The God of Death Saga
Book One
Metallic Tears
Chapter Three
Adjustments
(Meeting the Family)
As the group of three landed on the sandy beach that was Kami Island, they were instantly greeted by the old turtle hermit, Master Roshi, who was giving Kantro a quick once over. "And who is this," Roshi asked from behind his black sunglasses.
"My name is Kantro Bishio, and I am a Sayian Warrior," Kantro supplied while extending his hand in the universal gesture of respect. Roshi slowly took his hand, giving a light squeeze, which Kantro did not even notice. "So I am guessing you are the great Master Roshi that Krillin had been telling me about."
"Well yes I am Master Roshi, but I don't know how great I am anymore," Roshi replied. "I haven't really been of much use in battle since the Sayians arrived."
"Don't feel bad," Kantro said while looking over the pink house. "We Sayians are just more adapted for fighting. It is what we do."
"So you are a Sayian," Master Roshi asked while a gleam flashed across his glasses. "So what makes you wish to stay at my humble home?"
"Well Gohan thought it would be better for Bulma's sake to keep two full blooded Sayians from sleeping under the same roof," Krillin explained. "Only thing is that I don't think I can cook enough food to feed a Sayian."
"But I could," Eighteen supplied as she tucked a stray strand of her silky smooth blond hair behind her left ear. "I know how to cook really well."
"It is not about cooking well," Krillin replied. "It is about cooking in bulk."
"So you don't think I can cook a big enough meal for all of us," Eighteen asked, sensing a challenge, but she knew the former monk would relent.
"That is not what I am saying," Krillin exclaimed waving his hands frantically. "I am just saying it is going to take a lot of time, which means you would be out in the open, where Master Roshi could peep at you."
"I don't fear the old man," Eighteen snorted. "Besides he is peeping at me right now as we speak, and it is not bothering me."
"Ok if you really want to cook, I guess I will help you the best I can," Krillin stated with a smile. "So are you ready to start cooking?"
"Sure," Eighteen sounded as she turned to walk up the beach to the small house. "Just give me a few minutes to change into some comfortable clothes."
"So how about I show you to your room," Krillin exclaimed as he lead Kantro towards the front porch. "Watch the first step. It creaks a good bit." Quickly the two fighters went up the steps, and came to a stop in the narrow hallway. "Your bedroom is the last one on the right."
"Thank you," Kantro said as he walked down the hall to the door. Quickly he opened it to come face to face with a bare room. There was a small mat curled up against the wall, but other then that, there was nothing in the room.
"We will have to go buy you a bed tomorrow," Krillin said. "We can also get you a few things to fill the room."
"No this is fine," Kantro supplied. "That mat will be perfect. Thank you for your hospitality."
"No problem," Krillin replied while scratching the back of his head. "See you in a little bit."
It had been a few hours since the silent dinner, and Krillin was forced to deal with the quite boredom of Kami House. Both Eighteen and Kantro had retired to their rooms right after they finished eating dinner. Currently, Krillin was flipping through channels, becoming more frustrated as there was nothing good on any of the channels. 'You have got to be shitting me,' Krillin exclaimed in his head. 'For crying out loud it is a Friday night, and there is nothing to do.'
Looking outside, and seeing the calmness of the night, Krillin got an idea. He would not just sit around the house, he would go out and train. Looking down at his normal attire of a red tee shirt and gray sweats, he decided they were good enough, and rushed out of the front door to start training. Once he was on the cool beach, he began to throw quick punch and kick combinations, before ending with a double fist smash to an invisible enemy. Little did Krillin know that there was a pair of icy blue eyes watching as he went through his different combinations.
'To think my sister would run to this weakling,' Seventeen spat subconsciously. 'Like any of these pathetic combos would actually land against a real opponent. Then again, I should teach him that they won't. Shouldn't be that hard. Unless there is a Sayian staying here without me knowing it. So much to worry about. If Gohan or Vegeta are here, I could end up dead, but then again Vegeta would never be here, because he hates my sister, and Gohan's mother would never let him be somewhere this late at night, which means I have nothing to worry about.'
Without another thought, Seventeen landed softly on the sandy beach. "Do you wish to try those combinations against a real opponent," Seventeen asked while smirking at the look of fear that came across Krillin's face.
"What are you doing here Seventeen," Krillin questioned while trying to swallow a large lump which had just lodged itself in his throat.
"I came to see if you are strong enough to look after my sister," Seventeen snorted. "So prepare yourself little man."
