A Chance of a Lifetime – Chapter 22
Trunks stared in horror at his mother. They all watched, eyes widening, as Trista crushed the remote in her hand, preventing them from having a chance of turning off the other androids.
"Oh look 18," the boy android's silky voice reached them, all of them watching as he walked up to Trista. "She killed Dr. Gero."
The android called 18 narrowed her eyes. "You should have saved some for us," she stated, following her brother.
"You were too busy sleeping," Trista said softly, not taking her eyes off Vegeta. She slowly smiled. "But we have better play things than that stupid man," she stated softly, chuckling a little.
The androids looked over, eying the men with disinterest. "Huh, not much of a challenge if you ask me," Android 18 said softly, turning her back to them.
Trista grunted a little, not looking away from them. Her gaze went to Trunks, her eyes lighting with amusement.
"We have an enraged one," she stated softly, smiling. Android 17 and 18 glanced at Trunks. They all studied him, watching as he powered up, a snarl coming from his lips. Trista's smile got bigger.
"I think the little boy wants to play," she stated, crossing her arms. She took a step forward.
The fighters fled as Trunks screamed with rage, blasting the hideout.
They floated above the rubble, smoke billowing up from below. Trunks was floating beside Vegeta, breathing hard. He had given everything he had in that blast. A breeze blew in, dissipating the smoke. They all gasped in surprise.
The three androids were standing there, apparently unharmed. They were looking up at the fighters.
"No!" Trunks said, his voice cracking. "Mom!"
The androids floated up, eying the men. Android 17 flipped his hair back, while the two women studied the warriors. Trista crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes.
"Do you think that was all they had?" she asked softly, not looking at the other androids beside her. Her gaze met Vegeta's and she smirked.
"Android 18," she said suddenly, after a moment of silence. The woman looked over at her. "Why don't you fight Vegeta?" she said, finally glancing at her. "See if they're as powerful as they boast."
The fighters watched Android 18 eye the woman, before grunting and crossing her arms. She narrowed her eyes on Vegeta, before rushing forward. They all watched a satisfied smirk appear on Trista's face.
"Android 15, you naughty girl," Android 17 said softly, "You know Vegeta is no match for her."
They all listened as a fight broke out between the android and Vegeta. A scream escaped him minutes later as she broke his arm. The android sighed.
"This is nothing," she said, slamming the man down onto the ground, before floating back up. "this is pathetic. Not a decent fight at all."
"Let's go then," Trista said softly, not looking back as they blasted off.
The fighters were quiet, sadness crossing their features at the look on Trunks face. Vegeta floated back up to them, holding his arm. He had pure rage in his eyes as he glared at the spot the androids were in moments ago.
"I'm going to kill them!" he shouted, gritting his teeth.
"You're not touching mom," Trunks stated quietly.
"Boy-"
"I said you're not killing my mother!" Trunks shouted, a vein popping out on his forehead. He stared in outrage at the man beside him, clenching his fists.
"I'll hurt you if you lay a hand on her," the young man stated loudly, glaring as Vegeta smirked.
"Like to see you try it boy-"
Vegeta flew back as Trunks punched him across the face. The prince snarled, bringing his fists up.
Piccolo flew in between them. "That's enough!" He looked from one to the other.
"This is not going to get the woman back, so settle your petty argument later."
Vegeta glared at him, yelling in outrage as he blasted off, disappearing within seconds.
A choking sound came from Trunks, staring at the spot his mother was just in.
"Mom!" he cried, lowering his head and closing his eyes.
The fighters regrouped, going back to Capsule Corps. Gohan and Piccolo went upstairs to check on Goku, while Trunks disappeared, everyone leaving the brokenhearted boy alone. Vegeta never showed, the night passing slowly for the occupants at the compound. Bulma cried for a long time, thinking about her friend and fellow genius being created into one of those monsters. She found the vials the young woman had made before she was kidnapped, another sob escaping as she looked down at them. They had names on them. Bulma. Yamcha. Goku. Trunks. She stared at them, swallowing. The woman had a big heart, making these vials for her friends, not even thinking of making one for herself. Bulma felt her shoulder's shake, and put a hand to her mouth. She looked up as she went down the hallway, watching Trunks as he leaned against his mothers' door. Her heart went out to the boy, losing two mothers in one lifetime. She stopped, and not saying anything, grabbed him in a hug. After a few minutes, she stepped away, both of them looking at Trista's bedroom door, before going downstairs. Everyone else, besides Goku and Vegeta, were in the living room, softly talking amongst themselves. Vegeta walked in a few minutes later, not saying anything. The fighters gave him his privacy, finally deciding that they would go and try to find the androids, to try to defeat at least one of them. They all looked to the ceiling, quiet for a moment as they thought about their friend fighting for his life, before filing out, taking off within minutes. No one spoke as they searched for Trunks mother, and the two androids she was with.
