CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Fury of the Forgotten
Zukanna's POV
Zukanna stood at the edge of the battlefield, her sharp eyes fixed on Vegeta as he squared off against Android 19. The tension in the air was palpable, even among the Z fighters who had gathered to witness the battle. Dr. Gero stood a short distance away, his face twisted in a triumphant sneer as he called out to his creation.
"Attack, my creation!" Gero bellowed. "Show them the might of the Red Ribbon Army!"
Android 19 smirked, his mechanical confidence oozing from every movement as he lumbered toward Vegeta. "You'll fall just like the other one," he taunted, his voice carrying a mechanical hum as he cracked his knuckles.
But Vegeta remained calm, a dark smirk curling on his lips as he settled into his fighting stance. "You think I'm anything like Kakarot?" he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Let me show you the difference."
Android 19 lunged, his bulky arms swinging with surprising speed. Yet Vegeta moved with the precision of a seasoned predator. He weaved through the android's strikes effortlessly, his golden Super Saiyan aura flaring with every calculated motion. With a quick sidestep, Vegeta delivered a devastating hook that landed squarely on Android 19's chin. The sound of metal crunching echoed across the battlefield as the android staggered backward, his smirk replaced by confusion.
"What—?" Android 19 stammered, but before he could process what had happened, Vegeta vanished from his line of sight. In a flash, Vegeta reappeared, launching a relentless barrage of punches and kicks. Each strike reverberated with enough force to shake the ground beneath them, pushing Android 19 further and further back.
"Use the energy absorption orbs!" Dr. Gero screamed, his earlier confidence starting to falter. "Drain his power, you fool!"
Android 19 obeyed, lurching forward and catching Vegeta's wrists in his large, mechanical hands. The red orbs embedded in his palms glowed ominously as they began to siphon Vegeta's energy. A triumphant grin spread across the android's face as he chuckled, his confidence returning.
"I have you now!" Android 19 declared, his mechanical laughter echoing through the air. "Your energy is mine!"
Vegeta's expression didn't falter. Instead, his grin widened into something almost feral. "Go ahead," he said, his voice calm but laced with icy menace. "Drain me. Take all you can. It won't matter."
The android's laughter faltered as he looked into Vegeta's unwavering eyes. Panic began to set in as Vegeta's energy refused to diminish. Instead, it seemed to intensify, radiating from him in a pulsating golden aura.
"No... Impossible!" Dr. Gero muttered, his voice trembling as he watched the scene unfold. "How can this be?"
Vegeta yanked his arms free from Android 19's grip with a surge of power, the force tearing the android's arms clean off. Sparks and wires flew as Vegeta held the detached limbs aloft for a moment before tossing them aside like discarded toys. Android 19 stumbled back, his face now etched with fear.
"You're nothing but a junk heap," Vegeta sneered. "And now it's time to take out the trash."
The Saiyan prince rose into the air, his hands glowing with the charged energy of his signature attack. "Galick Gun!" Vegeta shouted, the words resonating with his sheer dominance. A swirling purple beam of energy shot forth from his hands, hurtling toward the retreating android.
"No! NO!" Android 19 screamed, turning to flee, but it was too late. The beam struck him head-on, engulfing him in a massive explosion that shook the battlefield. When the dust settled, there was nothing left but smoldering fragments of the android's body.
Dr. Gero used the chaos of the explosion to slip away unnoticed. His face was pale, his earlier arrogance completely replaced by dread. "This isn't over," he muttered under his breath, scurrying into the shadows like a cornered rat.
As the dust and debris of Vegeta's devastating attack cleared, Zukanna's sharp eyes immediately scanned the battlefield. It didn't take long for her to notice the conspicuous absence of Dr. Gero. Narrowing her eyes, she turned to Piccolo and Trunks, her voice firm but tinged with frustration.
"He's gone," she said, floating higher for a better vantage. "Gero slipped away in the chaos. Piccolo, Trunks, we need to find him before he pulls another stunt like this."
Trunks nodded, his face a mix of determination and guilt. He took off first, followed closely by Zukanna and Piccolo. The trio flew low over the nearby city, their senses sharp as they scanned for any sign of the rogue scientist. Trunks' eyes narrowed as he spotted a figure darting between buildings, heading toward the mountains.
"There!" Trunks shouted, pointing to the tiny figure of Dr. Gero.
Without hesitation, he raised a hand and fired a barrage of energy blasts in Gero's direction. Each blast hit the ground around the scientist, throwing up plumes of smoke and debris, but none struck their intended target. Dr. Gero zigzagged through the explosions, disappearing into the rugged terrain of the mountains.
Piccolo landed next to Trunks, his expression stern. "That was reckless," he scolded. "Now we don't know exactly where he's gone. We could've tracked him instead of spooking him."