"Hey you don't have to do this," Krillin stated as he dropped into a fighting stance out of reflex. "I mean, your sister is strong enough to look after herself, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe as well."
"Oh shut up and fight coward," Seventeen hissed as he rushed at Krillin, who was barely able to dodge the fist aimed at his head. However, he was not quick enough to block the fist which connected with Krillin's midsection. The blow caused the wind to rush out of Krillin's body, before another fist connected with the side of his head, sending him flying into the ocean.
"Now that wasn't very nice of you," Kantro's voice called from the front porch. "Why don't you try that on me?"
"And you are," Seventeen questioned while brushing a little bit of sand off of his black tee shirt.
"The name is Kantro Bishio, and I am the newest Sayian on the planet," Kantro supplied as he jumped off the porch. "And from the looks of you, it appears that you are the blond woman's brother."
"Yeah so," Seventeen sneered. "What is it to you?"
"How is it that she is so nice, and you are an ass," Kantro questioned.
"She is weak, and I am strong," Seventeen answered. "She needs assistance, and I don't."
"Well you don't look all that strong to me," Kantro replied quickly. "But then again, one can never judge a book by its' cover."
"So true," Seventeen agreed as he dropped into a fighting stance. Quickly Kantro dropped into a fighting stance as well, before allowing his ki to swarm around him, causing a light blue aurora to from around his body. With a yell, the aurora turned golden, as Kantro's black hair turned golden. The large amount of ki forced his straight hair into large spikes resembling a mix between Goku and Vegeta's. Finally his black eyes became turquoise, and the transformation was complete.
"Stop it," Eighteen yelled as she cut in front of the two fighters. "Seventeen what are you doing here, and where the hell is Krillin?"
"The wimp went for a drink of salt water, and I can do whatever I please," Seventeen snapped. "Now move so we can finish this little disagreement!"
"Don't yell at her like that," Kantro shouted.
"She is my sister, and I will yell at her if I choose," Seventeen hissed in anger.
"So what," Kantro spat. "That doesn't mean you are allowed to disrespect her."
"What is it to you if I disrespect her," Seventeen yelled back.
"I just don't like to see females being mistreated," Kantro stated.
"I can handle myself Kantro," Eighteen cut in. "And as for you Seventeen, you said that if I bothered you again you would kill me, and now you come to check up on me. What the hell is that all about?"
"Well I wanted to see if it was true," Seventeen replied back calmly. "I wanted to see if you were just as pathetic as I figured you were, that you would come running to the shrimps arms, but I see you found yourself a Sayian to screw."
"Watch it," Kantro snapped raising his ki a little more.
"You're an ass Seventeen," Eighteen yelled in frustration. "Will you just make up your mind on what you want me to do? Do you want me to live with you, or do you want me to live with Krillin?"
"I don't want anything to do with you now that I know you have become one of them," Seventeen hissed in a low voice. "In fact, the next time we see each other, we will fight to the death."
"That's if you make it off this island alive," Kantro sneered leveling off his ki.
"No Kantro stop," Eighteen called.
"Shut up Eighteen, and let him attack me," Seventeen snapped. "It will be nice to rip this pathetic monkey a new asshole." Before Eighteen could react, Kantro flew past her, and slammed his fist into Seventeen's face, causing the black haired android to fly backwards into the ocean, before he flew up into the air, where he was glaring at Kantro. "Lucky punch. Let's see you do that again!"
"Get Krillin into the house," Kantro stated before he took off to fight with Seventeen.
Eighteen began to look around to find Krillin, and soon her eyes landed on the small man's figure walking towards her from the ocean. His back was humped as he walked towards Eighteen, with his hand holding his fractured jaw. "Krillin are you okay," Eighteen questioned as she rushed towards the shorter warrior. Seeing the blood rushing from Krillin's mouth, Eighteen decided it was best to get Krillin to a hospital. Looking up, she saw Kantro and her brother engaged in a power struggle, with Seventeen seeming to own the upper hand. 'You better not get yourself killed Sayian!'
"You should back down Sayian," Seventeen smirked as Kantro flew back from the intense combat for a moment. "I'm not even losing power, and you seem to be tiring quickly."
"Appearances can be deceiving," Kantro spat. "Now shut up and fight." Kantro followed his statement up by rushing at Seventeen, who dodged a few punches, before throwing a few of his, which were easily blocked by the Super Sayian. The two continued to fight in this pattern for a few moments, with neither causing the other much damage. Soon the two backed away from one another, only to rush back into the combat. This time Seventeen seemed to pick up the speed, and slipped more punches past Kantro's nearly flawless defense. Taking this as a sign of victory, Seventeen began to let his guard down a little, which allowed Kantro to land a vicious punch to the android's midsection just before one of Seventeen's punches could land.
