Disclaimer, in case it wasn't obvious. I don't own Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or really any other property. Thank you.
The Cataylst
Act VI
Chapter 85: The Captain.
Vegeta:
Sensing that fool Raditz die, and seeing the blast in the distance, did nothing to hinder Vegeta on his approach. He knew that the Namekian and Turles hadn't deluded themselves into thinking that the fool had a chance, the only question was when he would die, rather than if he would die. Still, his dying moments had lit the beacon he needed, and bought the time he wanted. Pulling ahead of everyone else had been no problem, he wasn't afraid to use more of his energy than necessary.
The idea of fighting more Androids was in fact, thrilling to him. These weak fools, showing their concern, had no idea just who was on their side. He was the returned Prince, the Saiyan at the pinnacle of his power. From now until the end of his life, Vegeta would be the strongest Saiyan who ever lived. Certainly, stronger than Kakarot and Turles. The twin brothers were now his inferior in every way. He was almost certain if he fought Slug, he would have a chance of winning. That would mean going forward he would only increase in his battle power. He craved new opponents to crush, and once he was done slaughtering these Androids, all of them, he would move on to destroy the last remaining challenges on the planet. He might choose to spare the latter on his victory, but it would depend on how loyal he thought they were to their prince.
Though he was certain he'd kill Turles, that one couldn't be trusted.
Behind him trailed the energy of the future son who'd lost to Frieza's family. The one who was so weak that the other Future Saiyan had to stand up for him as he was left nearly bleeding to death. The fact he was trying to keep up with him was admirable, it showed he at least had some of his nerve. The fact that his own son could grow up to be that boy, that human, boy, was something Vegeta had tried to banish from his thoughts. That was why he couldn't let him have that name, not a human one.
The boy almost managed to pull up to him, his own golden hair waving in the air as they pushed the limits of the boy's speed.
"Vegeta, we need to wait for the others!" the boy shouted. "You have no idea how powerful they are!"
That was a concern for the boy, clearly, someone who couldn't beat that weakling Cooler, someone Vegeta had long since surpassed. Of course, he tried to hide his revulsion at the sentiment before just glaring at the boy in flight. This kind of cowardice was pitiful. A Super Saiyan with his kind of power had no reason to fear.
"I've already killed one Android, boy, and I did it with little effort. I'm not worried about these other two."
"You don't understand how strong they are, please! We've got to work together!"
Working together had earned him nothing but humiliation so far. At least working with the other fighters. It'd earned him death at the hands of Frieza, kissing Turles's boots while Kakarot was gone, and another beating from him later. Working with others had held him backfrom being a Super Saiyan. Only once he was on his own, was he able to evolve into what he needed to be. The woman had been the only asset this planet had given to him, and from what he was seeing, in this boy's time she was more like a burden.
"Vegeta, maybe you should slow down. You don't know what you're getting into."
The text coming up on his scanner was something that immediately made him angry. She should know better than to intervene while he was chasing his prey. This device immediately fell into the category of hindrance, rather than help. For a brief second he was almost tempted to pluck it off his head, but instead he decided to quietly remind the other side of this device who was the fighter, here.
"Do not interfere," he said quietly, barely moving his lips before continuing to glare at the boy.
"If you want to learn how a Saiyan fights and wins, boy! Then I suggest you keep up. If you get there as I do, you might be lucky enough to see the Androids you fear die at my hands."
The declaration was given without a hint of irony as Vegeta turned his attention ahead again, smiling as he boosted his power once more into his flight, taking off at a speed that left the other golden light flickering behind him, slowly beginning to get smaller. Quietly, he did hope that the boy pushed himself to keep up. Even if this was some bastard from the future, he could see a fragment of himself in him. When Trunks started to surge back towards him, exerting more power, Vegeta couldn't help but smile to himself as he looked ahead.
You'd have been better if your father hadn't gotten himself killed by being weak. That much I can see.
But he wasn't his son, not really. This was some interesting side-show and little else. The disappointment he'd felt when he'd learned it'd been his son easily batted aside by Frieza's brother left him with scorn for the kid. There was a faint scar on the teenager's hand, and he suspected several others from where his own sword had cut him from the changeling's attacks. That was even more shameful.
The boy likely inherited his Super Saiyan form from him, as far as he could tell. What struggles could have this brat overtaken? What had he achieved? Where was his warrior spirit? All Vegeta could see was his own failures returned, but even worse.
My son won't fail to destroy his enemies.
Turning his eyes ahead, Vegeta flew directly over where he recognized the familiar detonation sight of Raditz's Firestrikes. The ground was cooling, and there was no sign of Raditz himself. The smoking ruin of a mountain in the distance showed the grave he suspected Raditz was lying in, if his ashes hadn't been scattered across the lengths of wasteland nearby. In the distance he could see a human settlement, and below he couldn't spy the Android.
A frustrated growl left his throat as Vegeta clenched his fists.
"Vegeta. That thing is Dr. Gero. Or at least it looks like him. There is a research facility nearby, very nearby, that is the Dr. Gero Medical Research Centre. From what I'm seeing, I think there are even underground labs nearby too. I'm marking them on your scanner now."
The text came up as Vegeta smiled to himself.
"Good," he said simply, seeing the indicators pointing to a clearing, as well as to a series of buildings even further away.
The clearing first then.
The boy flashed next to him, breathing with a bit of effort before turning to him sharply.
"Vegeta," he said. "Please, the others will be here in a second and then we can find him, if he's anywhere nearby-"
"I know where he is, boy," Vegeta remarked with his arms crossed before turning to look at him with a sly smirk. "This will be over when I decide it is…"
Zipping down, his body plunged towards the opening on the side of the mountain, it took only seconds to reach. Two huge blastdoors met him as he crossed his arms. Destiny awaited him beyond this gateway, this was his chance to show everyone, and himself, that he was the superior warrior. Slug, Frieza, Cooler, Kakarot, and Turles would all be left as footnotes.
In a hundred years, only Vegeta would be remembered, whenever anyone mentioned the Saiyan race.
