Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty – Prince Vegeta's Struggles with "Friendship"

Written by: Feraligreater328

Overseen by: StevenBodner and SparkerLightning

A/N: The next chapter will be the last chapter of this story. And it will include a new cover art to really put across the theme of all of this. I hope this little side project has been a nice time for everyone.

Also, I think the Chi-Chi story will be next. So I hope you all read that too~

Chapter 19: Android 18's Friend

At Capsule Corporation...

Android 18 was lost in her own thoughts as she stared at the wall of Bulma's workshop. She watched intently as lights continued to blink on the wall, all of them attached to some massive machine that Bulma used to fabricate parts. She was trying her best to remain calm and keep the last vestiges of her instilled fear of laboratories out of her mind.

This wasn't Dr. Gero's torture chamber...this was a place run by someone she could trust.

Bulma walked back over to where 18 was laying down and smiled, taking a seat on the examination table. "You can sit up. We're done. You're in perfect health~"

18 nodded. "R-Right..."

Slowly, the Android sat up. "Thanks for continuing to be my doctor, Bulma. I appreciate it. How much do I owe you for this?"

Bulma waved her off. "Free of charge. I'm happy to help."

18 nodded. Bulma sighed. "So, wanna talk about the looks you've been giving my dear husband for the past couple months?"

Android 18's face exploded into a bright, shining red. Involuntarily, she activated her Terrablaze Mode and her hair erupted into searing white flames. "H-H-HOLD ON NOW! I'M NOT-"

Bulma quickly tried to calm the situation. "Calm down! Calm down! I'm not implying anything scandalous, 18! This is just girl-talk, okay? Relax!"

18 pressed her hand to her chest, the flames extinguishing. She was panting heavily. "I... I swear I'm...I'm loyal to Krillin, Bulma! I would never-"

Gently, Bulma cupped 18's hand into her own and she smiled. "Be calm, okay? Like I said, I'm not concerned about anything like that. I'm not accusing you of making goo-goo eyes at Vegeta, 18. I know just how much you care about Krillin. I'm just pointing out that I've noticed something is all~"

18 blushed, averting her eyes. "N-Noticed what..."

Bulma sighed, pressing 18's trembling hand into her lap and speaking in a cool-headed tone. "Let's start with the past...and I would never pry into your private business...but you seem to have a natural distrust of people..."

18 flinched. Bulma nodded. "I've looked into your eyes, 18. Seen how you shy into the background of big, group gatherings...listened to the natural tremor in your voice when you try to make conversation...it's sad that someone as cool as you seems so uncomfortable with people. Whoever hurt you...I hope they all get what's coming to them..."

18 gritted her teeth. Bulma closed her eyes. "It's the same feeling I get from Vegeta. An intense sadness that seems like it has no real cure. Life has hurt you...taken advantage of you...you're isolated despite being surrounded by those who truly care..."

The Android whispered, clenching her hand into a fist but not pulling it away from Bulma. Bulma smiled. "I'm simply saying...you don't have to be afraid anymore. You've picked one hell of a weird group to be a part of, Lazuli...but it's a group that cares. Anyone here would pull a Piccolo for you in a heartbeat~"

18 was shaking. Bulma nodded. "But I understand that accepting such things isn't easy. Krillin's told me about the progress that you've made...and how finding the next step from seems like it might be a challenge..."

Bulma pulled in close, whispering into 18's ear. "Any of us and all of us are ready to be there for you with open arms. But...if Vegeta is that next stepping stone for you...if you resonate with him...I would love to see you two become..."

And then Bulma's voice lowered to a register that only 18 could hear. 18's heart hammered in her chest and Bulma planted a friendly kiss on her cheek. "Don't ever be a stranger, okay~?"

18 sat in place as Bulma produced a handkerchief and wiped the Android's eyes. "You can stick around as long as you like, but I have some other business I have to attend to~"

Silently, Android 18 nodded. And then Bulma left her alone with her thoughts.

At the East City Magnet Train Station...

Android 18 was almost in a trance as she rode the magnet train back to East City. Normally she would just fly, it was faster...but this one time she saw 17's point: sometimes you just had to slow down and enjoy the scenery. It was a great way to think.

18 clenched her eyes shut and thought about all of the "friends" she had thought she made in the past. Her mother, Moonwater. Her father, Dan. And Dr. Gero who would two homeless brat and offered them a meal and a place to escape the cold. And then she thought about how all of those things worked out for her and gripped the bar she was holding hard enough that it crumbled. Android 18 thought of Krillin, and Android 16, and her own brother. And then she thought of Bulma's words. "Anyone would pull a Piccolo for me, huh...?"

18 knew what that phrase meant. She pictured Piccolo holding Nappa in place, sacrificing his own life to keep someone precious to himself safe. And then...she pictured that selfish asshole and his massive, stupid forehead. "Like he would ever...ever..."

The train car began to slow and 18 cut off her own thought. "I'm being ridiculous..."

The car came to a stop and the doors opened with a hiss. Android 18 doubled back in shock, finding herself staring into a pair of dull ebony eyes. Vegeta stood there, just as shocked as he stared at her.

The two of them shouted simultaneously. "YOU?!"