Trunks clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "I thought I could stop him before he got away."
Zukanna was about to respond when she paused, her senses suddenly flaring. Her eyes widened slightly as she felt a spike in power levels coming from the direction of the Furry King's palace. Gohan and Nio. The boys were fighting multiple opponents.
"They're fine," Zukanna said, more to herself than anyone else, as she evaluated the power levels. "Nio hasn't even transformed into a Super Saiyan yet. Whatever they're facing, it's not serious enough to need our help."
The tension eased slightly as Krillin flew toward them, his expression urgent but relieved. "Goku's at the medical center in Neo Sadala," he reported. "Bulma and Chichi are with him, so he's in good hands. But on my way back, I saw Gero entering a cave on a cliff face not far from here."
Zukanna's gaze sharpened. "Lead the way."
Without another word, they all took off, following Krillin toward the mountains. It didn't take long before they arrived at the cliff face. Embedded in the rocky surface was a thick metal door, clearly reinforced to withstand heavy impacts. It had the unmistakable look of a bunker—a hidden stronghold designed for emergencies just like this.
"Let's open it up," Zukanna ordered.
The group spread out, each warrior charging small but concentrated energy blasts. They launched their attacks in unison, the coordinated strikes powerful enough to dent and weaken the door without collapsing the entire cave system. After a few moments, the door groaned under the pressure before it flew open with a loud clang, revealing a dimly lit interior.
The team stepped inside cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the metallic corridor. At the end of the hallway stood Dr. Gero, his figure illuminated by the cold, artificial light of his lab. He was laughing, a sound that sent a chill down their spines.
"You're too late," he declared, his voice filled with manic glee. "I didn't think I'd need to use my other creations so soon, but you've forced my hand!"
He gestured behind him, and Zukanna's breath caught as three figures stepped forward from the shadows.
Trunks' eyes widened in horror, his voice trembling as he pointed to the two on the left. "It's them," he said. "The ones from my future. The black-haired boy and the blonde-haired girl. Androids 17 and 18."
Vegeta scoffed, crossing his arms as he eyed the pair dismissively. "They don't look like much," he muttered, though his tone betrayed a hint of curiosity.
But Zukanna wasn't focused on the siblings. Her attention was locked on the third figure, who was unlike anything she had expected. The figure was unmistakably Saiyan—his build powerful but not overly bulky, his tan skin marked by the red eyes that glowed faintly under the lab's fluorescent light. His long Saiyan tail was coiled neatly around his waist like a belt, and his outfit was striking: a red, short-sleeved trench coat over a black shirt, white baggy pants tucked into red and yellow boots, and fingerless black gloves. His head was adorned with a silver tiara, and both the front and back of his trench coat bore the unmistakable Red Ribbon Army logo.
Dr. Gero noticed Zukanna's fixed gaze and grinned, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Ah, I see you've noticed my masterpiece," he said. "Android Sigma, my greatest creation. A Saiyan Android designed to surpass all others. The ultimate Saiyan. The Queen Killer."
The words sent a shiver through the room as the fighters processed what they were hearing. Sigma's red eyes locked onto Zukanna, unblinking, his expression unreadable but radiating latent power. Zukanna's jaw tightened, her mind racing. He wasn't just a weapon—he was a direct challenge, aimed squarely at her.
"You've gone too far, Gero," Zukanna said coldly, her voice laced with restrained fury.
Gero merely chuckled, raising a remote in one hand. His thumb hovered over a button as he glanced back at Androids 17 and 18. The siblings exchanged a subtle glance, their eyes narrowing in suspicion.
The tension in the cave reached a fever pitch as Android 17, with an almost nonchalant air, snatched the remote from Dr. Gero's trembling hand. Gero's face twisted in shock and rage, his voice shaking as he barked, "What are you doing? I am your master! You obey me!"
Android 17 chuckled, holding up the remote as if it were a trophy. His tone was dripping with sarcasm as he replied, "Master? You really thought we listened to you? That's cute." With a quick snap, he crushed the remote in his hand, the small device crumbling to pieces.
Android 18 smirked, folding her arms as she watched her brother. "Ah, that feels so much better," she said, her voice light but filled with an edge of satisfaction.
"Doesn't it, sis?" Android 17 agreed, tossing the broken remnants of the remote aside.
The two began walking toward the large pods lining the wall, their movements relaxed yet deliberate. They stopped in front of one labeled 16. Android 18 placed a hand on the pod's glass, a look of disdain crossing her face. "I hated being locked up in these things," she muttered. "Let's see what Gero's been hiding in here."
Zukanna and the Z Fighters exchanged glances, their tension palpable. Piccolo's eyes narrowed, his body coiled and ready to spring into action. Trunks looked visibly on edge; his knuckles white as he gripped the hilt of his sword.