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Android 20:
Feet rushed across the floor, metallic sounds resonating behind each one of them as 20 approached the first pod, entering his access code and pulling the release handle. A moment later the pod hissed open as Number 21's eyes opened. The machine took several seconds as she was activated, before stepping forward, her eyes examining her surroundings. When they fell upon him it took the other android a full three seconds to examine him, looking for familiarity and instead finding a fleshless unit.
Her blue eyes met his optics once she'd finished her scan.
"Hello, 20," she greeted. "What can I assist you with?"
"I will need you to begin the process of beginning repairs," he ordered before turning to the next two pods that were left near the entrance of the laboratory complex. He needed to be quick. That much he knew. Before he could input his access code to 17's pod, several alarms blared out as his optics traced the room until he found a security monitor. The blood in his brain chilled, quite the opposite of what he'd just endured outside. Circuits relayed the panicked data to his mind as he saw Vegeta, as well as another, unidentified warrior, standing outside the front gates.
No. No how could they have found this facility so quickly!?
He needed repairs, badly, if he was to fight. Seventeen and Eighteen would need to be able to handle this new threat. With their designs, he had little concerns about the quality of their opponents, but the quantity. The two "Super Saiyans" and their friends, might be able to overwhelm one of them if he wasn't careful. But worse was the fact he had no time to calibrate the two Androids and ensure their new… protocols… were working. Especially after the last series of incidents.
Hammering in the code, he pulled the lever a moment later as the pod hissed open.
As the other unit's eyes opened, he could see it stare around to identify its surroundings. The defective components that had been replaced were no longer a concern, but he was still unnerved. The controller remained in his one hand. Twenty-One was now no doubt preparing the facilities to restore his arm, and then preparing to cast new flesh over his form, to recreate him as he was. In a way, he was… pleased… with this, as the last time 21 had been in proximity to 17 or 18 it had created errors.
Though that malfunction was resolved, he was sure.
When number 17 stepped out of his pod, he took several steps into the room before turning to him, examining him thoroughly.
"Dr. Gero," it said.
Red flags were immediately raised as the machine stared back blankly at him. Briefly, its eyes draw over him again, lingering on his arm before looking back into his optics. He was awaiting any threatening motion, but none came, it was complacent. Good, it was just an error with its database name.
"I am in fact, Android 20, though I do share some of the components of our creator," Twenty assured. "Please correct your database."
It took a moment before the other machine smiled back at him again.
"Yes, of course Android 20," he confirmed. "You appear to have sustained damage to your structure and outer layer. You should be seeking assistance. Do you need me to escort you?"
The other unit was doing exactly as it should, this was an excellent step forward. It had just been a glitch when it'd called him Dr. Gero. Safety precautions also needed to be lax, but this was still encouraging. Soon, Vegeta and Turles would feel the full might of his Androids. Then, after the pair of them had been destroyed along with all of Son Goku's Friends, he would have his Androids finally fulfill their tast of destroying Son Goku and ending him once and for all.
"No, 17, I am functional, even if damaged. Now then," he turned to Android 18's enclosure, typing in the password next before pulling the handle there as well.
The blonde-haired weapon stepped out next, first looking towards 17, before looking at him. The two units' interactions before had shown them demonstrating a familial bond, but in this instance that seemed to have finally be done away with. This pleased him yet more. They were not people, they were machines. Their processors and hardware were driven towards only using the organic components of their minds for references and additional control of the body, not for control, and certainly not for personality. Only 19, 21, and himself were meant to contain their original elements in some form.
"Hello… Dr. Gero, it is good to see you again."
"Correct your database, I am unit 20," he ordered once again.
The model nodded.
Excellent, they both seem to be compliant.
Outside, he could see more of the fighters gathering. There were now clear indications that they were intending on entering. The door rumbled several times, and Gero turned his back to the two units, feeling nervous as he heard what they were saying.
"We have to get in there before he activates 17 and 18!" one of the new voices said.
"Fine, I think I've given him long enough. If he's not activated those worthless machines by now then he deserves to die," Vegeta scoffed. "Open the door, Namek."
"Do you hear that Dr. Gero? They are coming for you," Android 17 remarked.
Dr. Gero? That name again? But I told him to alter his database.
Before he could react, he felt the controller leave his hand. A moment later it hovered in the air in the other Android's grip as the pair of them glared at him.
"We do not believe you need this device any longer, Dr Gero," Android 18 commented. "Deactivating us was not a good action for you to take."
"That's right," Seventeen followed up. "I think we'll be holding on this for now… but in fact…"
The controller shattered in his grip. The metal frame of Android 20 could not even emote his dread as he realized what had just taken place. Like all of the others, they had begun to revert, again. They were hostile towards him, again, and now sought to obtain autonomy. With the destruction of the controller, that had… just taken place. His eyes scanned for any signs of 21 emerging from the back yet before looking at the pair in front of him.
"I think we don't require your commands any further, Dr. Gero," Seventeen finished. "We will do what we want from now on."
"The warriors outside are going to attack us, very shortly," Twenty argued quickly. "Even if you do as you wish, you will still need to contend with them!"
Emerging from the darkness behind them he could see 21 and almost breathed a sigh of relief, if he could. The other Android was not stronger than 17 or 18 by any means, but it would make the scenario more… three figures emerged behind her figure, all of them half hidden in shadow. Number 13-15 had been placed in the basement, so that meant…
Oh no. 22, 23, and 24 were deactivated because of similar problems. Though perhaps I can exert more control over them… why did 21 activate them without my consent?
The prideful look his wife… that Dr. Rossa had once given him was written on her features. Even 21 was malfunctioning then, he could see it. She had always prized her own projects beyond that of his, and undoubtedly the machine had inherited that for itself.
The door suddenly was blasted off its hinges by a surge of blue power.
Standing outside were the enemy. When his optics turned towards them, he could see the two Saiyans and their comrades. He needed the Androids to follow their orders and destroy them, or he and his dreams were surely doomed.
