Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty
By Feraligreater328
A/N: Happy New Year everybody! Let's get into it!
Chapter 63: Not Only Goku
At Capsule Corp...
Chi-Chi flinched as the Capsule Corp building settled, dust falling from the ceiling. She rubbed her pregnant stomach. "Is this place going to be okay? They're really going at it out there..."
Launch gently tried to reassure her sister-in-law. "Everything is going to be fine, Chi-Chi. I worked in this building for years. It's been through earthquakes and everything. It'll hold up just fine."
The dust went up Launch's nose and she sneezed, her hair turning blonde. The building shook again and Launch cringed. "But, goddamn, they are going at it pretty hard."
As the two of them huddled, alongside Bulma's parents, Bulma stood off to the sight deeply in thought. Trunks cooed and thrashed about in her arm as she stroked her chin, observing the remnants of battle on the outside lawn cameras. She stared at Android 14's charred skeleton and Android 15's shattered remains. "Interesting..."
But, suddenly, Bulma and the others were all shocked. The ceiling flexed inward and burst through, something heavy crashing into the ground beneath it. Bulma ran over to check what it might be and sighed. "Oh, hey Gine. You okay?"
Gine groaned, wincing in pain as she sat up. The Saiyan mother held her injured arm. "I've been better..."
She tried to stand, but fell to her knees. Chi-Chi and Bulma both ran over to check on their mother-in-law. Chi-Chi scolded her. "No! None of that! You're done fighting for now!"
Blonde Launch rubbed Gine's back. "You gotta take care of yourself, Moms. You're getting older and stuff."
Gine sighed, voluntarily releasing her Super Saiyan form. "Fine. I'm not needed anyway..."
Chi-Chi rubbed Gine's shoulder. "No! Don't say that. You're always needed..."
Gine shook her head. "No, I mean I'm not needed for the rest of that fight. Now that I'm out, Bardock has taken that Android farther out of the city. And now, that Android is finished!"
Bulma nodded. "I figured that Bardock was holding back. Not wanting to hurt the people of West City and all."
Bulma cocked her head. "But, now that he's gone and the Android is gone with him..."
She smirked. And then, she immediately turned and ran for the door. Dr. Briefs called out. "Bulma! Where are you going?!"
Bulma called back. "Send some support techs out after me! It's time to harvest some technology!"
She leaped up as she went out the door, clicking her heels and making Trunks laugh. And then she was gone. Panchy giggled. "Our daughter is so excitable~"
Dr. Briefs grumbled and walked over to the phone, placing the support request Bulma had asked for.
High above West City...
Fists clashed as Bardock and Android 13 fought back and forth. With Gine removed from the equations and the people of West City far out of the danger zone, Bardock could now go all out against his robotic foe. 13 went for a knee to Bardock's face, but Bardock caught it with the bottom of his foot and shoved it back down. Bardock rushed at 13 and delivered a series of heavy strikes to the Android's arms and chest, eventually breaking his guard and then punching 13 right in the eyes. 13 flinched back and Bardock followed that punch to the eyes with a blast. 13 snarled and Bardock flew into him, grabbing the Android by his bright orange hair and repeatedly slugging him across the jaw, sending shockwaves from the sheer force of his punches. "YOU! DON'T! EVER! TOUCH! MY! WIFE!"
And then, Bardock charged all of his energy into his fist and hammered it over the back of 13's head. Bardock smirked as 13 limply floated there, in the air. But then, the older Saiyan was caught off-guard by a shattering blow to the gut. This punch forced the wind out of Bardock's chest and made blood shoot from his mouth. Bardock gurgled and 13 chuckled, but the Bardock latched on to 13's arm.
The Android looked confused and Bardock chuckled. "That pain ain't shit. You ain't shit!"
Bardock swung around 13's arm and slammed his elbow into the Android's jaw, dislocating it. And then, he bounced off of 13's forearm and delivered a spinning kick to the Android's temple. And finally, Bardock grabbed 13 by the arm once more, throwing the hulking Android over his shoulder and sending him higher into the air before chasing and landing a double foot stomp into the center of the Android's metal chest.
Bardock bounced back and observed his work, smirking at the sight of his boot-prints in 13's chest. 13 glared, grabbing his dislocated jaw and forcing it back into place before lunging at Bardock one more. Bardock laughed, dodged out of the way of 13's various swipes. "I gotta say...you're strong, you're tough, and you certainly are as deadly as Future Boy made you out to be..."
The older Saiyan splayed his arms out wide, each of his fingertips glowing with yellow energy. "But you have your limits! DESTRUCTO-DART SALVO!"
Android 13 halted in his descent, crossing his arms over his face and roaring in pain as the Destructo-Darts pierced through him like knives through butter. Bardock sped upwards towards 13 and tried for another punch, but 13 caught him by the fist. The Android glared down at his foe and spoke in hefty, broken speech. "You...not Goku! You...no win!"
Bardock chuckled. "You got that right, ya blue ape! I'm not Kakarot! I'm Bardock!"
Bardock's Super Saiyan power flared and the pressure sent 13 flying back. Bardock shouted. "And if your name is my unlucky number! Then my name is your hex!"
And then, Bardock charged at 13 once more, ready for more combat.
Back in the wasteland...
