(Several Days Later, At The Underground Bunker On Planet Earth. . .)
Three days passed, and activity within the bunker had been minimal. It was to be expected for such a decrepit environment that only contained the bare minimum of necessities. Entertainment and socialization was the last thing on the creator's mind; their funds were placed into a project fueled by feuds and pettiness. The thought alone made the only active figure scratch her head in frustration as she stared at the large screen before her. For the tenth consecutive time today, she was forced to erase all of her calculations and start anew, and with each failure, she wound up dropping more sugar cubes into a large mug of coffee to maintain her sanity. Even if it only served to be of little help as her condition was worsening.
"Damn it all. . ." She muttered, her eyes not paying attention as she aggressively stirred the cubes, "All this time, and I'm still not even close to finding the answer."
Annoyed, she went back to typing away at her keyboard while the sound of a door opening and closing a few feet to her right barely registered. However, she didn't react as the larger android of the two approached with a fresh new decanter of hot coffee. He wasn't much of a talker, though he was still helpful. Seeing as the empty one was still sitting on a pile of papers, he removed it before clearing that table section and placing the new decanter beside her. Despite the look that said she didn't want to be bothered, the larger android still voiced his opinion.
"Shouldn't you take a break, Android 21? You won't be able to ease yourself if you keep going like this. . .," He remarked.
21 felt an eyebrow twitch and glanced at him, "I can't afford any breaks. There's simply not enough time, 16." Feeling her urges beginning to surface, she quickly took a sip of her coffee to quell them before they got out of hand. She sighed.
"The ship dispatched with the clones from that planet has already arrived on Namek. . ." 21 pointed out as she looked at the screen.
16's eyes widened a bit, "Already? Then that means. . ." 21 nodded before he could finish that sentence.
"Yes, 'he' will be revived as instructed by Supercomputer: R.O.C. Once that happens, the rest of the clones will be dispatched as well, and then. . ."
"I know," 16 interrupted, his face scrunched with concern, "There will be so many above-average energy readings that it'll cause your urges to go haywire. Don't worry, I'll stop you from doing anything rash."
She smiled a bit before returning to her coffee with solemn eyes, "Thank you, 16. Though, that's all the more reason I have to keep going. Not just for your safety but everyone else's." Feeling even more motivated, 21 continued her work as 16 stood idly by and watched.
From his perspective, he knew she was trying her hardest to suppress those urges. Truthfully, she had come a long way since the day he was rebuilt from the scraps left behind during the Cell games. For her, it took seven long years for him to be even functional enough to move around, considering their current circumstances. And in those seven years, she fought the urge to devour for the sake of others. He wasn't sure if it was the same for her, considering the aspects of her design were fundamentally different from his own, but after recalling some old files in his archives, she was far too kind. He could tell that some form of influence from her creator made her this way. Passive and reluctant to harm someone. That mindset was likely what drove her to push herself desperately. Because, in a way, she felt responsible due to the lingering memories that made up her being. She was similar to someone he knew before, even though it had been only briefly.
A young boy in the face of a demon who couldn't be reasoned. Gold-colored hair signified the legendary transformation of a warrior race yet wielded by someone who didn't desire to kill. All he could remember from back then was his stunned face after he lectured him on the reality of the world before everything went black for what he could guess was the end of his life. . .Seeing as he had been rebuilt with the planet intact, he was glad the boy honored his final wish. Though now, he was likely to rely on that boy's help again.
Sighing, he dismissed himself though only after giving a warning, "Alright. . .but, be sure to get some rest. . ." He didn't need to see her face to tell that she understood his sentiment, even if it only came from a logical standpoint. He was an android, after all. He didn't have a soul or any biological parts about him. It separated him from his brothers and sisters, who were more akin to modified humans. The only similarity he shared was with 21 as they were based on members from that family. . .
Every time he processed and skimmed through the newly unlocked files from his memory, he couldn't help but feel a bit saddened. He turned to 21, who continued her work earnestly, his eyes wavering. He was the only thing capable of maintaining her sanity because he resembled someone lost a long time ago. But, how long will it be till even his influence won't be enough? He couldn't help but think, "Even then, is it right for her to continue living as a shadow?"