The blow was strong enough to stop Seventeen's seemingly endless barrage of punches, and allowed Kantro to land a palm strike to the side of the android's skull, which sent the android flying out across the ocean, further away from Kami Island. As Seventeen was flying out towards the ocean, Kantro flew past him, and prepared to land a strong kick to the android's exposed back, but Seventeen was able to regain his composure, and sent a ki blast at Kantro, who was caught off guard by the sudden energy attack, allowing it to land in the middle of his chest, before he could cover up. Upon impact, the blast exploded, sending Kantro spiraling towards the dark ocean water.
"Eighteen, you must get Seventeen out of here," Krillin exclaimed, causing more pain to course throughout his face. "The others are coming, and they will kill him."
"Krillin," Eighteen said in disbelief. It had been her brother who had hurt him, and here he was trying to protect the bastard, and Eighteen believed she knew why. The little man had more then just a crush on her, but she did not know if she could return his feelings. "SEVENTEEN YOU MUST GET OUT OF HERE NOW!!! GOHAN AND VEGETA ARE ON THEIR WAY, AND THEY WILL KILL YOU!!!"
Seventeen turned away from the water to look back at his sister, who was now cradling the former monk in her arms. To him it was the most revolting site he had ever seen in his life, and he could still remember some of the evil things Gero had done to both of them, but this was nearly as bad to him. He would get strong enough to kill both her and the other Z Fighters, but for now, he would run, knowing the Sayians would never be able to find him due to his lack of ki. So without a word to his sister, Seventeen turned and started to fly in the opposite direction of mainland.
After a few moment, Kantro flew out of the water, his ki spiking even more as a look of pure rage dominated his facial features. His eyes scanned the area, looking for the object of his anger, and soon realized that the android was no longer in the area. Suddenly Kantro was surrounded by Z Fighters, consisting of Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Yamcha. "When the hell did you guys get here," Kantro questioned as he looked over the group.
"What was going on here," Gohan asked while inspecting Kantro, who was still in his Super Sayian form. "Why are you in your Super Sayian form?"
"I was fighting with the girl android's brother," Kantro explained, allowing his anger to lace his words. "The little prick hit me with a cheap shot, and then ran away before I could recover."
"Which way did he go," Vegeta questioned, tightening his right glove around his hand.
"I don't know," Kantro replied in disgust. "I was knocked into the water when he ran away."
"Pathetic," Vegeta sighed.
"What did you say," Kantro snapped as he hovered a little closer to Vegeta, who only smirked at the younger Sayian.
"Don't mind him," Gohan stated stepping between the two full blooded Sayians. "Where is Eighteen and Krillin?"
"The weakling is still on the island, and my guess is that the trash bin is with him," Vegeta answered in apparent disgust. "From the ki reading, he is quite hurt as well."
"Damn it," Gohan exclaimed. 'What would cause Seventeen to attack at random like this? He knows we are stronger then him, so why?'
"We are going to need to get Krillin up to Dende quickly," Piccolo stated, disturbing Gohan's train of thoughts.
"We will discuss this at Dende's then," Gohan exclaimed before he rushed to Krillin's side. "Eighteen, we are going to take Krillin up to Kami's Tower to get him healed, you can come with us if you want."
"Okay," Eighteen said as she passed the nearly unconscious Krillin's form into Gohan's waiting arms. Once he had Krillin secured in his arms, Gohan blasted into the air, flying as fast as he could towards Kami Tower, with only the Sayians and Eighteen being able to keep within eyesight of the half Sayian. After only ten minutes, Gohan touched down on Kami Tower, where a waiting Dende started the healing process, allowing the golden light to release from his green hands. The light was covering Krillin's entire body, covering any wounds that the former monk had from his run in with Android Seventeen. Midway through the process, the rest of the Z Fighters arrived with Vegeta glaring daggers at Eighteen, who simply acted as if she did not know he was there. Kantro on the other hand was pacing back and forth, his temper still not subsided.
"Hey Kantro calm down man," Gohan called, causing the slightly older Sayian to stop pacing, and look at Gohan.
"How can I calm down," Kantro snapped. "I just got beat twice in the same fucking day. If that happens in space, I am dead!"
"Well this isn't space," Gohan stated standing to his full height, which was just a few inches taller then the full blooded Sayian. "And what were you thinking taking on an android by yourself?"