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Future Gohan:
What the Hell was going on here? Dealing with Vegeta was grating, it was even worse than he remembered. He'd never met Vegeta as a Super Saiyan in his timeline, though he knew it happened. Did his ego go this out of control? He'd stalled them long enough for the other Androids to be activated. He didn't understand that they were powerful on another level, beyond even what he was outputting here. Making him understand that was impossible. The worst thing was he felt bad for Trunks in all of this. Trunks idolized Vegeta and there was no talking him out of it. He'd lionized his father so much he couldn't understand that Vegeta wasn't the man he thought he was.
"Vegeta, please, we've got to get through, it's our only hope!"
The voices behind the door told him and the others what had just happened.
"I hope you're ready, kid," Turles said from beside him, making him almost flinch. "After all, I think there are more Androids behind those doors. Wouldn't you agree Vegeta?"
His dad's lookalike had been briefly concerned for his dad's other brother, but they all knew what happened. No energy, they'd seen the attack, he was just the first victim of these Androids amongst the fighters. He barely remembered Raditz from his own time, but he definitely remembered his cruelty.
"Shut up," Vegeta shot back. "You're too weak to fight any of them anyway, Turles."
"Guys," Gohan urged, himself, not his younger self. "If those things are awake, now is the time to get a plan together. Piccolo, Turles, you work with Vegeta up front. Trunks and I will support when we think we're needed. Tien and Krillin, you've got powerful attacks that might work and finish them off, hold back and wait for a moment to strike. Yamcha, Gohan, if Trunks or I go down, you'll have to come in to cover for us."
It was the best he could offer at the moment.
"Who are you to give any of us orders anyway, boy Or are you keeping that a secret to everyone still?" Vegeta scoffed. "Not that I'd listen to some weakling like you anyway. Either as you are now, or before."
Damn it, Vegeta! Just work with me here just once!
"Call me Ox, "Future Gohan brought up on the fly. "And I'm telling you right now…"
"That you're pathetic, I understand," Vegeta scoffed.
He realized the futility of trying to guide them, just by the way Vegeta spoke. Now he was hesitant that they should even open the door.
"Vegeta, he's got the most experience fighting these things…" Trunks tried.
"Quiet!" Vegeta boomed, bursting out furiously at the boy. "You and he have the most experience losing to these things. You have nothing worth listening to. Now shut up, and watch as a Saiyan Prince demonstrates how this is done!"
Pointing his hand at the door, a moment later the doors were shorn off in a single burst of blue energy.
Here we go.
As the doors crashed against the ground, the dust settled in several moments. What was beyond the doors were the nightmares that had plagued him every waking moment, and every sleeping moment as well. The pair of them were standing there with a robotic skeleton with an encapsulated brain on top of it. He could kill Vegeta for letting this happen. He could have intervened sooner and this could have been prevented. Instead now they were going to face the nightmare that had ruined his world, and they had just to just hope they collectively could scrape past all of it.
"Looks like Raditz did some real damage before he went down," Tien said. "Maybe we can do this."
"These new Androids supersede anything Raditz could have hoped to have done," 'Ox' quickly corrected him.
"They're monsters," Trunks said, his voice trembling with fury, though he knew there was more than a hint of anxiety there as well. "Don't let their appearances fool you. They're not what they seem."
"Of course, they aren't, that's been obvious since the start. I didn't think an old man could destroy a city, or a fat guy steal people's energy," Turles scoffed. "The next thing you'll tell is to look out, they're violent. You've said enough."
There seemed to be tension in the room in front of them, the Androids not immediately attacking, they were discussing something with the bare machine, which seemed nervous, even without facial expressions, its body language was giving away tons of cues. What was worse, was that Gohan noticed another one… a red-haired woman in a lab coat? Was that a human? He didn't sense anything from her.
And there were three more behind her.
Oh no. No, no! this can't be happening. There can't be this many.
Panic set in as Gohan felt sweat roll down his forehead, his own breathing hitched as his eyes frantically looked at what they were seeing. His younger self looked at him and he tried to keep it together, but it didn't work. It was taking everything he had just to remain standing. If these were all Androids, this world, and his world, were doomed. Everything he'd worked so hard for was all falling apart. All of the sacrifices everyone made… it was for nothing. Multiple timelines ruined, this one, Trunks', and his own.
I… I can't… I can't handle this.
"Destroy the intruders," the machine ordered the two Androids.
"Be quiet, old man. We will destroy them when we are ready," Seventeen scoffed.
The attack didn't arrive. The machines were… arguing?
What the Hell is going on here?
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Android 17:
There was little to no need to listen to instructions from this shambling shell of an android. Even now his processor was more worried about enjoying its newly found freedom than anything. All it… all he… had wanted was to be free, free of the confines that were placed around it. A freedom which he would lord above all the other organisms here. None of them could tell him what to do, he was the strongest warrior ever developed. Once out in the open world, he would do whatever he wanted, because he was tired of being stuck in this place.
Eighteen was already looking over the room, but 17 saw Dr. Rossa and felt an urge to attack, something he repressed, for the moment. Behind her were more Androids? His optics scanned the three figures behind her, looking into their power and design. According to his records they were built on the same principals as Android 21. It was hardly surprising then. These inferior models were no threat to him, though they might prove useful, if they could be incentivized.
"You there," he said, pointing to the largest one. "Designation 24? Are you going to listen to this pitiful old man as well? Or are you did you want to have some fun?"
The large figure stepped forward. A pair of familiar blue eyes stared back at him before the hulking figure looked over them all. Short cropped blonde-hair, and an earing in his right ear. Thick jaw, thick forehead, and a defined nose. The stylized Red Ribbon Army tattoo on its left shoulder was a giveaway, but they all had something of that nature on them. They were products, after all, of the Red Ribbon Army. It was dressed like someone who'd just stepped off a military base. Military boots, pants, tank top, and a jacket. There were even dog tags hanging off of its neck, though they were blank, outside of just the number 24 at the top. Giving a lifeless smirk, 17 looked at the other Android's eyes before they traced to 20 and then back to him.
"I am programmed to follow the directions of Dr. Gero, if he is deceased or incapacitated, we follow the chain of command in a battle situation, which means you're the one in charge," he commented, his eyes looking over 20 one more time. "That is Android 20, not Dr. Gero."
