12 – Last Night, Good Night
With all seven Dragon Balls now at Kami's Lookout, and the Dragon Radar back in Bulma's hands, Goku, Gohan and Miku now had no reason to not return home. His hands on both Gohan and Miku's shoulder, Goku closed his eyes, readying himself for his greatest challenge yet: explaining why he and Gohan had been missing for almost four days.
The three appeared instantly outside of the Son household, none of them moving from the spot they had teleported to. Eventually, Goku took a deep breath, and led them inside.
Chi-Chi sat at the table, a candle lit in front of her, it being the only source of light in the room. She didn't acknowledge their presence at first, staring blankly outside the window until Goku cleared his throat.
"So," she said, shooting them a venomous glare, "where. And why."
They weren't questions. They were demands.
Goku and Gohan gulped loudly, visibly sweating and standing completely stiff, desperately avoiding eye contact with Chi-Chi, while Miku watched the two's reaction with amusement.
"We, uh, needed to get the Dragon Balls back," Goku explained weakly, "and, er, Miku wanted to see places so, uh, I thought it'd be a good idea to take the two…?"
Chi-Chi shot her husband the most judgemental glare possible, before switching her sights to her son.
"I said I wanted that textbook completed by the end of the day."
The single statement caused Gohan to sweat further in terror, while his mother drummed her fingers on the table. Her eyebrow rose, inviting a response.
He had none.
"Go to your room," Chi-Chi commanded, "and don't think about leaving there until you've finished it."
Gohan slowly exited the room, exchanging a look of fear with his father, whose punishment was likely still yet to come.
"Miku," Chi-Chi said, causing the android to freeze in abject terror, as she realised she probably wouldn't be escaping unscathed.
Suddenly, she was also desperately avoiding eye contact, as if pretending she hadn't heard the woman.
"Would you like a cup of tea?" Chi-Chi said, her tone and look softening. Miku restrained herself from sighing in relief.
"Y-yes! Yes, please," she blurted.
Chi-Chi stood up, gracefully moving towards the kettle, shooting Goku another look.
"Siddown," she ordered, making tea cups of tea.
One for herself. One for Miku.
Nothing for naughty Saiyans.
"We haven't celebrated Gohan's tenth birthday yet," Chi-Chi began.
"But he's eleven now-"
"So we're going to be doing that tomorrow," Chi-Chi continued, ignoring Goku, her eye twitching, "I've had everything prepared, so I just have to trust you won't be suddenly vanishing tomorrow."
She shot Goku an icy glare as she handed a cup of piping hot tea to Miku.
"Ah, thanks," the android said.
"We'll be holding a party tomorrow, just us four. If I'd had more time I could have invited people…"
"Tomorrow's the last day before the Cell Games…" Goku muttered, suddenly understanding why Chi-Chi wanted to do this.
After all, what was more uplifting than a party?
Miku sat down, nursing her tea.
What could I give Gohan?
…I have to get him something…
"Chi-Chi, I, uh," she spoke up, "I don't know what to get Gohan."
Chi-Chi smiled warmly, patting Miku's head.
"Don't worry about it! I'm sure he'll appreciate your company."
Miku nodded, but frowned.
As much as she appreciated Chi-Chi's sentiment, she wasn't satisfied.
But…what to get Gohan?
Miku lay in bed that night, still no closer to an answer.
He didn't mention anything he wanted while we were hunting for the Dragon Balls…
I know he likes reading, but I'm sure Chi-Chi's got him a load of books already…
He doesn't enjoy fighting…
The android sighed, and rolled on her bed. She was assuming she'd get time that morning to go out and buy something.
She didn't even have any money.
It just feels wrong to not do anything…
Her mind drifted back to the day of the picnic, a fond smile spreading across her face.
She'd had so much fun over the past week since then. She wanted it to last forever.
Suddenly, something Gohan had said during the picnic came to mind, and an idea formed in the android's mind.
The best present possible.
Bulma, with baby Trunks in her arms, sat on a sofa, her attention drifting between the news report warbling on about Hercule 'the saviour', and the child in her arms. Right now, she reckoned Hercule had less IQ than her own two year old baby.
