TRIGGER WARNING - Implied Death
As the android's relentless pursuit of power continued, its predatory eyes locked onto the lookout, a bastion of hope and strength that stood in the way of its ultimate goal. With the aura of a relentless predator, it descended upon the lookout with malevolent intent, its mechanical systems resonating with the anticipation of a feast. The android's power-draining ability, now refined and enhanced, reached its full potential, an insatiable hunger ready to consume the energy of all who dared to oppose it.
Goku, Gohan, and the others stood helpless, their powers already drained to a mere flicker, their bodies trembling under the android's relentless assault. Bulma, Chi-Chi and Mr Popo were already unconscious. Every ounce of their energy was siphoned away, leaving them powerless to resist. Desperation filled the air as they watched their strength wane, their hope fading with each passing moment. The android's calculating eyes gleamed with satisfaction as it revelled in their vulnerability, homing in on the tallest man with the protruding mid-section, the source of the purest energy signature it had ever detected, the energy signature it would make its own.
Jax
Amid the chaos, Jax and Vegeta continued their fierce battle, unaware of the imminent threat to their loved ones. The clash of titans raged on, their power levels pushing the limits of the atmosphere. With every punch, every burst of energy, the very earth trembled beneath them. Jax was both astonished and impressed at Vegeta's tenacity, clearly outmatched by Jax's Super Saiyan 3 power, yet he refused to yield in the face of superior power. But as the battle unfolded, a subtle change occurred. Jax's heightened senses detected a disturbance at the lookout—a sudden drop in energy levels, a cry of anguish, and a wave of despair.
Realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. The android had launched its draining attack on the lookout, and his primary was in grave danger. Without hesitation, Jax activated his Instant Transmission technique, vanishing from the battlefield and reappearing at the lookout's entrance just in time to witness the android's relentless assault.
With a swift, calculated movement, Jax vanished and reappeared at his primary's side, grabbed him, and teleported them both to the safety of the Time Nest, before he too succumbed to the synthetic's effects, leaving behind the others still trapped within the android's energy-draining field.
Gohan, barely able to remain conscious, watched in horror as the lookout's surroundings melted away before him, his final image that of his father, anguish on his face the likes of which he'd never seen, not for himself, but for the child, unable to stop the android's insidious power drain.
Vegeta
Fuelled by desperation and a fierce determination to protect his mate and unborn child, Vegeta pushed himself beyond his limits, racing towards the lookout at breakneck speed. But with every inch closer he got, he could feel his own energy dwindling, his power fading. It was a race against time, and the odds were stacked against him. He couldn't be sure, but it felt like someone was dead already, he couldn't sense Gohan anymore. God damn that interfering Time Patroller, if any of his family died today, he would hunt him to the ends of the universe and beyond!
18
Now was the time to act, if she was going to do this, it HAD to be now. Android 18 had never been as thankful to be an android as she was in that exact moment, her self-recharging, unlimited energy cells instantly kept her at full strength, and therefore, immune to the alien android's effects. A fact she'd suspected might be the case as she'd observed it's fight with Vegeta, to be an android/human hybrid meant she could think like an android, her non-detectable Ki signature an added bonus as she'd followed the android from a safe distance as it fled the battle scene, scanning it, observing its absorption techniques until she'd formulated a plan to destroy it. The calculations were complete, now was the time to act.
Goku
Goku was past panic at this point, his baby was dying, he could feel his son slipping away as their Ki was drained in unison. The loud ringing in his ears and blurred vision worsened as the android stepped ever closer, and with each step, his son, Vegeta's son, their son faded.
Vegeta
"FASTER GODDAMN IT, FASTER! DON'T YOU DARE DIE!"
18
Android 18's internal monologue hummed with mechanical precision as she assessed the situation. Her cybernetic brain processed data at lightning speed, calculating the power output required to neutralize the approaching threat. The android's sensory systems meticulously analysed the energy signature of the enemy, identifying weaknesses in its defences.
"Energy output of the target: maximum. Power drain: severe. Probability of incapacitation: high. Optimal trajectory for maximum precision: thirty degrees relative to the gravitational field. Calculating speed required for a successful strike..."
As she delved deeper into her calculations, Android 18's calculations became a symphony of mathematical precision. She factored in the enemy's size, speed, and energy absorption capacity, meticulously adjusting her approach to ensure her strike would land with pinpoint accuracy.
"Speed: Mach 3.5. Trajectory adjustment: minus two degrees. Initiating kinetic energy calculations for impact assessment..."
Her systems simulated the impending collision, analysing the potential damage her attack would inflict. Every microsecond counted as she fine-tuned her approach, maximizing the efficiency of her strike.
