run away Seventeen and Eighteen! Cell isn't dead yet!" As if answering their prayer, Sixteen had loudly admonished their other selves and given the future murdering duo exactly what they wanted.
"Me running away? Very funny Sixteen but if it's still alive I want my payback." Present Seventeen stated firmly standing his ground, his face, although distorted in anger, wasn't anywhere near the sinister look shown on his future counterpart, whose icy blue eyes narrowed and grin widened to resemble a joy seeking murderer.
What occurred next wiped off any amusement or even thoughts of revenge from Future Seventeen. At first, he heard the shouting of yet another weakling named Tien but before he could comprehend what was going on, the gaping tail dripping with hungry saliva had once again descended upon Present Seventeen. In an instant, the vacuum had engulfed its victim down to his previously puff chest, then past his twitching hands and inevitably through his swinging legs. All that was visible was a struggling bulge amidst the dotted green tail, letting out muffled screams and groans as it gradually travelled down the passage.
"No!" Sixteen's cry and Cell's victorious laughter were all that was audible once the bulge that was Present Seventeen disappeared into the grotesque monster's body. No one else so much let out a noise and it was even safe to say all held their breaths involuntarily at the sight. Present Eighteen certainly wasn't muttering a single word seeing her face paled and those frightful eyes wavered, traces of gathering tears clearly visible on her eyelashes. The future cyborgs were stunned silent too as they sat straight up, gawking at the screen.
W-what did I just saw...
Just as blinding white lights began to emit from Cell's convulsing body, a loud groan erupted from Future Seventeen's mouth and he held a trembling hand over his mouth, his own body shaking in a magnitude no less than the monster's expanding form.
"Brother!" Future Eighteen exclaimed and tried reaching out for him but her sibling had jolted up, knocking down his seat then rushed out of the oval hut.
"What have you done to my brother you freak!" The enraged blonde cyborg wasn't thinking when she reached out for her seated host with ill-intentioned fingers. She wasn't able to lay her hands on the deity; however, as a strong wind knocked her onto the ground.
"Behave you brat, what you've done to others is far worse than what you've just witnessed and I suspect you know it from that contemplating look of yours moments ago so don't try playing the victim now!" King Kai warned sternly in a voice that sent further trembles down her spine.
"Oh excuse me, looks like I've gotten carried away," the Guardian of Northern Galaxy said after gathering himself, his voice turning back to its nonchalant tone, "now could you please go fetch your brother for me Eighteen?"
Future Eighteen did the only possible thing and flashed a half-hearted glare at King Kai before leaving the room herself.
Please brother, please be okay...
Not even an open sky and fresh air could stop Future Seventeen from crumbling onto the ground and vomiting all over the well-trimmed grass, his fingers digging into the soil seeking any form of comfort available. The discharge of stomach contents soothed the killer cyborg but not enough for him to stand back up. For a brief moment, he was content to lay there panting for breath, his pride as invulnerable killer the last thing in his mind.
"You alright there Seventeen?" His sister's voice should've calmed him further but for the time being it only served to enrage him, so much so when he felt her smooth fingers against his shaky form, he had spun around and slapped her hand away.
"Brother," Future Eighteen's voice was alarmed but surprisingly devoid of any traces of blame, "I-I see you must still be angry at me or rather, that other stupefied me."
Hmph...what's wrong with sister dear? I guess she's just as shaken as I am...well glad to see someone cared...
Nevertheless, Future Seventeen didn't respond but merely pounded his fists at the ground, shaking the tiny planet to such an extent even his sister could barely hold her balance.
"Bro,"
He finally let out a defeated sigh and picked himself from the newly dug crater, "It's not your fault sister dearest, I know you would've jumped in like that one time when we fought two armed Gohan."
"But?" The elder twin asked quietly in a manner of a child in trouble ready to be scolded.
"B-but I still can't comprehend how that you look alike just stood there all scared and watched me getting devoured. A-and that C-Cell, what is he? Gero's final project? Is it always that bastard's design to have us sucked in through that tail?" The younger twin said between trembles.
"Shh...it's okay...," Future Eighteen shushed him and gathered her brother into her arms. To her delight, the raven-haired man hadn't fought back but merely clung weakly against her shoulder.
It's okay brother...your sister dearest is here suffering with you...