"Who's my clever little baby?" she cooed, tickling baby Trunk's stomach. The baby gurgled in delight, reaching for his mother's finger.
"I wonder how you'd turn out if we weren't surrounded by fighting all the time…" Bulma sighed, causing the baby to blink in confusion.
Light footsteps could be heard, drawing Bulma's attention to the entrance of the room, where Luka had just stepped through. She glanced around the room, resting her gaze on Bulma.
"Have you seen Trunks?" she asked, twirling a lock of her hair.
"He's right here," Bulma replied cheekily, indicating the tiny half Saiyan in her arms. Luka chuckled, and approached with interest.
"Oh, gosh, he's a darling," Luka said, leaning over for a closer look. The baby looked at the android with interest, reaching out with both hands slowly. Luka's heart melted at the sight, which did not go unnoticed by the mother, who held the child out to Luka.
"A-are you sure?"
Bulma nodded in response, and Luka carefully held the baby in her arms, taking a seat next to the mother of this child.
When Trunks entered the room minutes later, he stood at the door, completely baffled by the sight of Luka holding…him.
"Is," he said, "that me…?"
"Oh! Trunks," Luka exclaimed, "there you are."
"Why do you- what is- wuh-"
"This is great, isn't it? I don't even have to look for your baby photos. You're just so cute…!"
Trunks was completely speechless, dazedly staring at his younger self, who was giggling happily. Bulma snickered in amusement at the sight of her future son, who had never looked so stunned in his life.
"I must say, I'm impressed," the Capsule Corp heiress said, "little Trunks is never this open to anyone, aside from me."
"Well, let's be real here," Luka replied, a coy smile growing on her face as she watched the time traveller step closer, "he's basically the same as an adult."
Trunks' face flushed red, earning him laughter from the seated women. His younger self looked up at him curiously, and the two held eye contact, both having the exact same look on their faces. As soon as Bulma and Luka had stopped laughing, they were glancing between the two with a shared look of interest.
"I CAN PROMISE CELL ONLY ONE THING TOMORROW!" a voice boomed from the TV suddenly, "AND THAT IT IS…PAIN! AHAHAHA!"
Immediately, baby Trunks began wailing in response, the future version cringing at the sound of it. Bulma reached out for the remote, but was beaten to it by a very unsettled Trunks, who sighed in relief as his baby self slowly calmed down once the TV had shut off.
"Who…was that?" Luka asked quietly, gently rocking the child in her arms.
"That stupid Hercule guy," Bulma explained sourly, "he's been all over the news recently. He reckons he can beat Cell."
Luka snorted, while Trunks shook his head.
"A fool," he said, "don't people know about how Son Goku has saved them all so many times in the past?"
"Eh, people forget things easy," Bulma said, shrugging, "it's hardly like Goku would want any recognition, anyway."
"But…"
"As long as we know the truth, that's all that matters."
Trunks sighed, walking towards the window, and watching the city outside. It looked so different, so full of life, compared to the view he was used to while looking out of the same window. He wasn't sure how to feel; the people of this time, and their attitude for life…
He wasn't sure he liked it.
Luka watched his facial expression turn into a frown, and bit her lip. However, before she could say anything, the Trunks she held yawned loudly, closing gently closing his eyes. The adult Trunks turned and watched this, his expression softening.
"He looks tired," Luka said in a hushed tone. Trunks crouched next to his mother and the android, looking at his baby self.
"I almost envy him…me…whatever," he said, a smile tugging on his face as he watched the baby sleep peacefully.
"What? You want to fall asleep in my arms, too?" Luka quipped. Trunks playfully scowled.
"Yeah, because that was so fun last time."
"I didn't even hit you that hard…"
"My head was ringing for days after I woke up…when I eventually did wake up."
"You should thank me! I was there as your pillow the whole time."
Trunks growled, while Bulma chuckled, enjoying how well they got on.
"Hey, you two," she said, her tone growing slightly more serious, "promise me you'll look after each other tomorrow, okay?"