Android 19 got to his feet, dusting himself off and then looking into the lens on his palm to see his reflection. He now had a massive, ugly boot-print on his face from the recent sneak attack he had endured. The rotund robot glared across the battlefield, right at Vegeta, with utter disdain. And then, he walked over and resumed his post at Android 20's side.
Android 20 looked unimpressed, glaring at this new addition to the battlefield. "Vegeta, eh?"
Vegeta smirked and chuckled. Over in the Prince's grip, Goku weakly held up his hand. "Th-Thanks Vegeta...you saved...you saved my...butt..."
Vegeta glared at Goku. "Shut the hell up, Kakarot! Why would you waste everyone's time trying to handle these clowns while you're sick?! You could have let real warriors handle these fights while you stayed home with your measly heart virus!"
Goku groaned, finally fading out of consciousness. "Sorry..."
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Hey! Yumcha!"
Yamcha flinched. "M-Me?! That's not how you pronounce-"
Vegeta cut him off by throwing Goku's unconscious body at him. "Catch."
Quickly, Yamcha held his arms up and grabbed Goku out of the air. He glared at Vegeta. "Be careful! You could have hurt him!"
Vegeta totally ignored Yamcha, marching towards Androids 19 and 20. "You know, I thought that purple one would be as pathetic as it would get. But now that I've seen you two, I don't know. A fat clown and an old man...are these really what we were warned of two years ago?! You both looked outdated..."
The Prince smirked. "So, I can only imagine that your warranties have expired..."
Android 20 grumbled. "My my. How a fluke victory over a secondary project has help your ego grow. Tell me, Vegeta, do you fancy yourself immortal?"
Vegeta motioned at the Androids. "Only one way to find out."
20's gaze fell upon his target, Goku. But, Vegeta stepped into that line of sight. "Are you both so pathetic that you see the sick and infirm as a primary target? I was told to fear you. But, at the moment, all I fear is death from boredom!"
Android 20's eyes flashed. "Let us correct that."
And then, without warning, he and 19 both charged. Vegeta took a fighting stance, ready to face them head on. But then, a surprise knee to Android 20's stomach halted him in his tracks. 19 kept flying, halting just short of Vegeta. The rotund robot turned, looking confused. Android 20 fell to the ground and glared up at his foe, the ever-present Piccolo.
Android 19 growled, preparing to attack Piccolo. But, 20 motioned for him to stop, standing with a chuckle. "And, as it turns out, Vegeta is not the only ego in the room. We have Piccolo as well. Do tell me, both of you, what makes you so sure you can fight us? Goku is the best of you, and we reduced him to a dying mess. Where do you both find this confidence from?"
Piccolo closed his eyes. But then, he smirked. In the background, Vegeta chuckled and cracked his knuckles. Android 20 was confused, but Piccolo readily answered him. "You accuse us of arrogance...but isn't it the height of arrogance to assume that Goku is the only one to exceed your faulty expectations?"
Vegeta laughed. "What fools."
Losing their temper, 19 and 20 each charged. 19 prepared to strike Vegeta and 20 prepared to strike Piccolo. However, both of their attacks were easily blocked. 19 flinched as Vegeta squeezed his arm. "Huh?!"
20 gasped as Piccolo deflected his fist. "What?!"
Piccolo's smirk faded into an angry snarl, and then he shouted. "RARRGH!"
The Namekian busted Android 20 in the face with his flattened palm and sent the geriatric droid flying back. Vegeta, on the other hand, allowed his Super Saiyan power to flow forth. The force of his energy exploding out rippled over 19's clothes, detaching his covering from over his electronic brain and incinerating it. Vegeta leaned in close to 19, his face reflecting in the Android's glassy eyes. "Tell me, machine! Do your kind experience fear?!"
Android 19 snarled, raising his other hand to punch Vegeta. But, Vegeta countered that with a backhanded slap across 19's chubby face. 19 was taken aback, cringing as Vegeta squeezed his trapped wrist even harder. "You really are pathetic, taking a fluke victory over a dying man as a sign of strength!"
Vegeta kicked Android 19 in the stomach hard enough that the shape of his foot could be made out on the Android's back, sending 19 skidding backward. 19 sneered and flicked both of his earrings, firing an entire salvo of Eye Beams at Vegeta. But Vegeta was unfazed. The Prince moved as quick as lightning as he sped towards 19, weaving between the Eye Beams as if they were standing still. He appeared in front of 19, the same wicked smirk plastered on his face, and slugged the Android in the face.
19 recoiled back, biofuel spurting from his nose. Vegeta chuckled and took that opportunity, reaching up and grabbing 19 by the earrings before tearing them, alongside the majority of 19's outer ears, clean off. 19 screeched in pain and glared at Vegeta, only to receive a heavy chop to the throat.
19 rubbed his throat and then lunged at Vegeta, unleashing a barrage of rapid strikes at the Prince. But, to the Android's surprise, every last punch was avoided by no more than a casual dodge from the Prince. 19 raised his hand into the air to trying and hammer Vegeta over the head, but Vegeta effortlessly caught it and sent 19 flying into the sky with an elbow strike to the chin.