The look on Dr. Rossa's face twisted into one of horror before the other two Androids stepped past her. One of them was a blonde-haired male, dressed in a more military style as well, and it definitely wasn't a Red Ribbon Army field uniform. This one looked smug by its very nature. It was a mix-match of various garb, but the Red Ribbon symbol was on its cap. Another tank-top, and a pair of military boots, though he was wearing black instead of the green of 24. The chain wallet also didn't look military standard.
When it looked over towards their supposed enemies, it just rolled its eyes.
"Disgusting, have you seen what trash is waiting for us out there? I'd almost not want to touch them, let alone fight them."
The other one looked just as cold as they did. A female, again with Android blue eyes, and shortly cropped purple hair. Another military look, though her legs were clad in a khaki coloured cargo pants, with a blue tanktop, unlike the other two, she was wearing what appeared to be tactical gloves as well. She was standing behind 24 and next to 23.
"Commander 24," she said a moment later. "Are we falling in line behind Android 17?"
"Listen," Twenty-One said from behind. "You will not defy the commands of Android 20, any of you. He is the controller. Seventeen and Eighteen, you will cede your command to Android 20, and the rest of you will then fall in line. Destroy the intruders…"
Eighteen was already ignoring her, having eyed up their new compatriots.
"So many others, 20, did you want to replace us?" Eighteen almost laughed before she approached another casket. "Who's this? Sixteen? Another one? I wonder, how is this model different than ours?"
"Do not open that chamber! I order you to stay away from Android 16!" Twenty shouted.
That caught 17's attention immediately. Smiling to himself, he walked over to his… sister… and looked at the chamber as well. Another primitive unit, much like these other replacement Androids.
"I think it is time to wake up our sleeping friend, shouldn't we all be in this together, Android 20?" Seventeen mocked before slanting his eyes to the other Androids.
The two smaller ones, 22 and 23, seemed amused by the distress of 20, and the bigger one just crossed his arms, giving a hardened look. It was obvious he didn't enjoy the cat and mouse game.
Oh well, his loss, especially if he's programmed to follow me in battle. The weaker follow the strong, what a smart design, Dr. Gero.
The last thought was mocking as 21 seemed prepared to attack him. Raising one hand and shaking his finger, his eyes peering at her.
"I would rethink that, Dr. Rossa. I already have you on quite a short list after what you have been doing as of late. I certainly hope the others don't also have memories accessible to your treatments and programs," She scowled harshly before her eyes darted to the three other Androids around them, 23 seemingly most in-turned with what her behaviour had been like.
"I'd not push your luck, 21," Eighteen commented, not even looking at her. "Because if I get bored, you'll be the first thing I use to entertain myself. And no, not in the way you'd want. Besides, it's time to open this, just like 17 said."
"No, please! Do not listen to him! His programming is incomplete!" Twenty begged, his metallic frame stepping forward, reaching out to 18, but stopping shy of touching her.
It was a wise decision on his part, as 17 was getting tired of the old man's intervention on his fun. He wanted to see Android 16, he wanted to see just who this other Android was.
"I think we should kill him, number 20 that is." Android 22 remarked, her tone more devoid of emotion that even 17's was. "This model has no function of value. He is a hinderance. Awaken the unit and then we can move on."
A harsh, but true statement. He didn't know this one, but nodded approvingly before smiling at her.
"Move on to what, 22?"
"To destroying these obstacles, and then killing Son Goku," she added, her eyes flashing towards the 'obstacles', as she'd put it. For a brief second she seemed to pause.
Turning his attention to what he knew was Dr. Gero, 17 gave a half smile before stepping forward daringly. He was already aware that he was Dr. Gero's greatest weapon, the most powerful Android ever created. Eighteen came close, and these other models were no match either. Sixteen would be no different. The other machine stepped back several times, Gero's metallic hand trembling as he realized how cornered he was… like a rat.
"Eighteen, open the pod," he ordered. "Wake our new friend up."
"No! Do not do it! I am your creator! I order you to stop! Do not wake Android 16!"
"He's not meant to be activated, not like this!" Twenty-One then shouted.
Snapping his fingers, he first pointed at 21, before opening his palm, preparing to gather energy. All of the fight in her seemed to slowly disappear as she prepared to step forward. The Doctor's eyes then trailed down before stepping back, knowing exactly what was about to wait her.
"Android 17, please," Twenty begged. "He's not ready, you don't understand."
Stepping directly in front of him, 17 stared directly into the other machine's optics, leaning in as he did, a cold smile breaking out across his own features before he eyed the newcomers. For a brief moment, he considered finishing the job, killing the old man, just like Android 22 wanted, but instead he just gave him a long, hard stare, knowing he was looking into the mind encased in a jar inside this machine's head.
"Look at me," Seventeen ordered, gesturing to the doctor, just as 18 was inputting the codes into the pod. "I'm the captain now. Understand?"
"BURNING ATTACK!"
Blinking, Android 17 only had a split second to look at their guests, as a gigantic bolt of energy launched at them.
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Trunks:
There they were, they were just standing there talking with some other cyborg, and more machines came out, each one of them looking different. It left him with the horrifying notion that there weren't just two more androids in his time, but in fact there were multiple. Maybe they were hiding in plain view, unable to be seen as they blended in, waiting for a moment to strike for some other sinister purpose. The creations of Dr. Gero, in all their horror, were laid out in front of him.
And there was another pod still. There was another Android. When he looked over to Gohan, his Gohan, he looked honestly about as scared as the younger him, who was standing nearby. It was unnerving, Gohan was a rock. In his own time, he'd always been the one on the front line, no matter what. He was always the first to charge into danger, and the first to put himself at risk, but no one else but them knew the horrors that awaited them, and the people they needed most, weren't taking this seriously. Only Piccolo had a level of nervousness showing that was appropriate.
There were seven of them in there, and almost eight.
"Is that General Blue?" he then heard.
A bewildered looking Krillin was staring at one of the one's Trunks himself didn't recognize. Who the Hell was General Blue? How did Krillin know an Android? Were they based off how certain people looked? Who was "General Blue"?
"Yea, now that you mention it," Yamcha said, his own eyes widening in shock. "I think that is General Blue, there's no mistaking it. That has to be him. Or… it looks just like him."