"I can handle myself," Kantro supplied with a humph at the end.
"That is besides the point," Gohan exclaimed. "The androids are on a level above that of a Super Sayian."
"You never told me that there were people stronger then Super Sayians out there, so how was I supposed to know," Kantro snapped back. "So what do we do about this?"
"There really isn't anything we can do," Gohan replied. "Seventeen has no ki signature, so we will not be able to track him down."
"So we are supposed to just sit around and wait for him to strike again," Kantro snapped, his anger reaching another boiling point. "Next time someone could end up dead."
"I know where to find him," Eighteen spoke up, gaining everyone's attention immediately. "I used to live with him for a while remember."
"Well why didn't you come forward before," Vegeta snarled at the blond android.
"I never believed he would be stupid enough to attack anyone again, because we both know that you and Gohan are far stronger then both of us together," Eighteen replied.
"Well you were wrong," Vegeta snapped taking a step closer to Eighteen.
"Knock it off Vegeta," Krillin's voice called as he stepped into the group. "She didn't know her brother would do this, none of us did. To put the blame on Eighteen is unfair."
"Will you just stop with the constantly defending her," Vegeta exclaimed loudly. "She could care less if you like her, she will never be able to return your feelings, because she is just a machine with no heart."
"Fuck you," Eighteen hissed at the now smirking Sayian Prince. "You went to far this time."
"Oh hit a nerve did I," Vegeta questioned with a cocky smile gracing his lips. "Why don't you do something to make yourself feel better?"
"You would love that wouldn't you," Eighteen snapped placing a stray strand of her blond hair behind her left ear, before continuing to glare at the Sayian Prince. "Well you idiot, I am not as easy to goat into a fight where I will get my ass kicked."
"No you are just afraid of my power," Vegeta supplied still smiling.
"Enough," Kantro cut in. "Will you just shut the hell up for two seconds so the girl can tell us where to find her brother!"
"Watch it boy," Vegeta sneered, dropping the smile for a glare in an instant.
"Now Eighteen please continue," Kantro said softly.
"He lives in a heavily wooded area outside of East City," Eighteen answered. "I will have to show you where it is, because there is over a thousand acres of land out there."
"No we can't go tonight," Gohan exclaimed, getting a weird look from everyone in the group. "I have my first day of school tomorrow, and I won't be able to go until this weekend."
"Are you fucking serious," Vegeta nearly shouted. "You are going to let school come before the protection of the world."
"For once I agree with Vegeta," Piccolo stated.
"Well my mom doesn't, and I have to obey her," Gohan said dejectedly. "I'm sorry guys."
"What is school," Kantro questioned with a confused look on his face.
"I just got a great idea," Gohan exclaimed. "You should come to school with me."
"Are you serious," Krillin asked in disbelief. "If Kantro goes with you, then things could turn pretty ugly for you Gohan. I mean, would he be able to contain his strength, and get away with the fact that he isn't human."
"What is a human," Kantro questioned again, causing everyone in the group to fall over anime style.
"You really want him to go to school with you," Piccolo asked while looking at Gohan.
"Well if I have to suffer through it, then why shouldn't someone else," Gohan said in a whisper, causing Piccolo to nod in understanding. "Ok Kantro, I will let you experience school, but first thing first. You have to learn what you can and can't say."
It had been a few hours since the Z Fighters had left from Kami's Lookout, and once again, Kantro was sitting on the small island that was home for Kami's House. At the moment, Kantro was allowing the waves from the ocean to wash over his bare feet as he stared off into the night sky. The waves reminded him of happier times in his life, when he was with his mother and father, and how they would all go swimming in the liquid called water on distant planets. Now those memories where all he had left of his parents, and they seemed as distant as the planets he had traveled to.
"What are you thinking about," a feminine voice called from just behind him, causing him to lose to turn and look at the blond haired android.
"Nothing," Kantro supplied as he turned back to look over the water. "I am just sitting here enjoying the feeling of the water."
"Do you mind if I sit with you," Eighteen questioned.
"Sure," Kantro said turning to give her a smile. "I would enjoy some company."
"Ok," Eighteen said as she pulled off her sandals, before pulling up a seat right next to the full blooded Sayian Warrior. "So why won't you tell me what you were thinking about?"
"I told you I wasn't really thinking about anything," Kantro responded.
"You are lying," Eighteen accused without being harsh. "I can tell, because you hesitate before speaking, and because the ocean always causes people to think about something."
"Ok you got me," Kantro said with a slight laugh. "I was thinking about my mother and father."