"Stop them!" Dr. Gero shrieked, his voice frantic. He pointed at the siblings, then turned to Sigma. "Sigma! Attack! Do not let them open that pod!"
Sigma, the Saiyan android, stepped forward at Gero's command. His massive frame moved with deliberate purpose, but there was something off—hesitation in his steps, a conflict in his glowing red eyes. His movements slowed, and his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
"I gave you an order!" Gero screamed, his voice cracking. "I am your master, and you obey me!"
Android 18 watched Sigma's struggle with mild interest. She strolled up to him, her steps casual, and reached for his head. With a sharp tug, she ripped the tiara from his brow and tossed it aside.
"You don't need this, big guy," she said with a smirk. "Gero's leash doesn't suit you."
The tiara clattered against the ground, sparking briefly before fizzling out. Gero's face twisted into a mask of panic as Sigma turned toward him, his gaze cold and piercing.
"Sigma!" Gero cried, stumbling backward. "Obey me! I created you—"
Sigma cut him off with a voice like thunder, resonating with restrained fury. "I have a name," he said, his words deliberate and heavy. His hand raised, and a blood-red energy blade, swirling with tendrils of black energy, erupted from his palm. "It's Tomat."
In one swift motion, Tomat swung the blade, severing Dr. Gero's head from his body. The scientist's decapitated head rolled to the ground; his face frozen in shock. Tomat stared down at the lifeless form, his voice a low growl. "And you will never give another order again."
Without a moment's hesitation, Tomat raised his hand, a small energy blast forming in his palm. He fired it at Gero's severed head, obliterating it in a flash of light. The cave went silent except for the faint hum of energy dissipating.
Androids 17 and 18 laughed, the sound echoing eerily in the tense atmosphere. "Well, that solves the Gero problem," Android 17 said with a smirk. "Now, let's see who's behind door number two." He moved toward another pod, his movements casual but deliberate.
Trunks, however, was anything but calm. His face contorted with fear and desperation as he pointed toward the pod. "No! I won't let you open it! You won't release another android—another monster—if they release it, we're all dead!"
Zukanna stepped forward, her voice firm but calm. "Trunks, stand down. Control yours—"
But Trunks didn't listen. With a shout of rage, he powered up, his golden aura flaring to life. He raised both hands, energy crackling violently between his palms. "I won't let them destroy the future again!" he yelled, unleashing a powerful double-handed energy wave at the androids.
The blast tore through the cave, forcing everyone to dive for cover. Zukanna shielded herself with her arms as the attack struck its target, the shockwave shaking the entire cavern. When the dust and smoke cleared, Tomat stood at the center of the destruction, his body unscathed. His hand was outstretched, a shimmering green energy shield dissipating before him.
Tomat's gaze shifted to Trunks, who stood frozen, speechless at the sight of his failed attack. The Saiyan android lowered his hand, his red eyes glowing with a dangerous intensity.
Zukanna stepped forward cautiously, raising her hands in a gesture of peace. "Tomat," she said, her voice steady but laced with empathy. "You're a Saiyan. You don't have to be what Gero made you. Come with us—we can help you undo whatever he did."
Tomat's expression twisted into one of fury. His voice trembled with suppressed rage as he replied, "You have no idea what Gero did to me. The experiments, the torture—I felt pain beyond imagining for two years as he cut into me, over and over. And through it all, I prayed for my queen to find me. I prayed for you to find me."
Zukanna's heart clenched. She opened her mouth to respond, but Tomat cut her off, his voice rising in anger. "But you didn't come. You left me to rot in that hell, I was not important enough, and now you dare speak of helping me?"
The black aura around Tomat flared violently, his energy twisting and unnatural. It radiated power, darkness, and a deep, unresolved anguish, but Zukanna sensed little malice in it. She thought, there's still hope to save him.
Without warning, Tomat lunged at her, moving faster than anyone could react. His fist slammed into Zukanna's abdomen with the force of a freight train, sending her hurtling out of the cave. As she crashed into the open air, he followed, his voice a roar of unrelenting rage.
"Today, I, the ultimate Saiyan, avenge all the wrongs inflicted on me!"
Nio's POV
The battlefield was charged with tension, the air practically crackling with energy as Nio and Gohan faced the towering figure of Super Android 13. His blue skin gleamed ominously under the crimson glow of his hair, and the smirk on his face radiated an unsettling confidence. He flexed his fingers, opening and closing his palms as if testing the limits of his newfound power. His voice carried a manic edge as he chuckled, "This power… it's amazing. So, boys, who's first?"
Gohan, in his Super Saiyan Grade 2 form, exchanged a glance with Nio, who remained in his wrathful Saiyan state. The unspoken agreement between them was clear—they had to strike together. With a simultaneous roar, they launched themselves at the android, fists and kicks flying in perfect unison.