"Who the Hell is General Blue?" Trunks asked, just as it seemed Turles was about to, earning him a brief glare by the Saiyan before he turned his attention forward.
"Are we just going to ignore these idiots? We should attack while they're guard is down," Turles remarked.
"We should be careful," Piccolo then ordered. "There are over a half dozen of them in there, that's six more than we thought there should be, seven if you count the fat one Vegeta killed. Let's not do anything stupid, keep it together."
He's right.
"General Blue," Krillin went on to explain. "Was a leader in the Red Ribbon Army. We're not sure what happened to him, but we think he died for failing to kill Goku. I may be wrong on the details, but that's as far as I knew. He was tough back when me and Goku were kids, but… I mean… he looks as young as the day he fought us. That can't be, it's just got to be one of the Androids."
Briefly, 23 looked at them, before it narrowed its eyes on Krillin and smiled, placing a hand on its hip.
The smaller warrior stepped back, his eyes bulging as he noticed that it noticed him.
"That's him! There is no way it's not!"
A general in the Red Ribbon Army? They based an Android off him? And Krillin was convinced that it was him. This was getting stranger and stranger.
"We've got to let them go," Gohan, his Gohan, ground out as he stepped back. "Fighting them now would be crazy. We don't even know what the other ones are capable of. We need to wait for Goku and…"
"Quiet, fool," Vegeta scoffed. "I'll kill the strongest ones first, and then work my way down the rest. I don't need Kakarot. I can defeat anyone on my own."
There was only one chance to stop this. Especially as Trunks saw them opening another pod, to another Android, this one might even be more dangerous than the others. If he struck now, now was his chance to stop them, while they were bickering with one another, while none of them were ready for battle.
Pulling all of his energy forward, Trunks felt his hair lift as the air around them pulsed.
"I can't let this happen, not again! Not to this world too!" he shouted, energy forming at the ends of each of his hands. "BURNING ATTACK!"
When the bolt launched out, all of the Androids turned to gaze at it only at the last second. The woman with red hair and the bare machine shifted away immediately before it detonated in the middle of them all. When the blastwave went off, everyone else jumped back in surprise before the entire mountaintop blasted out. Golden energy crested into the sky as the world itself seemed to rumble at the dispersion of energy.
Thirty seconds after the attack, it sounded like it was raining almost. It was the sound of thousands of chips of the mountain raining down on the rough terrain below. Trunks breathed a sigh of relief. Now that they were floating at a distance, he felt relief that may this was all over.
"Trunks," 'Ox' said a moment later. "That didn't do it."
"What? No way! You can't be serious!"
When he looked down, Trunks felt his heart almost stop as the smoke started to clear. Standing there were all of them, even the old machine and the red head, protected from the blast by the others. There was not a single scratch on any of them.
"Pathetic," Vegeta scoffed. "All you've done is show them how weak you are."
Turning his attention to Trunks more directly, he then glared.
"Outside of showing the rest of us, how weak you are."
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Android 18:
That was exciting, but not exactly very threatening. Really, the kid who'd thrown that attack should really have thrown something more focused. Big explosions were impressive, but not if they didn't have a strong core to the blast, and she didn't exactly think that whatever the "burning attack" was, was particularly impressive in that respect. It was also possible he was just weak, but who was she to judge?
Android 24 seemed to be at the head of their military-clad comrades. She didn't like him already, or any of his band of rejects. They all looked like wannabe-be-punks, or military people who were out of whack. They had no fashion sense at all, and they didn't exactly seem interested in anything beyond finding and killing Son Goku, or who was in charge. If they knew what was good for them, they'd keep listening to 17.
"Disgusting," Twenty-Three commented, waving his hand, trying to waft the smoke away from himself. "Someone should teach that miscreant a lesson. My clothes are covered in sooth and this smoke is terrible for my sinuses."
"We can worry about your sinuses later," Seventeen scoffed. "Eighteen, wake up 16."
It looked as though the skeleton of the old man wanted to say something, until 17 looked at him again. It just kept its head down, clearly defeated before it stepped back. Twenty-one was doing the same, which hardly inspired her not to open this coffin they'd stuck this thing in. She genuinely wondered what horrors 21 had put this one through, or perhaps it was some prized pet. Either way, just opening it was an act of liberation for her.
Because she was free to do what she wanted now.
Pulling the handle, the door hissed open. Before it could even fully lift, she kicked it off with impatience. This thing was pretty average looking in her opinion. Her own scans earlier had revealed it was substantially weaker than either Android 17 or herself. It was no stronger than any of their latest 'friends', whom she was already worried would get boring very soon.
The machine rose from its grave before carefully lifting itself out of the casket, standing its full height. It was a giant. This thing was even taller than Android 24, and he was already big. Looking him over, she couldn't believe just how huge Dr. Gero had made this guy. Looking towards the doctor, she could see it averting its gaze from the machine.
"Does it feel good to stretch your legs?" Seventeen asked. "How long have our friends kept you inside storage, anyway? I don't have detailed files on you."
It didn't respond, just examining the area around them. It didn't even regard them.
"Come on, speak, have you not gotten a voice box? Have you not been programmed correctly?" Seventeen prodded.
"His programming was not complete," Dr. Gero remarked. "It is not necessary to question him further. Android 16…"
Before he could finish speaking, the machine's calm, almost serene features turned towards the misshapen, battered machine.
"Father, you have taken damage. You should go to the nearest repair facility."
Father?
It was almost absurd. He had this machine programmed to call him father? There were no biological components to this machine, not even a brain. It had almost no personality programmed, no imparted thoughts from another body, very clearly, and yet it was programmed to call him that? Well, this must have been a grand creation indeed.
"There is no such facility at this time," Twenty responded. "I order you to…"
There was a pause as all the other Androids stared at 20, but most of all Android 17. The cold glare sent shivers down her digital spine, and she loved it. Letting the old man squirm like this was half the fun of keeping him around, as far as she was concerned.
"Follow your original programming, and do as Android 17 commands."
"Yes father," it responded, before turning to look at Android 17.