Vegeta raced into the air after 19, but 19 was ready for him. Screeching at the top of his lungs, 19 summoned his Photon Barrier again and sealed him and Vegeta within, in the air. Vegeta looked around and chuckled. "What sort of parlor trick is this?"
Android 19 smiled wide. "This is your doom, fool!"
He charged at Vegeta, and threw several palm thrusts in an attempt to steal the Prince's energy, but Vegeta still dodged every strike with ease. 19 circled behind the Prince to strike, but Vegeta was ready for him. He countered 19's attack with a backhanded punch and then turned and kicked the Android away. 19 collided with his own Photon Barrier and glared at Vegeta. He reached up to flick his earrings, to launch more Eye Beams, but found nothing there.
Vegeta chuckled. "What's the matter?! Out of long-range attacks?!"
The Prince extended his middle and index fingers towards the Android and laughed. "Worry not! I have one for you!"
A field of energy gathered around Android 19, and then Vegeta sharply jerked his fingers into the air and caused a massive explosion. The force of the Volcano Explosion within the field caused it to burst like a balloon. 19 floated in the air, singed and stunned, only to be smashed back down to the ground by Vegeta.
The Prince watched as 19 hit the ground, forcing the earth beneath it to collapse into a massive crater. And then he descended after the Android.
Watching on from his own fight on the sidelines, Android 20 was shocked that the total domination of his partner. In his distraction, however, the elderly Android was met with a rocking punch to the jaw from Piccolo. Piccolo sneered. "Why don't you focus on your own problems?!"
Down in the crater...
Vegeta landed in the crater and stared at his half-buried enemy. "Like I said: pathetic. You are utterly pathetic."
The Prince stepped forward, extending his hand and intending to charge a blast. "Now, why don't we end this?"
Before Vegeta could charge the blast, however, Android 19's eyes snapped open and he leapt up, grabbing Vegeta by the hand. Vegeta's eyes widened, instantly noticing his energy leaving him, but he maintained his cool. Android 19 chuckled. "Ah yes! I have you now! And now, I shall absorb all of your energy!"
Vegeta chuckled, lightly tugging at 19's ironclad grip. "All of my energy huh? My...how frightening~"
Android 19 squeezed harder and Vegeta chuckled. "It's a shame, you know? If an actually skilled fighter had this little energy stealing ability of yours, they might be fun to fight. But, no, a pathetic junkheap like you has to end up with such a power..."
19 laughed out loud. "Skill?! Pah! Skill is unnecessary when the opponent is too weak to fight back. As you are right now!"
He squeezed tighter. "Can't you feel it? The lifeforce draining away, along with all hope of victory?"
Vegeta smiled. "Oh yes. Hope of victory is, indeed, fading fast."
Android 19 chuckled. "So, you accept your f-"
Vegeta leapt into the air and kicked Android 19 in the face hard and fast enough that the Android had no time to release his grip. As a result, the offending hand that was so harshly gripped around Vegeta's wrist was ripped asunder like a piece of paper.
19 bounced against the wall, hatefully glaring at Vegeta before lunging at the Prince with his remaining hand. Vegeta feinted back and dropped 19 with a swift headbutt to the back of the head. 19 hit the ground hard, but immediately scrambled to grab Vegeta by the ankle. Vegeta leapt up, avoiding 19's grip by an inch, and then stomped down on the Android's remaining hand before sending him flying back with another harsh kick.
Android 19 rolled across the ground, smashing into the wall. His arms hung limply at his sides, leaking biofuel into two massive puddle beneath the Android. Everyone around the rim of the crater stared in silent awe as Vegeta lifted his foot and picked up the recently severed hand.
The Prince smirked. "I see. These lenses on your palms must be your method of stealing energy. I get it now..."
Vegeta marched over to the unmoving 19. "Hey..."
No response. Vegeta flared his power. "Wake up!"
Android 19 flinched and then came back online. He thrust his arms towards Vegeta, as if to launch a blast, but could only stare in horror at the sight of his leaking arm stumps. Biofuel spurted from hanging tubes and, suddenly, 19 felt very small. He stared down at his missing hands, both lying at Vegeta's feet. Vegeta stepped forward, making sure to stomp one of the hands into pieces as he walked. "So, Android, do you wish to continue? Or, perhaps, have I inspired some fear into you...?"
19 was silent, staring up at Vegeta who seemed to tower over him. Vegeta glared down at the Android and chuckled. "Run."
Outside of the crater...
Unaware of what had happened to Android 19 in the crater, Android 20 continued his one-on-one fight with Piccolo. The Android charged a cloud of ki into his hand and thrust it towards Piccolo. "Photon Wave!"
Piccolo scoffed and thrust his hand forward. "Destructive Wave!"
Both waves of energy clashed and produced a medium-sized explosion. From within the smoke, Android 20 charged at Piccolo, but Piccolo easily blocked his strike. He threw a punch back at 20, but 20 blocked it with his forearm. Android 20 chuckled. "I shall concede. You have some measure of strength. But-"
Piccolo elbowed Android 20 in the ribs and followed that up with a sharp chop. 20 barely dodged, watching as the force of Piccolo's chop made the ground fissure. Piccolo glared at his foe. "You talk too much."
The Namekian charged at the Android and threw another punch, sending 20 tumbling across the desert. The Android stood and snarled. Piccolo scowled. "You have somewhat decent power. But you're skills are a joke compared to real warrior.