He didn't know the answer to the proposed question, but he knew he shouldn't dwell on it. For now, he had to give her some space but focus on being prepared for what was to come. It's the least he could do.
As the door closed, 21 leaned back and sighed at what she had gotten done so far. She knew 16 was only looking out for her, his sentiments only holding goodwill in mind. With that said, she looked at the clock before sighing, "Fine. . .I'll go on an errand then. I'm running low anyways."
[- - - -]
(Meanwhile, Somewhere Else In The Deep Parts of Space, New Namek. . .)
New Namek, the home planet of the Namekian race, housing beings capable of manifesting the abilities that can affect the fabric of reality. Furthermore, their power as fighters was at least in the upper echelon across the universe. Through years of not needing to fight ever since the great destruction of the original planet at the hands of the galactic emperor, these capable fighters weren't required and lived in peace. Nature became their natural way of life, and just breathing was good enough for the citizens of Namek. . .A mistake that they'd pay dearly for.
The once uniquely colored blue grass was now covered in flames, the smoke rising as high as gravity would let them. Many buildings were reduced to rubble, and the bodies were spread across the field like scattered pieces of candy. All of them were either dead or unconscious. All but a single old man was fortunate enough to survive the onslaught. His breathing was weak, his tired eyes making it rather difficult to see, only worsened by the darkened sky above. Although they were clear enough to determine who the attack was, confusion remained evident before getting a good look at him.
Moori knew something wasn't right. When the ship that landed near their location came with someone they knew could get here without one, an ill omen stirred up the people of the main village like an oncoming plague. Now, that omen was looking up above at the great, divine dragon of Namek, Porunga. All the while, he dressed in a black and red gi with shoes to match the color scheme of his outfit. His hair resembled the legendary golden warrior who defeated the galactic emperor all those years ago, except it was paler, and his eyes. . were red with a creepy grin on his face.
"Tch. . .that's no-not Goku. . .he's an imposter. . ." Moori noted to himself as he attempted to raise his hand, "I-I have to stop him. I don't know what he plans with the Dragon Balls, but I'll simply undo their activation and put them in stasis—!"
His thought process paused when he realized he looked directly into the imposter's eyes. No words needed to be said when he noticed the dangling child in his arms, fearing for his life. It didn't take him long to restrain himself from acting too rashly. The Dragon Balls were one thing, but as the new Elder in Guru's place, the lives of his people come first.
"Cu-Curses. . .!" Moori growled.
The imposter snickered before returning to Porunga and raising the kid. From his pressure alone, the child Namekian shivered, his reluctance turning into pure fear as if he didn't do what he was supposed to, and then his life was as good as over. With chattering teeth, he spoke the single wish written in the note handed to him by the imposter Goku, "P-Porunga! Papitto, C–ell!:"
"Cell. . .no. . .–!" Moori muttered in slight recollection.
"Your wish shall be granted. . ." Porunga announced.
His eyes glowed red in mere moments, and an ensuing chill ran down Moori's spine as the sky suddenly grew even blacker on this planet that knew nothing of the night. A flash of light briefly struck the very ground in front of Porunga and illuminated the hellfire around them. The elder shivered out of fear at what he felt, "This Ki. . .it's the same one from back then. This malevolent aura of screams. . ." The light dimmed gradually to unveil the one within the morning.
A humanoid monster standing seven feet tall, his bug-like wings stretching as if stiff for a long time. Skin resembling a lighter shade of their own yet covered with darker spots in certain areas such as the triceps, shins, and torso while also having a black chest and shoulders that matched his wings. As the light grew fainter, his pink eyes, with purple stripes running down his face, opened as they took in the world around them. His head, shaped to look like horns, began turning as if he were trying to make sense of what was happening. That was until his eyes landed on the figure from the past.
He stood perplexed, yet it didn't take him long to figure it out.
"You're not Goku. . ." Cell remarked.
Nodding, the imposter lowered the Namekian child and reached his hand out to Cell, who was confused by such a gesture. The perfect android looked down for a moment and back at the imposter Goku in front of him before taking his hand. Silence fell between them until Cell felt a sharp surge between them that was akin to electricity. Memories and information flooded his head until the rush ceased as they separated. He stood impassively, only to chuckle at the newfound revelation.