She always knew when her brother… when Android 17 was on a power trip, and he looked more than a little excited. The other three Androids with them, barring Dr. Rossa, looked at one another before looking at them again.
"This has little to do with our primary mission," they said, almost in uniform.
"We should kill Son Goku, and get it over with," Twenty-Two mentioned again, crossing her arms with frustration this time as she spoke.
"We should," Sixteen chimed in, immediately looking at her. "Where is Son Gok…"
It paused for a moment, its eyes staring into the air, past where the smoke was, looking at the fighters. All of them started to as their sensors narrowed in on them. Son Goku was with them already. Then why did Dr. Gero act like he'd not been? Well, this was going to be over sooner than she thought, at least this way they could get on to something more interesting than just finding and killing Goku. There were so many things to explore on this world, so much to do…
Her mind flashed to shopping sprees at the expense of others, or drawing a knife on someone in an alleyway. It took her a few seconds to snap back to reality. Those memories were not her own, they were imprints left by the body's previous host.
"That is not Son Goku," Sixteen said, turning his attention towards the East.
"Are you sure? It looks just like him," Eighteen said simply. "My files show him as being a near match in every respect."
"His voice inflection is off, and despite being a 99.7% DNA match, my files do not determine him to be an exact match. The others are also referring to him as Turles, likely a Saiyan Name. I have created a file for this subject, but he is not Son Goku."
For a brief moment, she saw Dr. Gero nodding with approval, before 17 turned to look at him.
"So big guy, I'll tell you what. We're finally getting a chance to explore this mudball, and before we do, I wanted to give you the option for what we do first," Seventeen commented.
"What a waste of time, it probably just wants to go on a stroll, it can barely compute," Twenty-Two interrupted.
"Get back in line, 22," Twenty-Four ordered. "Seventeen is the one in charge of this operation."
"Yes, sir."
"Whatever he wants to do, let's hope it's not gross or boring."
It was only after this brief back and forth that 16 let them all know what he wanted. It was obvious a few seconds later, as why wouldn't it be?
"I wish to kill Son Goku."
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Vegeta:
"They're… They're leaving!" Yamcha shouted. "I can't believe it; can you guys see this? They're running!"
"But why are they running?" Kakarot's brat asked. "You'd think they'd press their advantage…"
"They do not have an advantage," Vegeta snapped.
He was tired of these idiots denying his place as the most superior being on this planet. Now it was the time. There could be a hundred Androids, he didn't care, not anymore. This world would know him as its greatest being, and he would start by crushing these machines, just as he promised he would earlier. He would do so without Kakarot, and without Turles's interference.
"Should we follow them?" Tien asked. "I mean… Where do you think they're going?"
"They're not going to South, North, or West City," Piccolo observed. "If they're heading that way, it's almost to nowhere. If they're going to a city at all."
"They just went on a rampage in my time," Ox said carefully. "Why they aren't now… Actually, why aren't they coming for us? Turles is dressed like Goku…"
"Goku! They've figured out Turles isn't Goku!" Krillin shouted. "That direction is Mount Pazou! They're heading for Goku's house!"
They were, weren't they? They were going to look for Kakarot? Why? They weren't sport enough for them? Anger flushed his system like never before. The open disrespect they showed him was beyond what his pride could handle. He was their better, and they were acting as if they could ignore him, HIM! He was the one who crushed Android 19. He was the one who chased Android 20 back to his hiding hole. He was the one who could crush any one of them at a whim, and they were going to find KAKAROT of all people?
"Then Kakarot has a problem," Turles remarked, crossing his arms. "A lot of problems."
"Very helpful," Tien shot back.
"More helpful than you're being, three-eyes."
Ignoring the others, Vegeta's mind raced to the only conclusion he could accept. They were going to hunt Kakarot because they were afraid of him. They understood his power, and were in flight because of it. Well, he wouldn't accept that kind of cowardice. Still trembling from his rage at the insult, Vegeta gave a deadly smile as his pulse throbbed.
"Cowards, they are running because they were afraid of me," Vegeta voiced aloud. "And they should be!"
Golden energy emerged around him once more as Vegeta prepared to launch himself after them. In a blur of motion, the boy came in front of him again. In his eyes he could see the same fear that used to hold himself back. It disgusted him, and all he did was just stare through the boy. He didn't have time for this nonsense, especially when it interrupted him on the precipice of his greatest triumph.
"No, stop! You need to stay here! If you go after them, you'll die. Father, please, we need to wait for Goku."
"Did he just call you father? Vegeta, what's going on?"
Another thing to deal with now. This kid was more trouble than he was worth.
"Vegeta, maybe it's time to listen."
Grabbing the Scanner, he prepared to pull it off before a text came up.
"Alright! I'll ask later."
A low growl escaped his nose before he glared at the thing masquerading itself as his son. When the boy called him father, it was an insult. Even now he was trying to urge him to run and hide. It was a human trait. He was no better than the petty, weak beings on this planet. Kakarot's friends were celebrating that their prey had run.
"You expect me to wait for Kakarot?" Vegeta scoffed. "You insult me. Now stand aside."
"Kakarot?... Oh, you mean Goku? …. That's right! We need him for this battle!" The bizarre act of his son not knowing the Saiyan name, before giving him a speech about how he needed Kakarot, was enough to make his scowl turn cruel. "We can do this if we work together!"
"Yes, you're right, boy, why don't we wait for Kakarot? While we're at it, why don't we become friends with the Androids, they certainly seem like nice people, they didn't even want to fight us…" Vegeta started, sarcasm and contempt not being hidden. "FORGET KAKAROT! He's history. If the Heart Virus doesn't kill him, I will. And then I'll kill his double over there as well."
The boy looked mortified for a moment before his resolve stiffened, as if he was trying to urge him to be something different than he was.
This is getting old, fast.
"We'll see who kills who, Vegeta," Turles called from the side. "Remember the last time you thought you could beat me?"
Turning and glaring, Vegeta only didn't attack because there was better game afoot, and he aimed for that glory, before taking the head off Kakarot's brother.