Piccolo struck a fighting stance. "As much as I hate to say it, I agree with Vegeta. If Goku wasn't sick, he would have crushed the two of you by himself."
Android 20 sneered. He charged back at Piccolo again, unwilling to accept the Namekian's criticisms. And he paid dearly for his impulsive move. Piccolo easily found an opening, kneeing 20 in the gut before sending him to the ground with a hammer fist to the back. 20 bounced and Piccolo went for another slashing chop aimed directly at the Android's throat. 20 managed to push himself out of the way and fall back, getting back to his feet. But he knew that that was almost his head.
20 smirked, trying to maintain a presence. "I say. You certainly are able to put up quite a struggle, Piccolo. Will I really have to use my full power to defeat you?"
He raised his hand at Piccolo and shouted. "Photon Field!"
A series of energy bolts shot from 20's hand and rocketed towards Piccolo. Piccolo sniffed and then managed to dodge most of the blasts with little effort. The Namekian reached out and grabbed the last of the flurry of blasts from the air, crushing it in his grip like an egg. "Was that your full power?"
Piccolo flinched. In his distraction, dodging the blasts, the Namekian had lost track of Android 20. He looked around. "Where did?"
20 quickly charged from behind, wrapping his arms around Piccolo and clamping his hands over Piccolo's eyes. He chuckled. "No, my green friend. My full power is, in fact, your full power added on to my own!"
Piccolo did not panic. He felt his energy leaving his body, but he had a simple solution. He reached up and pressed his hand to his own shoulder. And then he fired a blast through himself. Android 20 gasped, falling to the ground and just barely avoiding the attack. He looked up and saw Piccolo looming over him, his left arm hanging onto his body by a thread. "Are you insane? You've cost yourself an arm!"
Piccolo reached up and grabbed the arm, ripping it off and tossing it at Android 20 before growing an entirely new one. "I thought you said that you had observed our battles here on Earth. Or, did you mean that you immediately stopped observing the moment the battle had finished?"
Android 20 stood, growling. "Don't you dare look down upon me!"
Piccolo struck a fighting stance. "I'm more looking down on your idiot creator that I am on you. Dr. Gero seems like he designed you lot to fail."
Android 20 took a stance of his own. "Why you-"
However, this exchange was cut off by a sudden, shrill scream from the crater. Android 20 and Piccolo both turned their attention towards it just in time to see Android 19 struggling to escape. The handless Android managed to pull himself out of the hole, struggled to his feet, and then started to run off without so much as addressing his partner. Android 20 called out. "Android 19! Where do you think you are going!"
Android 19 called out. "I do not wish to die!"
A burst of power behind 20 made him turn to see Vegeta rising from the crater, a sadistic look upon his face. To 20's horror, Vegeta thrust his hand towards 19 and began to charge a blast. Panicked, Android 20 called up to Vegeta. "Enough!"
Vegeta snapped at 20. "Shut your damned mouth!"
20 flinched. Vegeta continued. "Enough?! Bullshit! It's only enough because you're losing! You're losing this fight and you've lost your backbone because your perceived advantage has slipped away!"
The smile returned to Vegeta's face and he glared towards 19. "If there is anyone you should appeal to, it should be your incompetent creator for designing you to be so weak. And, more importantly, for ignoring the sheer might of the ever-growing Saiyan Spirit!"
Android 20 was stunned silent. Vegeta cackled. "But, don't worry. I will send both of you whimpering robots off with a bang! A big bang!"
A massive ball of explosive ki ballooned into Vegeta's hand and he shouted at the top of his lungs. "BIG BANG ATTACK!"
The attack launched from Vegeta's palm and soared towards Android 19. The Android continued to run in a vain attempt to escape. "Please don't kill me! Please don't kill me! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! PLE-"
The blast collided with Android 19's back and exploded, creating a huge mushroom cloud as a result. Android 20's pupils shrunk as he watched his ally, and near equal in strength, all but disappear before his very eyes.
In the distance, the sound of metal hitting rock rang out as a single piece of Android 19 tumbled across the desert. The Android's head bounced a few times before rolling across the ground, eventually coming to a stop with his fear-laden expression staring up to the sky.
Android 20 was shaking in his boots, horrified and suddenly feeling quite outmatched. He turned around and gasped at the sight of Vegeta and Piccolo both standing right there. Android 20 sneered. "You-"
He dodged with a yelp as Piccolo thrust his fingers towards him, firing a Special Beam Cannon that nearly took 20's head off. Piccolo was grim as he stepped forward, flourishing his cape. "You will not be far behind your ally. This little Android invasion is finished."
Android 20 threw up his hands. "I-I beseech you! Spare me a moment to regroup!"
Piccolo was blunt. "No."
And then he charged at Android 20, looking to finish things. 20 gasped in terror, staring death in the face. But then, he glanced over and an idea came to mind. Reacting quickly, Android 20 raised his hands and fired two massive energy blasts directly towards, Gohan and the others. Gohan cried out, as Tien pushed everyone behind himself. Piccolo cursed. "Dammit!"