"So that's what this is all about," Cell snickered, his grin widening, "That foolish old man had this as a backup all along? I knew he was petty, but this might be a new low even for the likes of him."
He looked around momentarily, stretching his body and wriggling his neck to get used to being alive. Once he felt loosened a bit, he turned his attention to the child that was still in the imposter's grasp, grinning, "I thank you for your 'cooperation,' but I'll have to ask you to make a couple two more wishes for me. . ."
"Mo-More? What more could you want? You've already been revived!" The child stuttered.
"Hmmm, I wonder?" Cell amused before inquiring, "How about immortality? As perfect as I am, I am still vulnerable to death. Once that is removed, I'll be able to enact my revenge."
Before the boy could answer, Moori made his presence known, "Then you are out of luck." Cell turned towards the injured elder of Namek curiously.
"I know your kind. Long ago, evildoers came to this planet for the same reason. With that in mind, I removed the ability to grant beings immortality from our Dragon Balls in return for increasing the potency of Porunga's resurrection abilities," Moori explained.
Cell cupped his chin at the new information, "I see; that explains the data of the Earth suddenly being destroyed but revived the same day. From what I can remember, the Namekian Dragon Balls could only revive one at a time during Frieza's invasion." Moori's eyes briefly widened.
"He knows of that tyrant and his atrocities?" He noted to himself, although Cell was unbothered by his reaction.
He turned his attention back to the dragon above with a widened grin, "No matter, Plan B it is. I'll just have to take things slowly." Moori raised a concerned eyebrow.
"Slowly. . .?" The Namekian repeated.
"Yes, but don't worry. . ." The perfect android's eyes narrowed, a looming dark aura that showed his cunning intent before uttering a word, "As a token of gratitude, I'll be sure to try and make your trip to the next realm a pleasant one."
[- - - -]
(Later That Same Day, Planet Earth At Satan City. . .)
Cities at night were a pretty sight to behold, and Satan City was just about one of the more colorful ones from afar, primarily due to the many shops and restaurants that were open during this time of the year despite the weather. However, it wasn't like they weren't getting customers as citizens still roamed the streets of Satan City, most being married couples or people going out on dates while some were just teenagers hanging out with their friends after sneaking out. Currently, however. . .
"I can't believe I went home without picking up groceries. . ."
Between the shelves of items, Kuzuku stood in front of the array of ramen cups that were ironically next to the sauces advertised to go with such dishes. Since he lived alone, he only pushed a few things in his cart, such as several wrappings of bulked striped meat, a full bag of vegetables, and some six-packs of beverages from cream soda to root bear. Now, all that was missing was ramen, and he'd be set to go home. It's not the healthiest consistent meal, but with all things considered, he wasn't the best cook in the world. Whenever he needed to eat his fill, a meal would sometimes be waiting for him in the fridge sent by Chi Chi before he got home. This was the only time he'd be able to eat as much as he wanted, aside from lunch during school, where he'd hide somewhere else to eat alone. A Saiyan's appetite wasn't that easy to satisfy after all, and even then, he didn't want to rely on Goku's wife to cook extra when she's already had to deal with two Saiyans. Hence, he tried feeding himself, and ramen was the easiest option. Easy to cook and no way to mess it up. It is the world's first fool-proof delicacy and a quick process. All he needed to do was ensure he got his protein and mix the broth with some sauce to make it taste good.
Truly, a marvelous addition to his world as he picked up three bulks of packets before reaching for what appeared to be the last bottle of Teriyaki on the shelf. However, as soon as his hand wrapped around the bottle, he quickly felt the touch of another that caused him to release his grip. He pulled back in slight surprise, his instinctive curiosity turning his eyes towards the person as he spoke.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention, you can have–?" Kuzuku began as his hand sheepishly rubbed the back of his head while brushing against the back of his black and yellow windbreaker. But he paused once he looked at the person before him. A familiar auburn hair, slightly surprised blue eyes that mimic his expression, and her neck wrapped with a brown scarf that matched her black sweater and dark brown jacket. He knew this person . . .or more accurately, had met her, "You're. . ."