The anger and frustration of the boy however, awaited him when he turned his attention back to him. It was a Saiyan's anger, at least. The only problem was he still wasn't moving! Not an attack, not changing his form, he was just passively floating there, trying to get him to stop.
"He's the best chance we have," Trunks fired back. "I'm not going to let you kill yourself! Not here."
"Trunks," 'Ox' called out. "Please, he's not going to listen. We need to figure out what we're going to do without him. The decision's been made."
Well, at least one of them made sense. The only problem was, the boy wasn't moving. He was stubborn like his mother was. It only made sense too, raised by a human woman, undoubtably without his involvement beyond donating sperm to the bastard. That made this even worse, the last of the line of House Vegeta… a bastard without a concept of what it was to be a Saiyan. He was so furious he couldn't contain it anymore.
"Get out of my waybefore you get hurt!" Vegeta snapped.
Still he hung there.
"I am going to finish those worthless machines off. By myself. WITHOUT KAKAROT!"
The panicked look on the boy's face did nothing to endear Vegeta further.
"Father, please, you can't! If you fight them alone, they'll kill you. Please, Vegeta, father, you must listen to me! Stay here and we can..,"
That was enough. He grabbed the scanner, ripping it from his head and tossing it aside. Lunging forward, Vegeta slammed his fist in the boy's abdomen. The boy's entire body convulsed, lurching inward as he felt the air suck out of him. For a second he coughed for breath as Vegeta hovered there, every second his anger growing. Only because he had better things to do, did he not take this to the next step.
As he hung over his arm, his own arms folding in, trying to clutch his diaphragm, Vegeta remained there, glaring at him.
"If my son grew up to be as much of a coward and disgrace as you, I'd kill him myself," Vegeta almost snarled. "Your father was a weakling. You are not my son, do you understand? You are a bastard. Every time you call me father while you whine and cower, you make my skin crawl. Do you understand, boy?"
For a brief second, Vegeta did feel a pang of guilt as the real pain etched across the teenager's face, not from the punch, but when he told him the truth. He didn't let his fist go until a soft nod came from the boy, before he pulled his hand away. Hearing the boy breathe again, while he struggled to stay in the air, Vegeta just regarded him coldly.
"If you're smart, you'll stay out of my way."
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Future Gohan:
I should have beat the hell out of that smug piece of shit when I had the chance.
As Vegeta's energy trailed off into the distance, not a word was spoken. Gohan knew he was going off to his death, and no one could tell Vegeta otherwise. Sadly, the Vegeta in his world… was probably a better man than who this guy was, and that unfortunately wasn't saying a lot, but at least it was there. The worst part is, he'd never wanted Trunks to know what kind of man Vegeta was. His own mother, had never wanted it. Now when they were faced with it, it cut not just Trunks deep, but himself.
He'd not had the heart to tell Trunks that Vegeta had refused to give him blood. He'd not told him that he thought he was weak, and he'd hoped beyond hope that Vegeta could have seen the strength in him, rather than just a son he never wanted. Instead, this was what they'd gotten.
He was the first one to carry himself forward, floating as he did. Tien and Krillin slowly started to approach as well, along with his younger self. What was sad, was he knew that Turles was an asshole, and even Turles looked dour at what had just occurred. Briefly, he heard a small exchange between Piccolo and his uncle.
"Pitiful," Turles said quietly.
"Don't start," Piccolo almost growled.
"Not the boy, you idiot, Vegeta," he almost seethed.
When he looked at Trunks, Gohan reached out a hand, trying to offer support. Instead it was batted away immediately. A hurt, angry motion lashed out at him before a golden aura covered Trunks body. Still favouring his abdomen with one hand, he saw pained eyes look back at him. Worse was the shame of everyone hearing that, and seeing it. This wasn't some private conversation between Trunks and Vegeta. Vegeta had let them all see it.
"Trunks, it's okay," Ox lied. "Just… he doesn't know, okay? His world's different. Let him go, we'll figure something out."
There was a painful series of inhales coming from Trunks as he tried to keep his composure, trying not to let everyone see him even with more vulnerability. Gohan could tell right off the bat. It was everything to keep his own anger in check. This was his little brother and Vegeta was just a total piece of shit to him.
"He called me a disgrace," Trunks' chest heaved, almost hysterically. "I am not. I did everything I had to!"
"You did," Krillin urged. "Trunks, you've not done anything wrong. Just calm down, we'll get things figured out."
"I'm not a coward," Trunks breathed, his injury subsiding, but his breathing becoming more frantic. "I'm not afraid of the Androids!"
"I know you're not, Trunks," he urged in response. "Come out of that form, alright?"
"I'm not going to let him die out there alone," Trunks breathed, his words barely audible. "I'm not going to fail him. I'm not some bastard. I'm not some failure."
Oh shit.
In a blur of golden light, Trunks took off after Vegeta, leaving Gohan in shock and horror. The last thing he wanted was for Trunks to double down. Vegeta wasn't going to change. If anything, he might be putting himself in danger. His entire life he'd lionized his father, and now that he met him and Vegeta… fell short… he just seemingly couldn't accept it. It was nothing Trunks did, and Gohan knew it. This wasn't something Trunks could fix.
Strangely, another Super Saiyan glow appeared a second later as he sharply turned his head.
"Looks like we're onto plan B," Turles commented.
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Turles:
Are you around, Bardock? Or am I still getting the silent treatment? Any tips? No? Great.
It wasn't someone who was related to him, it wasn't even his damn business, but Turles was… angry. The only thing he could think of was his own strained relationship with a man he'd never known until later in life. Perhaps it was from experiencing the kind of betrayal, Vegeta had turned on his son over. Maybe it was even that he was just getting soft… but watching Vegeta do that was infuriating. The only disgrace there, was Vegeta. Even Saiyans used tactics, Raditz and himself proved that multiple times. It was only VEGETA who seemed to think being one of them meant proving how big of dick you had at every turn.
Not that Turles didn't mind flaunting his strength, but sometimes it just wasn't necessary. Everyone there could sense the shame Vegeta had brought on himself, and the open pain he'd left the kid in. Maybe it was better Bardock wasn't talking to him right now. The wounds this other Saiyan had just suffered, reminded him too much of his own. His younger nephew looked more than a little concerned.