And then, quick as a flash, Piccolo and Vegeta both jumped in front of and dispelled the blasts. But this instance was all that Android 20 needed. A quick as lightning, the Android turned tail and ran, speeding off into the nearby mountain range. Piccolo snarled. "Damn it all!"
And then, without a word to anyone, Piccolo tossed aside his cape and turban and gave chase to his foe.
Vegeta chuckled, shaking his head, as he watched Piccolo speed off. "Cowardly Android..."
The Prince stepped forward, gripping his shoulder and cracking his neck. "I suppose I should give chase as well. Wouldn't want that pathetic loser getting away where we can't find him."
As Vegeta prepared to fly off though, he suddenly sensed a familiar presence approaching. He turned, as did the others, to see an exhausted Raditz slowly descending to the ground. The elder brother looked a wreck, but Vegeta greeted him with a bit of civility. "Raditz! I see you managed to defeat your Android! What a pleasant surprise."
Raditz narrowed his eyes at Vegeta. He slowly walked over, flipping Vegeta off as he did so, and checked on Goku. "It's good to see that he isn't dead..."
Yamcha nodded. "Y-Yeah. We cut it pretty close, but Vegeta showing up when he did was actually helpful for once..."
Raditz rolled his eyes. "For once."
He shook his head. "Yamcha. Would you mind taking Kakarot back to his home. There should be an emergency dose or two left of the vaccine that the Future Guy brought."
Vegeta snidely smirked. "Yes, run along. Wouldn't want you getting impaled again..."
Vegeta chuckled as he pointed at the hole in Yamcha's shirt. He shook his head. "Seriously though, run along. Kakarot's life is in your hands and I won't be very happy if you allow my best rival to die before I have the chance to defeat him in battle."
The Prince turned and his Super Saiyan power flared. "I have an Android to hunt!"
Krillin ran up. "Wait, Vegeta! Before you go, I-"
Vegeta cackled. "I have no time to regard weaklings like you!"
And then the Prince took off, shooting like a golden missile off into the distance. Krillin scowled as Vegeta disappeared. "What an ass."
Krillin turned, revealing the bag of Senzu Beans hanging open in his hand. He pulled out a bean and offered it to Raditz. "Here. Unlike Vegeta, you're not to self-absorbed to accept this, right?
Raditz gratefully took the bean. "Certainly not."
The elder brother chewed and swallowed the bean, and his power shot back up. Raditz sighed in relief. "I needed that..."
He turned to Yamcha. "And you need to make sure you take a bit of that vaccine yourself. It's a virus we're dealing with here, so I don't want you to get sick."
Yamcha nodded. "Th-Thanks man."
Raditz nodded back. "Of course."
Everyone waved farewell to Yamcha, watching as he and Goku set off. Once Yamcha was out of sight, Gohan spoke up. "Dad is going to be okay, right Uncle Raditz?"
Raditz nodded. "I'm sure he will be."
Tien turned towards the mountains. "We should go search for the Android with Piccolo and Vegeta. The more eyes searching for that bastard, the better."
Raditz nodded. "Agreed. Let's all spread out and search."
And so, they all left. Raditz took off, followed by Gohan and Krillin, and the Tien, and then Chiaotzu, who once again used his telekinesis to pull Yajirobe along, much to the samurai's protests. "Hey! Why the hell do you keep making me go along with all of this!"
In the mountains...
Android 20 was hidden under a rocky outcropping, barely able to see out in a fissure between the rocks. His eyes narrowed as he saw his green-skinned hunter flying around overhead. 20 knelt down and mentally cursed to himself. "Damnation..."
He gripped his fist tight. "I had not anticipated that Android 19 might fail. He was my most well-balanced unit."
The Android thought hard, stroking his moustache. "Not to mention the apparent failure of the Saiyan Hunters. With Vegeta being present, that means at least one of them must have been destroyed..."
He smirked. "But, at the same time, it was only Vegeta that showed up. So... how many soldiers do I have left in the field?"
Android 20 activated his built-in radar, performing a wide-scale scan for active Androids. His results came back as there being only one left in the field. 20 scowled. "No matter. One piece of support is better than none, I suppose. And, being that the remaining unit is a Saiyan Hunter, they must have gone into their super mode by this point..."
Android 20 pressed his fingers to his temples and sent out his recall signal. "To me, my Androids!"
Back in the sky above West City...
Bardock shouted at the top of his lungs and slammed his fist across Android 13's cheek. He followed that up with a knee to the chin and an energy blast to the face. The force out the attack propelled him backwards and Bardock came to a stop a few feet away from 13. But that space was covered in an instance by the incensed Android, who charged at Bardock with the force of a tank and shoulder-rammed the Saiyan across the sky.
Bardock managed to bring himself to a stop just in time to block a double-fist smash attempt from the Android, repelling his hulking foe back with a solid kick to the stomach. Bardock cracked his neck. "Resilient bastard..."
Bardock charged energy into his fist. "Haaaaaaah!"
Android 13 did the same. "Raaaaaaaaaaagh!"
And then they charged at one another. Android 13 shouted at Bardock, right as their fists made contact. "S.S. Deadly Hammer!"