Luka and Trunks looked at each other, and then at Bulma, nodding.
The three stayed in high spirits for the rest of the day.
Gohan had not been expecting a birthday celebration. Especially on that day, of all days.
He had been expecting the day to be slightly tenser than previous ones, now that the Cell Games loomed ever closer, starting in less than twenty four hours. Instead, a pile of presents had been stacked up on the table, giving Gohan the surprise of his life as he entered the front room.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" his parents and Miku cheered, as the boy froze in place in surprise.
"I can't believe it! My baby boy!" Chi-Chi squealed, clutching him in a tight hug, "already ten years old!"
"Isn't he eleven-"
Goku was cut off by Chi-Chi's iciest glare, yelping and chuckling awkwardly.
"Dad has a point, though…"
"Gohan, dear," Chi-Chi said condescendingly, "what year were you born in?"
"757," Gohan responded slowly.
"And what year is it now?"
"…767."
"Very good! Now, simple arithmetic here," Chi-Chi continued, ignoring Gohan's bemused stare, "what's 767 minus 757?"
"Ten…" the eleven year old groaned, "plus the year in another dimension-"
His mother renewed her frosty glare, this time aimed at Gohan, suddenly terrified of being locked in a hug by her. There was no escape.
"It's not that much of a big deal, right?" Miku said, terrified for the lives of both Saiyans, "today's a day of celebration!"
"Y-yeah!" Goku said in agreement. Chi-Chi stood up, and flicked her hair.
"Naturally," she said, suddenly beaming, "now Gohan, would you like to open some presents before breakfast?"
"Oh boy, would I!" Gohan said, disoriented by his mother's sudden mood swing. The four spent the rest of the morning in celebration, Gohan opening his presents with delight, most of them turning out to be books.
Gohan didn't mind this; he enjoyed reading and studying, and his mother had given him a wider, more liberal range of books for his birthday, including a guide to mechanics which Bulma had recommended him a while back.
However, any time he could allot to reading them would have to be after the Cell Games. This fact didn't bother him as much as he expected it to.
Miku watched Gohan with fascination as he opened each present. Despite being mature and clever for his age, Gohan still had his childish moments, like when he was tearing the wrapping off a present a giddy look of glee on his face.
Goku, having no idea what Chi-Chi had gotten Gohan, also watched with childish excitement, as if it was also his birthday, too.
By the looks of it, he was enjoying his son's happiness, much like everyone in the room.
Eventually, Gohan had made his way through the pile, and Miku realised it was probably her turn to give him his present. Only now…she was slightly nervous about it.
"Uh, um, Gohan?" she said suddenly, her voice raising pitch, "I, uh, have something t-to give you!"
The three around her turned to look at her in surprise, as her nerves began piling up. This hadn't been a good idea.
At all.
"D…do you mind if I give it to you later?" she found herself saying. Gohan nodded slowly, which Miku responded to with a forced smile.
Weak.
Am I on autopilot or something?
This should be really simple…
The afternoon was ruled by Miku's internal conflict, as she determined when the best moment was to give her 'carefully selected' present to the birthday boy. Between the family and her playing games, telling stories and eating, she just couldn't pinpoint the right moment.
As the sun began to set, she began wondering if it had even been worth considering in the first place.
Her thoughts drifted back through her memories, as she recalled once again what had given her the idea.
She'd based it off a passing compliment…no, perhaps it wasn't such a great idea, after all.
What had Chi-Chi said afterwards?
'Fuelled by a feeling.'
To sing properly, she'd need to voice how she felt.
Her gaze rested on the family for a moment.
"Hey, uh," she spoke up, catching their attention as they cleared up the room, "do you mind if we…step outside for a bit?"
The three glanced at each other, and nodded, following the android outside, who led them to a clearing. By now, the moon could be seen brightly hanging above, the stars illuminating the sky softly, with the sun nowhere to be seen.
Miku tilted her head around, looking at Gohan, Goku and Chi-Chi from the corner of her eye.
"This is a present for Gohan, but," she said, "it's also…a thank you. To all of you."
