Chapter 18: Phantom of the Mind

Gosen and 18 walked for a few miles, not really saying much to one another. It wasn't really awkward silence, it was more like there wasn't much to say. It's more a matter of getting a task done rather than talking. Gosen felt like he needed to put an end to the silence though. "So, 18, if you don't mind me asking. What happened in your past? Why were you built to be androids? You and 17?"

"I can't tell you that." 18 said, facing straight.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't remember anything. I'm guessing the doctor picked our memories clean before reconstructing us. I have no memory of how my life was as a human."

"But earlier the way you spoke to me, it was as if you had all your memories."

"I still know what it's like to be human because I still have human qualities. I'm not some cold, cliche machine who miraculously begins to feel human emotions of "peace" and "kindness". It's like a person who loses the ability to see. They might not have that luxury anymore, but they still remember the feeling they get when they opened their eyes and saw everything they loved."

"That's pretty deep..." She smirked and turned her head slightly as she walked forward.

"No. It seems deep because you're too simple." Gosen remained speechless. He wanted to ask what she meant by that, but he couldn't get the words out. Back at the lookout, Gohan and the others looked to the floor, somberly. There was nothing they could do.

"Vegeta, Trunks, AND Goku are out of commission...what are we going to do?" Krillin asked, laying down the hard facts.

"There's nothing we can do but be patient and keep a low profile. Vegeta and Trunks are set to recover, but they need time." Piccolo answered.

"But what about my dad? We can't just leave him there in that room while he's dying!" Gohan yelled out.

"I know, kid. Don't worry. He's pulled through before. A virus isn't going to take him down now." Tien said, attempting to comfort Gohan.

"I'm sorry to be the one to say this, but Goku still has his limits. He's dying in there and I don't think he has a lot of time left." Piccolo stated. They knew Piccolo was only being realistic, but with Gohan right there, it might not have been a good idea to step on his feelings like that.

Krillin looked down, seemingly contemplating his life. He looked up. "Maybe I can take him to Bulma..."

"What's Bulma going to do about Goku's condition?" Yamcha asked.

"I don't know, but she's a capable scientist. Maybe she can analyze his blood somehow and find out what's wrong with him."

"She's a scientist Krillin, not a doctor."

"It's better than just staying here waiting for him to die! And the actual doctors in the city won't be able to do much for him anyway."

Gohan looked down. "At this point I'm willing to try anything."

17 was int he corner relaxing himself. He opened an eye and confronted Krillin about his idea. "Do you think that's the best plan of action? Remember, this "Cell" character is still roaming the earth right now. Don't misunderstand, I really don't care if all of you were to die, but it might be inconvenient for your friend that left. Inconvenient for me too since I'm somehow responsible for your lives..."

They looked at him with scorn and distrust. "We don't need your protection! And Goku is our friend, we can't just sit and do nothing!" Yamcha yelled out. That outburst caused 17 to laugh.

"You don't need my protection? Did I forget to tell you that Dr. Gero almost never put your information in my database because your so pitifully weak?" He said, staring at Yamcha.

"W-What was that?"

"If we all were to fight right now, you can be damn sure that you'd be the first person that I forget during the fight. Your significance to this team of yours is less than that of a flee. I'm willing to bet that you were the first one out of the team to be suffer to the doctor...and his power doesn't even come close to mine."

Yamcha was greatly angered by everything he was saying. "Calm down Yamcha. He's just getting in your head." Tien said, trying to cool him down.

"But it's true, isn't it?" 17 overshadowed Tien. "You've only been a burden to your team the entire time. Being the first to die in a Saiyan battle, allowing two children in Goku and Krillin to surpass you, getting destroyed by the doctor. Why do you even continue fighting?"

"I've had enough of this guy!" Yamcha yelled out charging at 17.

"I'm keeping you alive on a whim." 17 said before the punch landed on his head. Yamcha was frozen in place after that statement. "I can easily kill you at anytime, and be realistic. If Gosen had trouble with me, do you really think you'd be able to phase me with this strike?" Yamcha couldn't move.

"Before you decide to connect that poor fist of yours to my face, I'd think long and hard about all the deadly circumstances you'd be getting yourself into. Trust me, your friends wouldn't be wasting another wish on your sorry ass, and even if they did, Shenron wouldn't waste his time with that wish."

"Cool it Yamcha. We've got bigger problems right now to worry about right now." Tien said, pulling him back.

"So anyway, back to business, I'll carry Goku over to Bulma. Hopefully she can find something." Krillin said, bringing back everyone's train of thought on the matter.

"Someone should come with you, just in case you run into Cell on the way." Piccolo stated.

"I'll go. It's better than guarding you guys. And don't even open your mouth. I'm stronger than all of you so I'm the most logical person to go. All of you just keep a low profile on this lookout." 17 said.

"What if Cell finds his way here?" Gohan asked.

"Trust me kid, he would have came here a long time ago. He's probably not concerned with the low power levels here right now. You, little guy, go get Goku and let's hurry this up." Krillin got Goku and they took off at a slow pace to Bulma's house at West City.

Next Chapter: "Fun" with 18