She wanted to comfort him right then and there but the shuffling of feet told her some pesky z-fighters may not take too kindly to their distress and quickly pulled her brother to another corner of the oval house. There safe from peeking eyes, they sat on the grass and held onto each other. It was also there in their small little world that Future Seventeen, no longer able to contain himself, let a few trickles of hot tear streaming down his cheeks and drenching her precious shirt.
"I-I don't know what that other me was thinking, but I can tell you I'll never abandon you." The blonde twin whispered gently as she stroked his jet-black locks.
"Just to let you know sis, I wanted nothing more than to avenge you after that scumbag named Trunks killed you. I'm so sorry I wasn't fast enough to stop him." The younger brother clung onto his sister tightly.
Future Eighteen couldn't help but flashed him a genuine smile quite different than the murderous grin she loved to show her victims before sending them to the underworld, her mouth parted, letting out a warm, "I know, I know you did bro, and I don't blame you."
"A-and even though that other you had only stood by and watched, I don't want her to suffer the same fate as other me. May be she'll get away?" Future Seventeen pried his red and puffed cheeks from his sibling's tear stained sleeves and asked in a hopeful tone.
"Maybe, but...," She took a long pause, summoning courage from the deepest parts of her since truth be told, the prospect of going back there and seeing her fate sent shivers down her body. Closing her eyes, the dreaded image of herself with that frightened blue eyes and flailing golden strands getting engulfed by that grotesque, sucking tail immediately plagued her mind and her eyes fluttered opened, cold sweats dripping down her face like it was monsoon season.
Future Seventeen first gazed at his sister all puzzled then clasped his hands on her shoulder with enough force to shake her from her nightmare, "But we'll never find out unless we go back there won't we sister dearest?" he said, emphasizing on "there" like it was hell itself.
Future Eighteen nodded slowly.
"Well, I'm here for you sis, so let's go back to that blue skinned asshole before he came dragging us back shall we?" He suggested warmly showing nothing but consideration.
"Right brother dearest, let's go!" She said determinedly.
With their minds set, the brother and sister from the future linked their hands in a tight, unbreakable bond and walked back in, trying their best to control the erratic beating of their hearts and trembles in their limbs.
As the two future cyborgs strode back to King Kai's house, a bald figure of slightly below average height and wearing the standard turtle school gi emerged from behind a tree, his emotional brown orbs the loving shade of rich chocolate wavered and his mouth slightly agape.
"So those two murderers are capable of everyday human emotions and can care for one another just like all of us...just like those two cyborgs from that other timeline...," The figure paused briefly sporting a longing look, "then why is it things had to turn out the way they were?" He finished muttering to himself and gripped down harder on the tree trunk, taking off a few splinters of wood.
"I think they are starting to understand what it's like to be victimized Krillin." A voice rang from behind the figure, followed by a hand resting on the shorter man's trembling shoulder.
"Goku it's you." Future Krillin asked, somewhat startled.
"Yeah it's me buddy, how you feeling?" Future Goku asked gently.
"Surprised, relieved, but also disappointed. Had they known compassion before none of this would've happened." The future warrior monk admitted in a pained voice.
His Saiyan friend nodded then continued in a firm tone, "Yeah I know but look at it this way, these two might regain their humanity thanks to you. Their souls can at last be saved."
Future Krillin could only sigh, his eyes travelling back to the house and observed the two destroyers of their world took their seats, their hands still connected firmly under the table.
Goku's right, at least their souls could be saved and from there, an unimaginable pain will arise as their sins haunted them for the rest of eternity...maybe they're be better off without experiencing this kind of warmth...
No what was I thinking, of course it's for the better...even if this couldn't possibly change the world as we know it...
"It's not just me Goku, it's all of us or rather, us from that timeline who has treated them kindly. Sure I might have played a bigger part but...," Future Krillin trailed off, slightly flustered.
"No but Krillin, I know you would've done the same for them in this time line without hesitation too." Future Goku added in a bright tone.
The deceased warrior monk flashed his friend a good-natured smile but quickly soured seeing the golden hoops on top of their heads.
It's all just wishful thinking though whether they realized what they did was wrong or not wouldn't change a thing...but it sure would be good to see their soul purified...
Deciding to give the future killers some privacy, Krillin turned around and his best friend followed suit.
A/N: Thanks for the long wait and apologies for the short chapter. Originally, I wanted to cover both cyborgs' absorption scenes but then I got carried away with writing, not to mention I honestly thought adding more will diminish Seventeen's scene so that's why I cut this off here. Do let me know how you guys think and if you, my dear readers believe I should've stopped here. Until next time!