The woman snapped out of her astonishment, quickly realizing that he remembered who she was in this event of coincidence, "This is quite a surprise; I didn't expect to see you here at this time. . ." Kuzuku scratched his cheek a bit before replying.
"Yeah, I forgot to pick up some groceries on the way back from school. Call it my blunder," Kuzuku remarked.
With her sharp mind still in work mode, 21 raised an eyebrow, "Is that so? Are your parents that busy?" Kuzuku froze at the mention of his nonexistent parents, his normal demeanor somewhat breaking for a brief moment but steeled itself back into the act.
"They are out of town, so I'm home alone for a good week," Kuzuku lied.
There was some logic in his excuse, but from 21's perspective, she wasn't buying it. That face he made briefly was hiding something, but she couldn't pinpoint what it was, nor did she want to make an effort to. He was a stranger to her, nothing more and nothing less. So she nodded and gestured to the last bottle of Teriyaki, "Makes sense, anyways, you can take it. Seems to be you need it more than I do."
"Oh no, don't sweat it. You can have it; I'll just substitute it with some Hoison or somethin'–," Kuzuku assured.
"No, it's fine," 21 interrupted, her thumb gesturing to the cart behind her, "I'm only picking it up so I don't have to restock later. I'm not actually in need of it like you with all those ramen packs. . ."
Curiously, he looked over her shoulder and noticed something. . .abnormal? Almost as abnormal in comparison to a Saiyan's appetite. Filled to the brim with little to no room left, an array of sweets of different kinds were neatly organized inside the cart. There wasn't a piece of meat in sight, and the closest thing he could see being cooked on the stove was some pancake batter. In fairness, he didn't dare judge, considering he could eat a dish made from an entire cow and ask for seconds, but this. . .he couldn't help but wearily smile, "Wow, that's a lot of sweets. Lemme guess, you're going to a party, and they dump dessert duty on you?"
"No, these are for me. . ." 21 corrected with a straight face and added, "And for me alone."
He couldn't tell why, but was she threatening him just now? No, she couldn't have. Although she was adamant about giving him the last bit of Teriyaki, he accepted the gesture and placed the item in his cart, "Al-Alright, thanks then. Hmm, now I wonder if I should also pick up~~~~." His voice drowned itself out as 21 stared away at him, her breathing subconsciously quickening as she continued to stare.
"It's getting harder to control the urges. . . but why? I was doing fine until now. . .," 21 thought for a moment, her face growing pale as her eyes narrowed, "Could it be him? But he seems ordinary and hasn't showcased any superhuman qualities. . ."
As she pondered, Kuzuku finally noticed her mien when he felt something sudden. . and close. A slowly rising power, one that didn't resemble that of a human and was difficult to describe or pinpoint. But one thing was certain: it occurred once he noticed her looking like she was ill. He didn't question it before in front of Orange Star High, but a second time? It couldn't be by chance. Without much thought, his hand reached forward, slightly concerned, "Hey, you alright?" Noticing his approaching hand getting closer, she could feel the urge to grow stronger and influence her. She had to act now.
"I'm fine, uh. . .!" 21 stuttered in surprise, her feet taking a subconscious step back with her black heels, causing a small echo in the store. Without warning, she turned and sprinted around her cart, "I just remembered something I had to take care of!"
"He-Hey! Wait, you forgot you—!"
She didn't dare respond to that call, his voice mute when she exited the store. Despite being in heels, she was incredibly fast, her figure being a blur that shocked those around her. She didn't care. She just had to get as far as she could and away from people before she could cause any harm. That was the case when it came to her and her problems. Interacting and building a bond was next to impossible for her. Every time she got close or stayed in crowds for too long, the urge to just eat them was far too intoxicating.
Vigorously, she shook her head, he pace slowing as she found herself in a place quite unfamiliar but perfect for her current situation. No one was around, and it was just her in front of the next to the riverbank underneath the partially covered moon. She took a deep breath and walked down the grassy hill toward the bottom of the stream to take a peek at the clear waters. What would normally mesmerize an innocent child only made her look at herself with disgust.