Their fists collided and the sheer force sent rippling shockwaves across the sky. Clouds were shredded by the sheer power on display and reduced to little more than puddles of liquid that quickly fell to the ground below. Lightning shot out from both sides, burning away Android 13's glove and shredding Bardock's armband. Eventually, the feedback became too much and Bardock and 13 were both blown back by the ensuing explosion.
The smoke cleared and Bardock chuckle. Blood trickling down his face, he held up his burnt hand and chuckled. "I gotta say, Android...you are pretty tough. But I think I've had enough of dealing with you. It's time to finish this crap once and for all."
13 chuckled, recognizing Bardock's stance from his databanks. "Riot Javelin...?"
Bardock shook his head. "Nah. That move is retired. I've come up with something that I feel is a better replacement for it."
Android 13 was confused. "Huh?"
Bardock responded by shouting at the top of his lungs, making his power flare. The sheer force of Bardock powering-up made the surrounding landscape quake. Android 13 watched as the energy surrounding Bardock slowly focused, tightening up into a single ball in his hand that sparked and shot lightning. Bardock smirked at 13. "Get ready big guy! This one is gonna hurt!"
Android 13 snarled, facing Bardock down with a defiant scowl. Bardock chuckled. "Perfect."
And then, the older Saiyan thrust his hand at 13, extending his middle, ring, and index fingers to form a triangle of sorts. Bardock called out the name of his new attack. "RAVAGER CANNON!"
The beam of energy, maroon in color, shot out of Bardock's fingers and sailed towards Android 13 like a speeding bullet. The attack moved so fast through the air that it practically whistled as it shot. Android 13 had no time to react and, as a result, he was barely able to move his head. The attack crashed into the left side of 13's face and shredded into the metal. 13 screamed in pain as the rail of energy went through his face. Eventually, the beam finished and shot over the horizon, exploding in the hills in the distance.
The older Saiyan chuckled, letting his arm fall to his hip. "So, how'd you like it? How'd it feel, Android?"
Android 13 couldn't form words, floating there in a stupor. Half of the Android's head, from his left upper jaw upwards had been totally obliterated, leaving warped metal and sparking wires in its place. 13's remaining eye was wide with shock. Bardock smirked and took a fighting stance. "Ready for another go?!"
Android 13 snarled in frustration, more sparks shooting from his critically damaged head. He powered-up, preparing to charge Bardock again. But then, in an instance, everything came to a stop. All of the rage faded from 13's face and he just floated there in a silent trance.
Bardock cocked his head. "The hell? Did he...did he die...?"
Android 13 had not died. Rather, he was receiving a signal within his head. The recall signal. 13's wits came back around and he nodded his head. "Master..."
And then, without so much as addressing Bardock, Android 13 turned tail and shot off in the opposite direction, flying off at top speed. This genuinely caught Bardock off-guard. "Hey..."
This was followed up by anger and offended rage streaking across Bardock's face. "HEY! GET BACK HERE!"
Bardock's power flared and he gave chase to his fleeing foe.
Down at Capsule Corp...
Bulma stared up into the sky, watching as a dark blue streak sped off, quickly followed by a glowing, gold streak. Eventually, both figures disappeared off into the distance. Bulma planted her fist into her hip. "Hmph."
One of the Capsule Corp employees walked over. "Miss Bulma, we have managed to collect every salvageable piece of the two robotic entities as you have requested. The remains of each have been placed in sealed, labeled bins for you to examine at your own convenience."
Bulma nodded. "Good work. Put them in my secure vault. I'll look them over when I get back."
The employee flinched. "When you get ba-"
Bulma reached into her pocket, clicking a Capsule and summoning her Capsule Hover-convertable. She climbed in, making sure to secure Trunks in the built-in baby seat, and took off after Bardock and Android 13. Bulma smirked as she gunned the engine and flew at top speed. "We can't let such amazing tech get away like that, can we Trunks?"
Trunks happily cooed and babbled next to his Mom. Bulma smirked. "Mama needs to get her hands on that Android!"
Back inside Capsule Corp...
Gine sighed as she finished off her glass of iced tea. "Thank you Panchy."
Bulma's mother nodded with a smile. "Anytime, doll. If you stick around a bit longer, I'll have some fresh chocolate chip cookies ready~"
Gine shook her head. "I'm sorry, we can't really afford to wait."
The Saiyan mother got to her feet, with some effort. "Me and Chi-Chi and Launch have to get back to Mt. Paozu so that we can be there to help Kakarot..."
Launch looked confused, her blonde hair bobbing. "Is somethin' up with Goku?"
Gine nodded. Chi-Chi, looking rather worried, focused to feel out her husband's energy. Once she got a lock on it, she shuddered. "I-I haven't been paying attention. What's going on? Is it the heart virus?!"
Gine sighed. "I don't know. But I don't really have time to wait around and find out. Food and healing can wait, we have to go now!"
Back in the mountains...
Piccolo was growing impatient as he continued his search for the rogue Android. The Namekian closed his eyes tight and listened carefully for any disturbances. Android 20 might have been stealthy, he might have had no energy signature, but he still had a physical presence. And, with Piccolo's finely attuned hearing, he would notice is such a presence were to make even the slightest noise.
The mountains were quiet, the wind had died down. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for the Android to screw up.