But Super Android 13 was prepared. His movements were unnervingly fluid, dodging their attacks with ease. "You're predictable," he sneered, weaving past a punch from Nio while delivering a sharp elbow to Gohan's ribs. "I've recorded all your moves, boys. I know exactly how to counter you."
The android's words proved true as he began dismantling their assault, dodging one attack after another. He spun, slamming a powerful kick into Nio's chest, sending him skidding across the battlefield, then backhanded Gohan into the ground with such force that the earth cracked beneath him.
Laughing maniacally, 13 loomed over Gohan. "Let me show you what real power looks like," he said, raising a glowing red orb of energy. He slammed it into Gohan, the explosion carving a crater into the ground. Smoke and debris filled the air as Gohan's pained scream echoed.
Nio's own voice tore through the battlefield, a mixture of fury and desperation. "Gohan!" His aura flared erratically as he watched his friend struggle to stand. Gohan remained in Super Saiyan form, but his injuries were severe, his breathing labored.
Super Android 13 laughed again, shaking his head. "That was just a taste," he mocked, cracking his knuckles. "You've got nothing left."
Nio's rage erupted as his golden aura surged around him, transforming his wrathful form into a Super Saiyan. His green aura took on a golden hue, shimmering with fierce intensity. Meanwhile, Gohan, fueled by his own anger and determination, let out a thunderous roar as his energy skyrocketed, his aura raging with raw power.
The two Saiyans attacked in perfect synchronization, their teamwork an unstoppable force. Gohan struck first, his punches driving the android back, as Nio swept in from the side with a punishing kick. They moved like a whirlwind, their combined assault leaving no opening for retaliation.
Each strike built on the last, their synergy impeccable. Gohan delivered a powerful uppercut, sending 13 into the air, and Nio was there to meet him, spinning in midair with a devastating roundhouse kick. As 13 hurtled toward the ground, the two Saiyans gathered their energy for their finishing moves.
"Nova Bomb!" Nio bellowed, hurling a brilliant red sphere of energy toward the android.
"Masenko!" Gohan shouted, unleashing a golden beam of concentrated power.
The two attacks collided with 13, creating a massive explosion that shook the battlefield. Smoke and dust filled the air, obscuring their view. For a moment, the Saiyans dared to hope they'd ended the fight. But as the smoke cleared, Super Android 13 emerged, battered but far from beaten. His eyes gleamed with fury.
"You're going to pay for that," he snarled, his voice dripping with malice.
Before they could react, 13 launched himself at neck-breaking speed toward Gohan. His fist was a blur, aimed for a devastating blow, but Nio intercepted with a powerful kick, their collision creating shockwaves that rippled across the ground.
The two fighters clashed relentlessly, but 13's power was relentless. Roaring with fury, he unleashed a surge of energy, a crimson blast that forced both Saiyans back. Taking advantage of the chaos, 13 turned his full attention to Gohan, raining down blows with brutal efficiency.
Gohan's transformation faltered as he hit the ground hard, his golden aura flickering before disappearing entirely. He was unconscious, his body limp as it skidded across the ground. 13 sneered, charging a massive red energy sphere in his palm. "Time to finish the runt," he growled, hurling the attack at Gohan.
But in a flash of light, Nio appeared, his hand gripping Gohan's shoulder. "Not today!" he shouted, using Instant Transmission to teleport Gohan to safety. He gently placed his fallen ally on the ground, his eyes narrowing as he looked back at the android.
Super Android 13 laughed as Nio reappeared. "Now that your partner's taking a nap, you've got no chance. You're at your wits' end, boy."
Nio stared at the android; his expression unreadable. The truth stung—13 was right. Nio was outclassed. But he had one last option. It was risky, dangerous even, but the alternative was letting Gohan and the others die. And that was something he couldn't allow.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You wanted a real fight?" he said, his voice steady. "Well, remember this when I tear you apart."
Nio's aura began to shift, his golden energy darkening, twisting. His muscles bulged as his hair transformed, glowing a bright, unnatural green. His pupils vanished, leaving his eyes a haunting white. Lightning crackled around him, his aura now a mix of gold and green, laced with white sparks of energy.
The ground trembled beneath him as his power skyrocketed, dwarfing anything he'd shown before. Super Android 13's confident smirk faltered, replaced with shock and a hint of fear.
"What… what are you?" the android stammered.
Nio's voice was deep, almost otherworldly, as he replied, "Your end."
With a roar that shook the heavens, Nio lunged at the android, his newfound power exploding with every step. The fight was far from over, but the tides had shifted—and Nio was ready to end it.
Hello people,
Chapter Twenty-two is done,
Please feel free to drop reviews or give suggestions as I feel they will help improve the quality of the story.
cheers,
maximuskahn1994