Half-and-half, one eye blue with a white sclera and another red with a black sclera. She truly was losing herself, and it felt like someone had punched her in the gut. She didn't know if she could keep her sanity at the rate she was going. She didn't know when she'll snap again. Who was going to die this time? How many? Feeling weak, she knelt and curled herself up into a ball.
"I hate this. . .I hate this so much. .," She wallowed to herself. Those words resonated with her heart as she clenched her chest. To her, these urges made even living unbearable. Things such as simply waking up to enjoy breakfast, going on a stroll, pursuing her dreams, and making friends. Most of all, even if she just wanted to live a reserved life in solitude. All of it was impossible. These urges engraved into her being would take over one day, and each time she was forced to face that reality. . it broke her. She could never be herself freely. She had to hide and cower away. . ., hoping no one would know of her existence. It just wasn't fair.
21 couldn't help but fall back to the same questions repeatedly. Why did it have to be her? Why was she born this way? Is she destined to become just a mindless monster? She hated senseless violence. From her vague memory, it wasn't in her template's nature and still isn't hers. And the way it would be conducted made her want to puke. Her frown deepened, her whimpers reflecting her turmoils.
"I hate being hungry. . ."
~~~~~~~~~~Scenery Change: Planet Earth- 7 Years Ago~~~~~~~~~~
"In the beginning, everything was black. Then came light."
It was a phrase that many who have theorized about the universe's beginnings had commonly come up with. Black meant there was nothing. Light told that life took form. First, with atoms came stars, planets, and eventually life that field the entire cosmos. However, such a phrase wasn't limited to Genesis. It also represented the beginning of life as well. . .
*SRRRRT!*
Echoing throughout the dark chambers of a secret lab, a glass container opened its doors, the liquids inside spilling out and drenching the ground. Nothing could be heard but constant coughing and bare feet touching the wet dirt as a small figure emerged from the container. At first glance, her feet wobbled, the simple task for most bipedal lifeforms being too much for her as she collapsed to her knees. Her wet, auburn hair covered her confused eyes, which were the palest form of blue. She couldn't see, her surroundings being nothing but complete darkness. As before, yet this time, her nothingness was disturbed by what she felt. For her, it was her first experience of being "born."
"Wha-what's happening?. . .I'm. . .scared. . ." She struggled to collect some thoughts to formulate a question.
"Booting. . .Booting. . .Welcome, Android 21"
Hearing another voice for the first time, the child instinctively raised her head and searched for where it was coming from. However, the action prompted the owner of the machine-like tone to remark, "Problem: Looking around is pointless for the Experiment: Totality attempt #45 as bodily function known as sight will take time to take into effect. Suggestion: wait for further instructions from the master computer or provide an inquiry." Despite being more confused than ever, she knew she had few options. She felt that she should comply for now, whether it was because of her already heightened intellect or accelerated maturity.
"Wh-who are you?" She shakingly asked.
Shortly, the sounds of a screen turning on and mechanical parts booting up filled her ears before the mystery voice answered, "Answer: I am Supercomputer: V and overseer of the Project: Totality. Would you like to ask another inquiry?" The girl nodded, albeit reluctantly. For many, hearing a voice when you can't see anything would be seen as a divine sign, but she couldn't shake the feeling that knowing more would only harm her. But what choice did she have? She didn't even know who she was or how she came to be. If she wanted to know, this was her only chance.
She swallowed and replied, "Ye-yes. Who am I?" More mechanical parts and loud beeping were made.
"Answer: You are the result of Project: Totality and the greatest scientific breakthrough of the doctor, our creator. I, the Supercomputer, was to monitor your development within your incubator until Project: Festival takes effect. You are designated a special-grade biological lifeform, Android 21. Would you like to put in another inquiry?" The supercomputer answered.
Android 21. . That was her name? Weird, if what was said was true, then the term "Android" wasn't the right label. However, hearing the repetitive mention of projects was starting to intrigue her. So, she asked, "Project: Festival? What is that? You keep mentioning it. Also, Project: Totality. . What does that have to do with that as well? What do those have to do with me?" An eerie silence came after that question compared to the beeping of a computer filling the room. 21 didn't think much of it, considering her question had multiple in one, and it was probably taking its time to provide an acceptable answer. It was the limitations of AI, after all, but for some reason, she felt like it was reluctant to answer her at all.