"Oh," Eighteen replied sensing the sorrow in his voice. "Do you want me to leave you alone?"
"No you are fine," Kantro replied in earnest. "It isn't everyday that I get to sit beside a beautiful person such as yourself."
Eighteen wanted to respond, but found herself at a lose for words. This was the first time anyone had said anything like that to her. Of course Krillin had tried before, but every time he tried to give her a compliment, he would end up stuttering, and then he would just give up all together. Of course it was kind of cute, but at the same time, she wished he would say what he meant. A light blush crept to Eighteen's face as she thought about what Kantro had just said, and soon her thoughts began to rush all over the place. What should she say back? Should she respond to him, or should she act as if nothing happened? Did he really think she was beautiful, and if so, why? What made her beautiful? She was so confused, and yet she had no one to talk about it with.
"Sorry if I offended you," Kantro replied sheepishly, reminding her a little of Krillin's reactions. "I never have been any good at talking with women."
"Why is that," Eighteen questioned trying to steer the conversation away from his compliments.
"Well my mother always told me that a woman was the most precious being in the universe, no matter what race she may be," Kantro replied in a soft voice. "And I saw how my father treated my mother, and I was always afraid I would say something stupid which would get me into trouble."
"You should never worry about that," Eighteen said with confidence. "The key is that you just have to be yourself. Never become something just to impress someone."
"Well I don't really like myself enough to show others the true me anyways," Kantro responded with a snort.
"What is that supposed to mean," Eighteen questioned while turning her blue eyes onto the Sayian Warrior.
"The things I have done in my life," Kantro answered in an even softer voice. "I have killed many people. Some who never deserved it, all so I could continue to live. I'm a pathetic excuse."
"Stop that right now," Eighteen demanded glaring at the Sayian, who turned his head towards the blond android. "Your past should not define who you are. If there is anything I have learned since I joined the Z Fighters, it is that everyone deserves a second chance."
"I don't," Kantro replied. "My crimes are to great."
"Really," Eighteen spat. "I have killed countless people, all because it was great sport. I enjoyed the thrill of fighting the Z Fighters, and I tried to kill the greatest hero this planet has ever known, and in the quest to kill him, I slaughtered entire towns."
"You were under a mad man's programing," a voice called, causing the two non-humans to turn to see the black haired Krillin. "That is why you did all those terrible things, and now that the sick bastard's programing is gone, you feel remorse for what you did, so you should stop beating yourself up over it."
"Easier said then done," Eighteen replied burying her head between her legs, which were now pulled into her chest. "You don't have to deal with the nightmares of the screaming people, their faces twisted into horror as Seventeen and I destroyed everything they cared about."
"They died because of some sick bastard, not you and Seventeen's own desire," Krillin exclaimed. "The remorse you feels shows you are not the killer that Gero wanted."
"Listen to the human," Kantro said in a soft voice. "I have destroyed entire planets, simply so I could continue to live. My own fear of death lead me to kill, no slaughter thousands, simply because I was stronger then them, and they wanted me dead. Even the little children were killed when I got done with the planet."
"Well it was either them or you," Eighteen supplied. "You did what you had to do to survive, which is better then being used as a puppet."
"Eighteen," Krillin said as he suddenly walked towards her before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Eighteen could feel the trembling in Krillin's hands, and she knew he was afraid she would end up being mean to him, or even worse hit him.
"After everything you have said to me, you still fear me," Eighteen snapped as she got to her feet, pulling away from the now stunned Z Fighter. "I don't believe you. You say I'm not this monster, and yet you tremble anytime you are near me."
"Eighteen I'm...," Krillin began, only to be silenced by Eighteen's now harsh voice.
"No Krillin," Eighteen shouted. "I'm leaving. I will hopefully see you around."
"Eighteen, please don't go," Krillin started, but it was too late, and Eighteen had already blasted off into the air. "Damn it!"
"Don't worry, I will go talk to her," Kantro said as he got to his feet as well, before blasting off after Eighteen.
A/N: Sorry about the long wait with this chapter, but I have finally finished with school for the semester, and now I will have more time to work on the story. To Android18fan, I am so sorry it took this long to continue with the story, and I hope you can forgive me, and please keep up the great work on Can You See Through These Eyes of Ice the Revision. Next chapter will be the discussion between Eighteen and Kantro, plus as promised the first day of Gohan's school life. What will happen to the poor Demi-Sayian? I don't know, I haven't written it yet, but I'm sure he will be getting a visit from some strange friends.