"Simulation complete - Projected impact: target incapacitated. Energy drain halted. Threat eliminated. Preparing for optimal launch sequence..."
With the precision of a supercomputer, Android 18 locked onto her target, her calculations complete. Her mechanical body tensed, ready to execute her plan flawlessly. In that split second, the android's mind was a whirlwind of data, algorithms, and scientific precision—a testament to the fusion of machine and warrior that she was.
"Execute."
Some Time Later
Goku's consciousness slowly returned, like a dim light flickering in the darkness. He felt cold, an icy chill seeping into his bones, a stark contrast to the warm embrace of power he had grown accustomed to. His body was weak, as though still drained of every ounce of energy he possessed. The familiar warmth he had shared with his unborn child was remarkably absent, leaving behind a void that seemed unnatural and unfamiliar. He was surrounded by his friends and family, their concerned faces hovering over him, but in that moment, he felt utterly alone.
As Goku's senses sharpened, he realized that something was missing, something precious and irreplaceable. His baby, the child he had felt growing inside him, was no longer there. Panic and grief washed over him in waves, threatening to engulf him completely. He had been so connected to that tiny life, so eager to meet his new son, and now, it was as if a piece of his soul had been torn away.
Dende's healing powers worked their magic, knitting together Goku's battered Ki, but it couldn't mend the emotional wounds that ran even deeper. Goku's heart ached with a profound sense of loss, and the tears that welled up in his eyes were not just from physical pain but from the emptiness that had spread within him. He knew he had to be strong, for his family and friends, but at that moment, he couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of being alone and incomplete.
"Take me to him" he whimpered, "take me to see my son."
Chi-Chi was there, at his side, her hands on his shoulder in a feeble attempt to keep him lying on the bed. "Don't get up, honey" she soothed, "there is no need to rush."
Goku scanned the room, Dende, Mr Popo, Chi-Chi & Bulma all surrounded the bed he was on. He could sense Goten & Trunks a few rooms down, Vegeta was nearby, also.
"We don't know where he's been taken" Chi-Chi continued, "Nobody has seen or heard from Gohan since the attack."
Taking all the emotional strength he had within him, Goku set aside his anguish as best he could and reached out in his mind for Gohan. "Gohan where are you, Gohan?" he searched.
"He's out there," Vegeta broke his concentration, standing in the doorway "It distant, but he's out there. I will find him, Kakarot."
Before Goku could follow up, Vegeta walked on, not that Goku felt like talking, the anguish grasping freshly at his heart, squeezing it like it might burst at any second. He knew Vegeta well enough to know he needed to be alone right now. And selfishly, Goku didn't care, he had his own pain to work thorough. "Chi-Chi, take me to him."
"Oh, sweetie…" Chi-Chi trailed off, tears spilling down her cheeks, her hand still on his shoulder.
Bulma approached him, guilt written all over her face. "Goku…" she paused, "There is nothing to see, I scanned you while you were unconscious" Goku turned away from her, facing Chi-Chi instead as she continued "what from I can ascertain," she paused again, swallowing the lump in her throat, "the effects of the android's absorption rays caused a complete cellular regression…."
Chi-Chi sobbed for him as the pain in his heart and emptiness where his son should be competed to consume him. He'd never felt so cold.
Some Time Later
Back at Capsule Corp, Bulma sat amidst a mess of wires, circuit boards, and alien technology that had been meticulously dissected from the mysterious android. Her brow furrowed in frustration as she pored over the intricate mechanisms before her. The android's inner workings were unlike anything she had encountered before, a web of complexity that seemed to defy comprehension. She had always prided herself on her scientific prowess, but this was pushing the limits of her understanding. Basic functions remained a mystery, and it was maddening. With every failed attempt to decipher the android's systems, her frustration grew. Yet, despite the challenges and the nagging feeling that she might never fully unravel its secrets, Bulma's determination burned brighter than ever, spurred on by her insatiable curiosity. She wouldn't rest until she had cracked the enigma of the android and uncovered the truth behind its existence.
As Bulma continued to struggle with the android's complex mechanisms, the door to her lab slid open, and her father, Dr. Briefs, entered the room. He approached her workbench, his inquisitive eyes taking in the chaotic scene of dismantled technology and frustrated expressions.
"Bulma, my dear, how's it going?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Bulma sighed in exasperation, not bothering to look up from her work. "Dad, this android is like nothing I've ever seen before. Its systems are baffling, and I can't even figure out its basic functions."