"Answer:. . ." The Supercomputer began, "Lifeform: Android 21 is to interrupt and destroy lifeforms of Project: Festival."
21 child-like eyes widened a bit, "Huh? Wha—"
"Project: CE's results are to prepare and destroy the lifeform of Project: Festival," The computer interrupted, explaining further, "Project: Festival is a contingency plan for Project: Cell. If Project: Cell were to fail, Supercomputer: R.O.C is forced to commence Project: Festival by launching the A.S System, specifically the Artificial Soul System. This will make suitable substances for Project: Cell to feed on once it's revived in phase two. In the third phase, the Artificial Souls released by the A.S System will be released and set into aggression mode due to syntax error: line number five-thousand-sixty-seven."
With the bits and pieces she got, 21 could only assume one thing, "So, I'm meant to protect people? I. . ."
"Affirmative:. . ." The computer confirmed before proceeding, "Lifeform: Android 21, in a way, is protecting life on Earth as intended. This is the mission you are given."
"If that's the case, what am I supposed to do? When will Project: Festival commence?" 21 questioned.
"Estimated time for Project: Festival will be displayed on the screen. Suggestion: Prepare until the remaining time reaches its end. Vision should return to Lifeform: Android 21 in 30 seconds." the computer noted.
"Prepare. . ." 21 repeated as she stood in the room of darkness. This was a bit too much to take in. She was still just getting used to being alive and having a conscience in general. How was she expected to stop some world-ending event all on her own? Furthermore, who would do such a thing? Why would someone risk the world for the sake of enacting this plan? The thoughts were jarring enough.
However, her dwelling mind on the topic was stopped by the sudden entrance of color. It was dim, but the light was finally beginning to register. Subconsciously, she squinted, her eyes adjusting to the dim light in the room she stood in. Slowly but surely, she could discover her surroundings and understand why she felt a bit cold. The walls were old, cracks forming in a few spots and allowing the chilly breeze to fill the room. She looked around before taking note of the large computer screen that revealed the estimated time she had remaining to prepare.
"Prepare. . ." She repeated. Her head looks left and right, quickly spotting a large hatch nearby. It didn't take her long to notice a light seeping through the bottom of the door. She gulped, finding that she didn't have much of a purpose than what she was presented. Sighing, she muttered, "Well, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to look. . ."
She took a step forward—
*Thump!*
Hitting the floor, she groaned as she attempted to get up, her eyebrow twitching, "As soon as I get used to moving, at least." Once on her feet, she made trial and error, each time better than the last. Before long, she made it to the door where the light came from, and luckily for her, as soon as she attempted to touch the surface for support, sounds of gears filled the room as the hatch opened. Losing her balance, she stumbles forward into the light that blinds her vision and instills more confusion in her sense of direction. It was bright yet warm to her skin, making her body relax before hitting the ground. Dirt got into her eyes as she tried to regain her sense of her surroundings. Slowly, her vision was beginning to adjust to the light as whatever dust was caught in her eye was rubbed out. However, nothing prepared her for the sight she saw. One that made her heart melt.
All around her were luscious trees surrounding the cliffside of a nearby waterfall, forming a lake glistening like gold. Patches of grass flowed with the breeze of the wind and the bright sun illuminating everything around her as if to emphasize nature's beauty. Awestruck was her current state of mind, so much so that she didn't notice the camouflage hatch closing behind her. She didn't know how long it took to finally utter a word as time passed like the clock slowed to a standstill. But, all she could mutter was one single word, "Wow. . ."
*Rustle*
Regaining a bit of consciousness, 21 turned her head toward the direction of the noise. A bush between the trees, shifting and rustling its leaves as a figure stepped out of the patch. A woman, looking about in her late 60s yet wearing a dirty button-up shirt and muddy pants. On her back was a straw basket filled with herbs and vegetables as she stared hunched over at the girl before her.