Her eyes wondered back to the heavens, shining under the light of the stars. Her thoughts were calm, and the feeling she wanted to convey shone as brightly as the moon that night in her heart.
When she next opened her mouth, an unfamiliar sound came out. Words she was unaccustomed to using spilled out naturally, creating a chain of resonating notes. The song she sung echoed her spirit, as she closed her eyes and thought only of what had happened those past nine days.
Miku felt like she'd been singing for a lifetime; nothing else mattered, anything and everything to come would pass by and leave. Her hand drifted to her chest, her fingers curling against her ribs, her words mentally stringing the stars together.
As the last words left her mouth, she slowly turned to face the Son family, her eyes still shut as she immersed herself in the final few notes.
When she opened them, she saw tears forming from Chi-Chi's eyes, while Goku smiled warmly. Miku's gaze drifted to Gohan, who looked astonished.
The girl wasn't sure what to say next.
"I'm...so grateful you let me stay here. I…"
Before she could continue, Gohan ran up to her, throwing his arms around her in a hug.
"Thank you so much!" he said, "I loved it!"
Miku could feel slim, tender arms snaking around her, followed up with larger, stronger arms.
"You're welcome to stay here anytime," Chi-Chi said. Miku's heart fluttered when she heard this.
"It's been fun having you around!" Goku added cheerfully. The android felt a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Y-you guys," she sniffed, trying not to break down and cry, "you're like…a family to me. I love you all so much."
The tears poured down her face, as she rested her head against the group, who were smiling kindly at her.
I swear to you…even if it costs me my life.
I'll kill Cell, so you can live your life like this.
In peace…
Eventually, as it was getting late, they headed back to the house.
"This has been the best birthday ever," Gohan yawned sleepily, before heading to bed. Chi-Chi kissed him and Miku on the head before she also retired for the night, dragging Goku with her.
The house rested peacefully, despite what was to come the following morning.
Miku's eyes shot open at the break of dawn. She hadn't realised how accustomed to sleeping she'd become, despite the fact that she didn't need it to function. As she opened her window carefully, avoiding making any sounds that might disturb anyone sleeping, she thought about the daunting task that lay ahead.
No second thoughts. She'd already decided to do this, and she wouldn't let anyone stop her.
Gently gliding out of the window, she took one last look at the house that now held so much meaning to her, and smiled to herself. Maybe, if the Dragon Balls worked, she'd introduce Rin , Len and Luka to the Son family.
That was for another time, however.
Her expression turned dark as she concentrated on her scanners, indicating a tremendous power to the north.
Cell.
Immediately, she rocketed through the air, determination flooding through her. The flight was quiet; she didn't have much to think about, and she was passing unpopulated areas during the early hours of the morning.
As soon as the arena came into view, Miku slowed herself, beginning her descent. Cell didn't acknowledge her presence as her feet lightly tapped the stone floor. The android stared up at the bio-android, Miku undeterred by their sizeable height difference as their eyes met.
Determined teal eyes came in to contact with cold, harsh red eyes.
"You're here early," Cell commented quietly, its arms crossed.
"I couldn't wait," Miku responded, "I've wanted to settle this for a long while now."
Cell facial expression didn't change in the slightest.
"Well, I can appreciate your enthusiasm, at the very least," it said. The blue haired android's eyes narrowed.
"Do you mind if we start early?"
"I suppose I have no reason to refuse," Cell sniffed, looking down on Miku with scorn, "but you must realise that, as a prototype, you stand absolutely no chance at all."
Prototype?
Miku frowned in confusion.
I thought it'd be more aggressive towards me, considering how I almost killed it a few days ago…
What does it mean by 'prototype'?
"I don't care. I'll beat you to hell once again," she stated, "and you won't be worming your way out of this one."
Slowly, Cell unfurled its arms, its fists closing by its sides.
"Hmph. Fine," it declared, "this can be my warm-up for today."
Miku shifted backwards, crouching into her fighting stance. Cell raised its arms into its own stance, a challenging smirk crossing its face.
"Whenever you're ready," it taunted.
And so the Cell Games began.