They found them on the side of the road, the two androids Trunks had warned them about standing beside a van, while Trista laied on the hood, her arms clasped behind her. She seemed to be sleeping, while the other two were discussing who they wanted to kill first. The fighters gritted their teeth, listening, before Vegeta took off down there, Trunks and the others sighing before following. Android 17 and 18 turned as they landed. Trista didn't move.
"Hey 15, are you going to get up? We have guests," Android 17 said softly, crossing his arms.
They watched Trista sigh, opening her eyes and staring at the sky. After a moment she turned, looking at the fighters. She slowly sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the van. She sat, a smirk appearing as she crossed her legs and leaned back, propping herself up with her hands.
"Oh goody," she murmured. "Go ahead 17 and 18, have fun," Trista stated, kicking a foot.
"Why don't you fight them?" Android 18 snapped, looking over at her.
Trista slowly turned her head, narrowing her eyes. The fighters watched with interest as the other android took a step back, looking away. Android 17 smirked.
"Don't anger her 18," the boy said, "if you want to live."
"What are you talking about, you stupid bucket of bolts!?" Vegeta snapped, looking over the three.
The androids didn't say anything for a moment, until 17 spoke up.
"15 is stronger than us," he stated, watching the men look at Trista. "Dr. Gero made her perfect," the boy said softly, glancing at the woman.
"You got that right!" Yamcha murmured, earning a glare from Trunks and Vegeta.
Trista smirked, watching them. She looked away after a moment, seeming disinterested as the fighters took a step towards them.
The two androids on the ground smiled a little, watching Vegeta power up.
"I have a question," Krillin muttered. They looked at him. He flushed slightly as he continued. "Why did he put her in leather?"
Trista looked over at him, her eyes piercing. Krillin took a step back. They watched the woman slowly smile, jumping down from the hood, her legs bending a little before she straightened.
"Why," she said softly, smirking. "You like what you see, little man?"
She chuckled through her teeth as Krillin went red. She looked over at the two beside her.
"Have at it," she stated softly, slowly walking away, hands on her hips.
The two launched themselves at the fighters, the van blowing up minutes later. They could see Trista standing at the edge of the gorge, arms crossed, looking out over the scenery. She turned at Vegeta's scream, and strolled over. The woman didn't say anything however, just watched as 18 beat him into the ground, before a ball of energy admitted from the blond androids hand.
Android 18 was suddenly flying through the air, smashing with a cry against the massive rock. The fighters looked in surprise at Trista, standing next to Vegeta, lowering her hand. She stepped over him, slowly walking up to the woman.
"I told you the killings were mine," they heard Trista state softly, watching the other android swallow.
Trista turned, narrowing her eyes as she walked back towards the prince. She stopped beside him, studying him for a moment before bending down. They watched her squat, grabbing the man by his throat. Vegeta's eyes widened as she brought her arm back, a white ball of light forming in her hand. Trunks appeared, kicking her in the stomach. Trista stumbled back, irritation appearing on her face.
"I see the little boy wants to play as well," she said softly, brushing herself off.
"I'm not going to fight you mom," Trunks stated loudly, grabbing Vegeta and pulling him away.
They stopped abruptly as she appeared in front of them.
"Too bad," she said, backhanding the young man across the face. Vegeta fell to his knees as Trunks went flying, skidding across the road before finally coming to a stop. Android 17 appeared, intent on finishing him. They watched him pause at the sound of Trista's voice.
"Don't make me kill you 17. He's mine," she stated softly, strolling over with her hands on her hips.
"15, you could at least give us one!" the android said in irritation, glaring at the woman.
She flipped a thumb behind her. "Take them," she stated, pointing to the other fighters.
"Shit," Krillin muttered, taking a step back.
The others tensed as the man looked at them, a smile appearing. They readied themselves as the two androids launched themselves at them, their eyes deadly.
Trunks helped his father up, looking over at the other fighters. Krillin, Tien, and Gohan were a little ruffed up, Piccolo was regenerating an arm, Yamcha seemed to be knocked out. Krillin walked over to the scarred warrior, nudging him, listening to him moan before sighing and walking over to Trunks. The small man studied him before speaking.