The two were now in a deadlock as they stared at each other. One was caught totally by surprise from seeing a girl in rags by the lakeside of the waterfall, and the other a resembling that of a deer caught in the headlights. Neither made a move or sound, but soon enough, the elderly woman before 21 opened her mouth as if she could understand and rationalize the situation, "Oh dear, you poor thing. Are you lost? Do you have a name?" She took a moment to steel herself to speak.
"I'm. . ."
~~~~~~~~~~Scenery Change: Back To Present Day~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh, there you are... .!"
Unsure of how long she had been sitting there, 21 snapped out of her walk down memory lane and raised her head. She looked around, searching for the voice she had heard, considering she was sure no one was around. However, a tap on a finger would guide her attention to behind her, only for her azure-blue eyes to suddenly lock onto a pair of black ones. It was the high school student from before, his expression difficult to read. However, for him to be so calm contrasted with her inner panic. She ran off for his safety, after all. But that did beg the question: how did he find her? 21 was sure she had run from one side of the city to the other.
"What. . .? How. . .?" She tried to muster up a sentence that would answer all her questions.
Kuzuku nervously grinned before holding up what looked like a purse, "Sheer determination and some asking around don't make it too difficult. I'm just surprised you managed to travel so far out here," He chuckled a bit at his lie. Ki sensing was the best way to track someone, and her ki. . was unique, to say the least. It stood out amongst the hundreds in Satan City. Though, something like that wasn't that uncommon. When he first learned to sense Ki, he slowly realized that even humans can have unusual Ki that has yet to be tapped into. That said, he extended the purse toward her. He hadn't even noticed the skeptical and confused look she was giving him.
"Here, this belongs to you. You dropped it on the way out when you ran off," The young Saiyan pointed out, dropping the small purse in her hands. She stared down, nodding.
"Thanks. . .," 21 muttered.
Kuzuku nodded before finally noting, "Anyways, what are you doing here? I thought you had something to take care of?" 21 froze at the fact that he'd remember who poorly constructed excuse. Then again, she didn't think she'd run into him again. She fiddled with her purse and tried to avoid eye contact with him in a nervous blush.
"I. . .uh, apparently, it was already taken care of! Bummer, right? I guess I'll have to go shopping tomorrow then," 21 rashly spoke. Lucky for her, the young high school student seemingly accepted her explanation with a small snort. She didn't know why, but she felt offended at his short gesture and frowned a bit, "What's so funny?"
"Heh, sorry," Kuzuku apologized as he wiped the tear away, "It's just that I didn't expect you to be as expressive as you were now. I was under the impression you were the silent and quiet type."
21's frown deepened a bit further with initial irritation. It wasn't like she wanted to come off like that. She didn't have the experiences or opportunity to express herself for as long as she could remember. Taking on the burden of stopping Project: Festival was always on her mind before making friends or having a social life. Besides, there was only one opportunity for such things, and she realized that it simply wasn't meant to be. The thought made her eyes wane, their color darkening.
Immediately, Kuzuku noticed this and felt guilty for his reaction, "Uh. . .sorry." Realizing what she was doing, 21 rebuilt her facade and gave a fake, assuring smile.
"It's alright. I do come off that way sometimes. I guess. . .," She agreed.
However, her expression made the Saiyan shiver of familiarity travel throughout his body. That fake smile. Used to deceive others into believing there wasn't a pain trying to surface beneath the layers of trauma. Otherwise, it is difficult for many to spot, but it was easy to spot for those who know what it's like. After all, he wasn't a stranger to the pervasive problem. He was still dealing with it himself, and facing in front of him was like looking into a mirror. Was this how he looked when Ace checked up on him that time? Now he understood his concern. He–She looked like she didn't even want to exist anymore.
Seeing this brought up a well of emotions in him that made him speak more out of impulse than anything else. If someone was suffering the way he was then. . it'd make a good step forward by reaching out their hand, right?
"Umm. . .," Kuzuku muttered, her azure eyes curiously staring at him. Oddly, he was stunned by their gaze, and his heart slowly began to race a bit. However, reluctance was too slow to prevent the next words that came out of his mouth, "You wanna go check out this bakery that's going to open up soon?"
21 stared at him for a moment, even taking the time to blink a few times before replying, "Huh. . .?" Noticing her response, Kuzuku quickly grasped the implications of what he had just said. He panicked and voiced his disclaimers and honesty with haste.