From his hiding spot, Android 20 scowled. Piccolo was a nuisance. If 20 was going to have any chance at ridding himself of the Namekian, he would have to find the appropriate angle to attack from. Android 20 turned around, looking to put some distance between himself and Piccolo. As he turned, however, his shoe scuffed against the rock and Piccolo was instantly on him!
Piccolo whipped his arm towards 20's hiding spot, smashing through rock and shredding through the ground. 20 scowled and took to the air, flying low to avoid sight-based detection and fleeing Piccolo's deadly hand. As he flew, 20 cursed. "Blast it! That was sloppy! Now I'll have to-"
Suddenly, 20 was illuminated from the left side by golden light. He turned and saw, to his horror, that Vegeta was right there! The Prince chuckled. "Hello."
Vegeta threw a harsh punch. 20 jerked his head out of the way, barely dodging in time and watching as the force of Vegeta's blow made the large piece of rubble behind him explode into pieces. Vegeta went for another hit, swinging his fist downward at the Android. 20 acted quickly, maneuvering around Vegeta's fist and grabbing him by the arm before using the Prince's momentum to toss him directly at Piccolo's hand.
The Prince snarled, using Piccolo's palm to kick off of and charging back towards the fleeing Android. 20 dropped as Vegeta sailed over him, hitting the ground and then shoving both of his feet into Vegeta's stomach, sending the Saiyan flying high into the air. Vegeta chuckled as he flew up. "You're only delaying the-"
A sharp stone, laden with Android 20's energy, flew up and smacked Vegeta on the forehead. Vegeta snarled and clenched his head as 20 stood there with a smirk. Vegeta wiped his glove across his forehead, scowling when it came back stained with his own blood. Vegeta screamed. "How dare you?!"
Vegeta raised his hands above his head and charged a massive ki blast. "Burn in hell, Android!"
Piccolo gasped at the sight of this. "No! Vegeta! Think before you act!"
But it was too late. Vegeta heaved his energy blast down and right into the waiting hands of Android 20. The Android laughed out loud as he sucked up that sizeable portion of Vegeta's power. Once the blast was gone, Vegeta and 20 both stared at one another. 20 chuckled and Vegeta looked utterly dumbfounded. And then, 20 sped off deeper into the mountains, leaving Vegeta to look like a massive fool.
Vegeta was quickly snapped out of his stupor by a harsh shove. He glared over at his assailant and saw and equally furious-looking Piccolo glaring at him. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! DO YOU HAVE ANY BRAINS BEHIND THAT MASSIVE FOREHEAD OF YOURS?!"
The Prince snarled. "Who do you suddenly think you are?!"
As Gohan and the others approached, a rumbling shockwave threw them all off balance. Krillin shouted in fear. "What was that?!"
Tien and Chiaotzu both stared up into the sky in awe. Yajirobe screamed in fear. Gohan shook his head. "What's going on?!"
Up in the sky, Piccolo and Vegeta were locked up with one another, both of their auras flaring from how angry they were. The Saiyan and the Namekian pushed harshly against one another with hateful scowls on their faces. Krillin's face sank. "Oh no. Oh no..."
The two both pushed at one another even harder and the mountains around them crumbled. As the others watched on, unsure of what to do, Gohan took the initiative and charged in. "Guys!"
The boy got between Piccolo and Vegeta and forcefully shoved both of them back, making them separate. The two of them looked furious and nearly charged at one another again. However, Gohan quickly talked them down. "Mr. Piccolo! Vegeta! Please stop!"
They both paused. Gohan nodded. "L-Look. I get that you two don't really like each other, but we need to focus for now. Okay? That other Android is still running around, right?"
Swallowing a lump in his throat, Krillin joined Gohan. "For real. Let's just, like, solve the threat at hand before we start fighting each other..."
Gohan stammered "Y-You two can go at it all you want once we finish this last Android. Okay? You can actually have a proper fight to see which one of you is really stronger than the other..."
Piccolo scowled at Vegeta, but then looked down at Gohan. Vegeta snarled at Piccolo, but then did the same. Both warriors, in spite of their strength, did each have some measure of respect for the boy: as a student and a fellow Saiyan respectively. Simultaneously, they both spoke. "Fine."
Gohan sighed in relief. "Okay. Good..."
He looked to Krillin, and then to Tien and Chiaotzu. "Now, let's find that Android!"
Back in the wasteland...
A harsh wind blew, sending the shoulder-length, shaggy black hair of Future Trunks and Future Ranch's partner fluttering in the wind. He looked confused as he knelt there, staring at the strange sight the three of them had spotted on the ground.
He observed it with curiosity.
Ranch observed it with revulsion.
And Trunks observed it with horror.
The three of them stared at the singed head of Android 19, none of them knowing what to say about what was clearly the remains of an Android at their feet. On one hand, it was certainly a triumph that this Android had been destroyed. On the other hand...
Trunks spoke up. "Something is wrong here. I can feel it..."
Ranch tried to comfort him. "Trunks..."
Trunks shook his head. "N-No. We...I think we might have screwed something up..."
Back in the mountains...
Hidden from his foes once more, Android 20 took the time to quietly reflect on every encounter he had been through today in an attempt to glean new information. As he sat there, deep in thought, 20 scowled. "Damn the luck. For such an improbably outcome to have occurred..."