"I'm surprised she didn't kill you Trunks!"
The young man didn't say anything, just narrowed his eyes as Vegeta growled and stalked away, blasting off after a few minutes. The others slowly followed, landing on the lookout a while later. The older Guardian, Kami, came out, striding up to them before stepping towards the edge. They heard him gasp a moment later.
"What!?" Krillin asked, watching the old namek tense.
"People dropping...like flies!" the guardian said in horror, his hand clenching around the staff at his side.
Piccolo took a step towards him. "Is it the androids!?" he asked, taking another step forward as Kami stayed silent.
"No," the older namekian said softly, "something else."
Piccolo turned and looked at the others. "Stay here, recover. I'm going to check it out," he stated, before blasting off, his trail dissipating after a moment.
The fighters studied the spot he disappeared to, before sighing and settling down on the tiled floor. They waited for the news they knew he would report.
After awhile, Trunks and Gohan went and gathered Bulma, Goku, and some supplies, returning after a few hours. Piccolo returned soon after, looking very disturbed. He walked up to everyone gathered around Goku, finally standing and recovered, but still weak. Vegeta was sitting on the steps leading to the Guardian's chambers, studying the floor. Feeling only slightly bad for the man, he waited for everyone to quiet down before speaking.
"First off, it's great to see you're better Goku," he stated softly, a small smile appearing. The man smiled back, watching him. The smile fell from Piccolo's face as he thought about what he just encountered. "Second," he paused, waiting for Vegeta to join them. He hesitated for a moment. "That wasn't the androids killing people," he stated, listening to the fighters murmur. "It was a green monster called Cell, and he knew every one of our moves," the namekian warrior said quietly, wincing a little as they all shouted in outrage and surprise.
"Hey, you guys," Goku said softly, his voice carrying over the others. They stopped talking, looking over at him. He looked around, brows furrowed. "Where's Trista?"
No one said anything. Piccolo looked at him in surprise. "They didn't tell you?" he asked softly, glaring at the other fighters. Goku shook his head, his eyes intent on his green friend.
"Goku," Piccolo said softly, "Dr. Gero kidnapped her," he paused for a moment before continuing. His eyes studied the warriors as he spoke. "He turned her into an android."
Goku gasped, looking over at Trunks, then Vegeta. His gaze went to the floor after a moment. "Oh God!"
They watched his hands ball into fists, his arms lifting to his sides. His eyes narrowed as his teeth clenched.
"Has she killed anyone?" he asked softly, looking over at Piccolo. The namekian was quiet for a moment.
"We don't know," the green warrior stated quietly, looking at the great fighter before glancing over at Vegeta. The prince turned away, a muscle jumping along his jaw.
"I'm going to see for myself," Goku stated, ignoring the protests of everybody around him, walking to the edge of the lookout. Vegeta appeared beside him, not saying anything. He looked over.
"You're coming with me?" Goku asked, listening to the prince grunt. A small smile appeared on the taller saiyans' face, before they both blasted off, heading towards the earth.
They found the three androids walking along the road in West City. The buildings around them had been blasted, nothing left but rubble. A sick feeling came over Goku as he looked over the three. His gaze rested on the one slowly turning her head, a smirk appearing as they landed. The other androids didn't notice them, just kept arguing amongst themselves. Trista slowly turned towards them, folding her arms. She didn't seem to blink as she glared at them, her brows narrowed. A small smile stayed on her face.
"Nice of you to show up Goku," she said softly, not looking back as Android 17 and 18 whirled around, surprised.
"When did he show up?" Android 17 asked loudly, his eyes narrowed. 18 stepped up even with him, crossing her arms.
The two saiyans watched Trista slightly roll her eyes, an irritated look crossing her features.
"Well if you two would have stopped talking about fucking clothes, you would have felt them," she stated, ignoring the looks they sent her.
They watched Goku study Trista, a small smile appearing on 17's face.
"What's the matter Goku? Surprised 15 is with us!? She's an improved being, wouldn't you agree?" His silky voice floated over the air, a smirk appearing.
Both saiyans narrowed their eyes, noticing Trista didn't move her gaze away from them, just continued to study them intently as they powered up. She slowly smiled as they went super saiyan.
"The big boys wanna play," she said softly, not moving a muscle.