Dr. Briefs leaned in closer, his sharp mind instantly intrigued by the challenge. "Hmm, let me take a look," he said, gently pushing up his glasses. With a few deft movements, he began examining the disassembled components, his experienced eyes darting across the alien technology.
After a few moments of silence, Dr. Briefs let out a low whistle. "You're right, Bulma. This is unlike anything I've ever seen. It's as if it's from a completely different dimension of tech."
Bulma nodded, her frustration momentarily giving way to a glimmer of hope. If anyone could help unravel the mysteries of the android, it was her brilliant father.
With a heavy sigh, Bulma conceded, "Dad, I hate to admit it, but I think we're going to need more time and resources than I initially thought to crack this android's secrets. I'm going to have to isolate it in one of our secret labs, away from the Z Fighters."
Dr. Briefs nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I agree, Bulma. This android could hold the key to incredible technological advancements, but we can't let its potential fall into the wrong hands."
Bulma met her father's gaze, a determined glint in her eyes. "We'll figure this out, Dad, but for now, it needs to remain our little secret. Once we understand it better, we can decide how to proceed."
Dr. Briefs placed a reassuring hand on his daughter's shoulder. "You're absolutely right, Bulma. We'll protect our world and its future together."
As they made their plans to secure the android and delve deeper into its mysteries, a sense of purpose and anticipation filled the room. The enigmatic android had brought both a challenge and an opportunity, and the brilliant minds of Bulma and her father were determined to unlock its secrets, no matter how long it took.
Goku sat alone on the lookout, gazing out at the horizon with vacant eyes. The weight of his loss pressed down on him like an immeasurable burden, a pain that cut deep into his soul. He could feel the emptiness within him, the absence of the warm, comforting presence he had grown so accustomed to. The laughter he would never hear, the joy he would never share, all stolen away by the cruel twist of fate.
His friends and family had tried to console him, offering their support, and understanding, but Goku remained lost in his thoughts, trapped in a world of regret and longing. He knew that he had to move forward, to find a way to fill the void that now consumed him, but the ache in his heart was relentless.
And so, Goku had thrown himself into his training once more. The familiar rush of energy, the adrenaline of battle, they were his refuge, his sanctuary. With every punch and kick, he sought solace, a glimmer of hope that he could become the man he once was. He would push himself beyond his limits, strive for new heights of strength, and in doing so, perhaps find a way to mend his shattered spirit.
Part of his future had been stolen from him. It was a pain that would linger, a reminder of what might have been, a haunting spectre that would forever haunt his thoughts. Yet, for now, Goku clung to the hope that one day, he might find a way to honour the memory of the child he had lost and the family he still had, and in doing so, find some measure of peace. But deep down, he knew that some wounds would never fully heal. As he trained, he couldn't help but wonder about All That Could Have Been.
Prologue:
In the bustling metropolis of Conton City, Gohan sat alone in his room, the view from his window was like nothing he had ever seen before, a city filled with people of alternate timelines and realities, many of them different versions of people he had known all his life, and many countless more time patrollers he had yet to meet. It was a sight that both fascinated and overwhelmed him, a constant reminder of the vastness of the multiverse.
As he contemplated the swirling tapestry of existence, the door to his room slid open, and two figures entered. Trunks, the warrior from the future, and Jax, the stoic time patroller who'd saved him, walked in with a purposeful stride. Gohan turned to face them; curiosity evident in his eyes.
"Gohan," Trunks began, his voice carrying a note of urgency, "we need your help. There's been a recent attempt on the Kai, and it's linked to a time shift that resulted in the creation of the android responsible for the destruction of the planet Kraven, and attempt on your family."
Gohan's brow furrowed as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. "I'll help in any way I can, but first, I need to know what happened to my family after that attack. Are they okay, is my dad okay, what about the baby?"
Trunks and Jax exchanged a meaningful look before the Supreme Kai of Time herself entered the room, cradling a baby in her arms. She smiled warmly at Gohan and stepped closer. "Gohan, meet your baby brother, Jax."
Gohan's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as he looked from the infant in her arms to the time patroller standing beside Trunks. It was an impossible revelation—a truth that defied all logic. The baby in the Supreme Kai of Time's arms and the stoic time patroller were one and the same. Gohan's world tilted on its axis as he struggled to comprehend the paradox twist of fate before him.
"When the android attacked the lookout, I intervened at the last moment, teleporting the baby to safety." Explained the Supreme Kai of Time. Gohan nodding in understanding as she handed him the baby "Thank you for keeping my brother safe. It means everything to me."
With a mixture of gratitude, shock, and determination, Gohan nodded. "I'll help, and I'll make sure our family stays safe. We have a lot to uncover, and I won't rest until we get to the bottom of this."