The biorhythms that had been recorded for each of Goku's miserable ilk did not project their strength advancing this much in any natural way. Not even with the available training habits for each subject being taken into account. Even random new additions such as Goku's family and Vegeta, who very little information was available for, were set to the same standard of growth that Goku was...and yet even Vegeta still exceeded the expected parameters.
And they all kept mentioning having received a warning of the Androids, but what could have been the logical source of such a warning?! How could they have so thoroughly anticipated the attack that they could have gained such might?!
Android 20 pictured the three biggest thorns in his side from today. Not only Goku, but Vegeta and Piccolo as well had displayed a much higher power metric than any algorithm had anticipated. With all they had displayed thus far, 20 calculated that each was approximately equal to...
Mocking, youthful laughter rang through the back of 20's head.
...one of them.
Android 20 stroked his moustache as he thought more onto the battles that Android 19 had experienced. The more he thought about it, the more he was positive of one thing...if Goku had not been stricken by whatever affliction had begun attacking him, then Android 19 wouldn't have made it to his battle with Vegeta.
And now, 20 was being hunted by Piccolo and Vegeta, both quite mighty in their own right and, unlike Goku, seemingly free of said affliction.
Android 20 nodded and peaked out from his new hiding spot, scanning each of the Z-Fighters individually. Chiaotzu, Tien, Krillin, Gohan, Vegeta, and then Piccolo. Out of all of them, Piccolo had the strongest and most stable readings. Therefore, he would be the first target. Being careful of the Namekian's hearing, 20 took to the air and silently hovered closer.
In order for him to win this, 20 had to objectives to fulfill. His primary goal was to flee back to the laboratory in order to summon more reinforcements other than the remaining Saiyan Hunter. However, his secondary goal should be fulfilled first. If 20 was to make his daring escape, he would have to drain his two biggest threats of their vitality.
Android 20 smirked as he hovered behind Piccolo, unnoticed.
And then, as quick as a bolt, the Android jumped onto Piccolo's back. He wrapped his legs and his right arm around Piccolo's body and then clamped his hand over the Namekian's mouth. Piccolo struggled around, grunting under 20's grip. But the Android was locked in tight. Android 20 chuckled and whispered in Piccolo's ear. "Such a shame, Piccolo. If only Vegeta had not awarded me this extra strength..."
Piccolo snarled underneath 20's grip. He closed his eyes and focused his mind, sending out a mental signal to everyone in the vicinity. "Gohan! Krillin! Everyone! I've found the Android! He's draining me of my energy! Hurry over here!"
Piccolo could feel everyone suddenly turn and start rushing towards him, but he feared it would be too late by the time they arrived. 20 was drinking away all of his power and, in spite of his struggles, he was unable to get loose.
Meanwhile, on the ground, another onlooker was debating what he should do. Yajirobe, ever the coward, was staring up at the predicament Piccolo was in and debating what to do. On one hand, it would be cowardly to run off and leave Piccolo hanging...on the other hand, Yajirobe was a self-serving, card-carrying coward. He shook his head. "S-Sorry Piccolo, I'm out..."
As he started to slink away however, he thought back to how Goku sent someone to come and collect him when the Androids attacked him. He thought about the smug look on 20's face before 20 shot him down, which pissed him off. And then he thought harder about how Goku still thought about him, even when a crisis was breaking out. "Ah man...why do you have to be such a good guy, Goku...?"
Back in the air, Android 20 chuckled as he drained more of Piccolo's power. "Soon, my friend. Soon. Soon...revenge against Goku shall be complete. Unfortunately, you will not be around to see it..."
Piccolo's resistance was weakening. But, as all seemed lost, Android 20's grip was suddenly totally loosened. Piccolo and 20 both gasped in pain as, to their collective shock, a katana slashed through both of their sides. 20 released his grip on Piccolo and Piccolo lurched forward. The Android clenched his sparking side. "Who would dare...?"
Android 20 glared down to the ground and saw Yajirobe staring up at him, a snarky smile spread across his face. Yajirobe flipped Android 20 the bird and laughed. "How's that feel, ya old geezer?! That's for my ride you destroyed!"
20 snarled and charged a blast into his hand, aiming it squarely at Yajirobe. Yajirobe screamed in fear, but the attack was halted by a sudden strike. Android 20 cringed as he felt a fist sinking deeply into his cheek. The force of the punch sent 20 spinning and caused his helmet to fly off. The helmet fell down and landed in Yajirobe's hands. He chuckled and put it on his head, flipping 20 off again. "Yeah! Up yours! Nice save Pic-"
Yajirobe gasped at the sight of Piccolo's side, gushing with purple blood. He could barely speak as the Namekian glared down at him. "I so sorry...please don't kill me..."
Piccolo waved the ronin off, simply regenerating his wound. And then, the Namekian focused his attention back onto Android 20. 20 glared up at him, looking totally livid. As the two stared each other down, the other warriors all leapt into the fray. Vegeta chuckled. "It feels like you lost some power, Namekian. Perhaps I should-"
Piccolo interrupted. "I did lose some power. The only difference is that mine was stolen rather than given."
Vegeta scowled. Piccolo cracked his neck and floated down to 20's level. "Everyone back off. This fight belongs to me."
Proofreading: StevenBodner