"Oh, don't get any wrong ideas, of course. It's just. . .," Kuzuku sighed and straightened his back as he regained his composure, "I figured you had a lot on your mind and needed something to distract you from it. Besides, I've heard there was some pretty good deals you could get if you come with someone else. I tried getting one of my friends to come but they're all too busy."
Confused, 21 began to think a bit before asking for the answer herself, "Why? We hardly know each other, and our interactions are only by chance. I don't think I'm interesting enough for you to want to hang out with me." The Saiyan thought about it himself as she had struck a valid point. Heck, he didn't even know why he asked.
"Well. . .you do strike a good point," Kuzuku hummed as he delved into his thoughts. After what felt like a few minutes of thinking, he came to one conclusion after recalling a distant memory that made him smile warmly enough to catch the girl off guard. She almost didn't fully see his explanation as he explained, "But, wouldn't it be sad if you met someone you could have been great friends with and not get to know them?"
"Huh. . .?" 21 raised an eyebrow once more as the Saiyan looked up to the night sky above.
The wind blew against his face, the sensation causing him to relax, "I don't usually admit this, but there was a time when I didn't want anything to do with other people around me. I always thought, 'It'd be better if I was on my own.' or 'Making friends was far more trouble than it was worth.'. Even then. . ." Kuzuku looked down at his hand and recalled the darkest times of his life. The sorrow that he had to deal with loneliness after Nana's death. How he came to Earth looking like a hollow corpse littered with scars and walking without the slightest desire. Just like he saw in her eyes, 21 noticed a familiar pain that reflected in his as he spoke.
"After some time, it made me appreciate that if I didn't then I'd still be alone. Alone struggling to find the strength to stand up again. . .The people around me today were kind enough to extend their hand to me and I feel like I'd be spitting in their face if I didn't do the same for someone else if the occasion ever came for it," Kuzuku admitted.
Silence fell between them as the half-lit crescent moon shone from above as the clouds parted way from above. 21 furrowed her brow in thought, "From what it sounds like, he's. . .almost like me." Suddenly, the image of the elderly lady popped into her head as if it were supposed to be a reminder of her failures and what she is. An alarm on why she was meant to stay in the darkness while the others walked in the light that she yearned to bask in. However, for once, she ignored it. The nagging voice in the back of her mind that told her to "Don't cross that line. Remember what happened back then?" or "Consume and Devour him like candy" was a faint echo. For once, she just wanted to try again. To grasp a future that didn't involve her being a self-sacrificial lamb. Even if it was just for a bit.
She slightly tilted her head to hide her smirk, remarking, "They sound like a good bunch of people." Laughing at how ironic her comment was, Kuzuku placed a disclaimer.
"Oh, don't get it twisted. They can be both a natural saint and the craziest bunch you'd ever meet!" Kuzuku said.
"I see. You'll have to tell me while we're on line at this bakery you are talking about," 21 faintly giggled, the response catching the Saiyan off-guard as she stood and dusted herself off. She took a moment to brush her hair off to the side as the wind blew against her. She took a few steps forward before turning, the light from the moon illuminating her features as she answered, "Though, I don't mind picking up the tab if that's okay with you. Just name the time and place."
The young Saiyan had taken a few blinks to process what was happening. She said, yes? He must have accidentally jumped into a whole other universe without realizing it cause even he still had to admit that despite his good attentions, he wasn't expecting such a reply. Seeing how the conversation was going smoothly, he decided to end it on a good note and smiled before continuing.
[- - - -]
A/N: Back from the dead once again! Chapter progress has been slow as I've been jumping through ideas on remastering this arc to flesh well with future ideas. Compared to the old version, I tried with this chapter to flesh out 21 to stand out more as a character. On top of that, I wanted to slow the speed of story progression as so far in my drafts, this arc is definitely extended to be longer than the original chapter-wise (if I remember, Arc 1 was 12 or 13 chapters while this one already has 6 chapters released without it even getting to the main parts.) Especially since this and future planned chapters will be additions to the story to expand story development. With all that said, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and until we meet again ^_^!