Android 17 and 18 perked up, turning fully towards them. Trista stayed where she was. 18 spoke up.
"Can we take them 15, or are they yours too!?" she said, her tone condescending. They heard 17 sigh.
"You know 18, I think you're asking for a death wish," he stated softly, backing away from Trista as she narrowed her eyes.
The two saiyans watched with raised eyebrows as 18 swallowed, shooting a glance at Trista. But the woman didn't move, her gaze still on the two men.
She suddenly thrust her hand out, not looking as she grabbed the blond android by her throat. She squeezed. Trista finally looked over, her eyes narrowing even more.
"Don't," she said softly, her hand tightening. "talk to me like that," they all listened to 18 gurgle as Trista tightened her hold again before releasing her, folding her arms again as the blond woman scrambled away.
Goku heard Vegeta slightly snicker, and looked over at him. He was watching Trista in amusement, although warily. Goku looked back at the woman, noticing she had turned her penetrating gaze back to them. He narrowed his eyes on her. She slowly smiled, watching him.
"You wanna play Goku?" she asked, laughter in her voice. Her expression didn't change.
The two androids beside her focused on the two men, smirking. "Why don't we take Goku, and you take Vegeta," 17 stated, raising his arms.
Trista studied the saiyans for another moment, before walking towards the side, the clop of her boots loud as she moved away from the others. She focused on Vegeta.
"Fine with me," she said softly, before launching herself at the man.
They met with a bang, Vegeta automatically blocking as Trista swung. Her fist connected with his arm, her leg smacking his as he blocked a kick. He studied her as he blocked another attack. She didn't have no emotion on her face, her body movements lightning quick as she narrowed her eyes. He suddenly grabbed her in a hold, clamping her arms beside her. She growled, her eyes snapping. He studied her for a moment, before looking down at the necklace around her throat. He could feel her body tensing as she broke his hold, blasting him in the chest. He grimaced as it blew up, the pain ebbing away as he narrowed his eyes on her, watching her fold her arms, a frown on her face.
"Whats the matter Vegeta," she asked softly, a smirk appearing. "Do I remind you of someone?"
The prince glared at her in outrage, before letting out a yell and rushing her. He winced as he punched her, watching her fly back a little before she stopped, her head slowly coming around as she glared at him. A slow smile appeared.
"Finally, you actually fight back," she said, before powering up and coming at him again. His gaze raked over her as she punched him in the gut, his breath leaving him as she pummeled him in the back. He smacked the ground with a curse, quickly getting up as she landed, her hands on her hips. She grunted, a smirk appearing as she stuck a thumb in her belt loops, her elbows sticking out as she slowly walked towards him. She studied him, her gaze raking over him before meeting his eyes.
"Thought you would be more of a challenge Vegeta," Trista stated, smiling as he sent her a pissed off look. She snorted, stopping three feet from him.
She turned and started walking away. Vegeta glared at her back, watching the muscles bunch and move along her exposed skin as she strolled away. With a snarl he went after her, his eyes widening at the last minute as he realized she was playing with him. She had stopped, waiting for him to get within inches of her, before looking over her shoulder, turning and lifting an energy ball at him. Vegeta didn't have time to move. He shouted as it hit him, his arms coming up at the last second to keep it from going through him. He went flying back, gritting his teeth as he blasted through a building. He came out, pissed. Vegeta stopped and looked around. The woman had disappeared.
"Looking for me?"
Vegeta's eyes widened as she whispered in his ear, feeling a hand at his back. She blasted him, watching as he flew away, his body smacking through another building. She lowered to the ground, crossing her arms. Trista slowly walked over to the others fighting. The two androids had ganged Goku, coming at him from both sides.
"He's mine now," she said softly, her eyes on the saiyan.
The two androids sent her an annoyed look, but backed away. They landed behind her, watching as she lifted, her gaze intent on Goku. She narrowed her eyes, watching him breath hard.
"Go," she whispered, watching as he jerked in surprise. "Take the damn prince with you. You're not a challenge like this," Trista stated, turning her back to him.
Goku studied the woman for a moment, his eyes narrowed, before flying towards where Vegeta had disappeared. A few minutes later they were gone.
"Why did you do that 15? Damn, we had them!" Android 17 said loudly, his eyes enraged.
She ignored him, turning and walking the way they were before the fighters showed up.
"They weren't a challenge right now," she stated, not looking back. Android 17 and 18 looked at each other, then back at 15. They didn't say anything as they fell into step beside her.