If they were going after this kid as he made the worst decision of his life, trying to prove Vegeta's appraisal wrong, then it meant it was time for him to go.
"Gohan," Turles said seriously, seeing his brother's son turn towards him. "Get to your father's home, as fast as you can. Get your mother to move him, he's going to need to find somewhere else to stay."
"Good call," Tien said. "They'll be looking for him, and his home is a good place to start looking."
"But, what about you guys? You'll need my help!" Gohan urged. "Please, don't send me away. I can do this."
"This is too dangerous, Gohan," Piccolo said firmly. "It's time for you to go."
"This battlefield is for the strongest," Turles said sternly. "Some of us will not return. Your uncle Raditz is already dead. I may follow. Go and keep your mother safe, and move your father. Now go."
The kid looked at them reluctantly before nodding, a white aura covering him as he took off, heading in the direction of the mountains.
Finding the Androids would be easy at least. It just meant following that fool Vegeta's power.
As soon as his younger nephew left, Turles looked at his older one, just giving him a nod before he jetted into the air, a stream of other powers followed after him.
It was time to put his training to a true test. Hopefully all this doom and gloom was for nothing. But unlike Vegeta, he'd been reading the body language and expressions on these two, and listening to them. If they were telling him they were underpowered compared to these machines, they probably were. It meant he was going to need a backup plan to make an exit if he could.
And if they won. He was going to make sure he put Vegeta in his place, more powerful or not.
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Author's Notes:
Things are building up! This chapter ended up being pretty long, but mostly because I had to cover a lot. I wanted to give a lot of perspectives in it. I am also getting a chance to start building up events for Trunks, though he and Vegeta aren't going to have the same relationship as they did in the show, this Vegeta's just kind of too much of an asshole at the moment.
Ironically, events have slowly had a shift on Turles, and I'm happy to notice that the readers are picking up on it. It's been brewing slowly for a long time. Comparing Turles to Namek-Turles, to Post-Namek- Turles, to Slug-Turles, to now Android-Turles, is a slow evolution for the character to get here.
For Raditz, the initial build wasn't as great as I would want now. Largely because I was an inferior writer back then, but I've tried to give Raditz the same treatment. His steps forward and steps backwards, are all linked to a coherent build for the character and the story around him. Saiyan-Saga-Raditz, to Namek-Raditz, to Post-Nameka Raditz all have gradual changes to them, as events let him rethink of things. But still, the thing holding him back was the betrayal by Vegeta. Turles never had that, ironically, giving him less of a hook to draw his character evolution back (for the moment). I can't wait to post Chapter 87, lol.
Also, Vegeta was an asshole this chapter. But. Uhm. No surprises here on that front, lol.
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Reviewers:
RedHunter87: I don't think Vegeta would find It without Gero leading him to something a bit closer, or without fighting the others first, because he'd probably need to blast the entire landscape to ash to get that far, lol.
Mouse from Hell: Poor Raditz. Without spoiling, his wake-up moment happens after the events coming up… lol
Blades of Fury: Gero was just too much for Raditz, though Raditz did get some licks in. Unfortunately for Raditz, being unable to sense their power, he didn't know that he was that far behind, otherwise if he fought more conservatively from the start, he might have stalled for longer.
Warga: Raditz is a top tier character in this story, as far as importance goes! Lol. On top of that though, Raditz is just not a Super Saiyan yet. Even if he were, he would be the weakest of the current timeline Super Saiyans, though he'd probably be stronger than Trunks.
Super Mystic Gohan: This was one of my favourite takes on the fight. The fight wasn't there to demonstrate that Raditz was a powerful steamroller, but to demonstrate that he's developed a kind of attitude in fighting where he pushes himself forward, in the face of defeat.
Instinct: Yea, people really hate Vegeta who like this story, it seems, lmao.
Thomas-The-TMC: Yep. Goku's his rolemodel. Despite being his older brother, Raditz was the first one to figure out that Goku's approach to life was really better than their own. He's held back however, by where he came from, and things he can't let go. He's a tragic character.
RulesofNature626: The Slug Saga was really transformative for Turles. When I said he was missing his heart prior to that, it wasn't literally true, but it was true. His connection with Bardock when they had that moment, plus the bonds he'd made with others, has had an impact on him, slowly, throughout the story. I really enjoyed writing that Saga. Him and Goku vs. Slug was also a blast to write.
DarkFalconZ: I loved writing it :)
Zyr0TruthCanExist: Yep, but he's lost a lot of that deeper potential that younger Gohan has. It was lost because it was never cultivated. Though of course, he's still a Super Saiyan, and with training can still give himself huge boosts in power. But he'll never keep up with his younger self once young Gohan surpasses him.
Guest1: I mean. I have already. Tien screwed over Slug and Frieza. Krillin's had his moments too, against Slug and others. I'm just letting you know though, they're not the main focus of the story.
Guest2: For the wife he murdered. She's 100% dead, Android 21 is just some machine that took over her body and has her memories in some capacity. And yea, I think 16 was gentle too, because it was the idealized vision of who he saw his son as. I don't think he wanted to risk losing him, but also, I don't think Gero wanted the machine he built, to kill Son Goku. The idea of his son's visage killing his worst enemy likely was why he did it, but by the time he was done, I think he didn't want his son's memory to wear that.
Guest3: The Android Saga's super important to Raditz. I think he gets the most growth of any Catalyst centric character. And Raditz is extremely resourceful as a fighter, after all his experiences of being behind his enemies in strength. Even by the time he was fighting 2nd form Frieza, he was really honing that element of himself. Just being stronger than Raditz, doesn't mean you're going to walk over him, unless you're really strong.
Gfranciah: Thanks.
Guest4: You got it, lol
TheItchyCocoon: Chapter 85/86/87/88/89 are all fantastic, in my not-so-humble opinion. You guys are gonna love the next 5 weeks.
Luke: Had to, lol
Transformers G1's-Prime: Vegeta let himself become a slave to Babidi. I think a lot of the Z fighters could overcome the spell. Vegeta let the spell work because he was an asshole, lol.