What Could've Been
Chapter 16: Identity
The trip to this unusual couple's destination was, according to Future Eighteen, a face-palming awkward if not tension-filled one. In spite of flashing her date plenty of smiles prior to taking off; the younger blonde seemed to have grown more reserved afterwards as she silently leaned against the window, eyes surveying the scenery outside in what her older self deemed as trying to avoid unnecessary exchanges.
The same obviously couldn't be said of Present Krillin though, who put on a demonstration of masterful car steering skill, evading incoming traffics all the while never failing to keep an eye on her. This showering of affection, along with the warrior monk's infectiously bright demeanor instilled the deceased murderess a mixture of guilt and satisfaction.
"So ehh...," The pilot began, his warm, chocolate-brown orbs glued onto the young woman's poker face. "A-am I driving too fast? Too slow? A-are you...well you know, e-enjoying yourself Eighteen?" He finished, barely able suppress his stuttering.
"Yes I'm fine." Her reply was brief if not curt.
"A-are you sure? C-cause I can always make some a-adjustments." He asked again, voice growing more concerned by the second.
"Yes." Despite the brevity and continued non-eye-contact, the slight reddening of those pale cheeks was all it took to reassure their audiences of her true feelings.
"Well uh, if you are sure then so am I. Oh I know, how about some music? Do you have any preferences?" Krillin asked with evidently much more confidence as the stuttering were all but gone.
No reply came but he didn't wait for it either. With another heart-warming grin followed by a simple click, the vehicle came to life with sound, even if it was just static noise.
"O-oh oops..., excuse me ma'am, it's been too long since I've driven this thing that I don't know the radio stations anymore...," Just like that, Earth's strongest pure human was reduced to an apologetic mess once more as he fumbled through an array of buttons, trying to land a music-playing channel.
"Wow, midget boy is looking rather pathetic sis, you think your other self will dump him for such pitiable display?" Future Seventeen couldn't help but chuckled at the sight, feeling little remorse even when his sibling shot him a chastising stare.
How dare brother speak ill of Krillin!
"Okay okay...I was just joking sis, relax," The raven-haired youth raised both hands in a defensive posture least she unloaded all her dark emotions at him. In spite of his quick apology, he felt rather indignant, puzzled by her illogical loyalty to the man, whose meager display of redeeming qualities hardly justified the sheer agony he has dragged her through.
Just why the hell is sis still conflicted over that scum? Who has hurt her countless times, both alive and in death?
Future Seventeen's memory drifted to an instance decades ago when the duo had just begun molding the world to their desire. It had played out identical to what had transpired on this planet. There, amidst corpses floating in a sea of red, she had done the unthinkable and offered the sorry creature his only salvation: To preside by her side, not as mere pet, but as an equal.
Another imagery followed, where his twin extended her hand as a gesture of goodwill.
Even to this day, the fuming cyborg thought he had had a major optical malfunctioning. Nevertheless, she was his sister dearest, his blood. If sparing the useless runt would bring her an ounce of joy, who was he to object?
"No! How can I ever be with you?"
"But Kril! We could...,"
"No but! There isn't we Eighteen! Y-you are heartless! Both of you!"
It was his first time witnessing her displaying any trace of vulnerability too. That single trickle of tear, glistening under the moonlight as it cut across her flawless pale cheek as if cutting his very body. Far worse than anything Trunks or even Gohan had inflicted, it was a gut punch like no other. The ultimate betrayal, certainly far worse than calling him "heartless" or any other meaningless, manmade accusations.
Exchanges from that fateful day kept flooding into him, so much so it was Future Seventeen's turn to hold onto his aching head. So painful was the uncontrollable recall that when a screeching sound pierced his eardrums, he felt he had been rescued from the abyss.
"Hey! Stop that!" Screamed not the younger twin but his formerly sympathetic sister as she glared daggers at the monk on screen, who had accidentally switched to the wrong station, causing cursed noises to resonate throughout the room.
Why are you doing this Krillin? Why butcher any chance we have together?
Maybe...maybe brother's right. He IS behaving quite stupid after all...wouldn't blame other me for ditching this loser...
Yeah...that's probably it, that's how they broke up...
They..., I meant WE simply weren't meant to be, cause there's no WE to begin with!
Shaped by old wounds, recently incurred misfortunes, and perhaps, needing to be on the same page with her brother, the older blonde failed to notice her expression had just underwent a one-eighty. With biting-cold eyes narrowed and lips curved upward in a sinister smirk, the previously reproachful look was nowhere to be found as the deceased murderess gave her partner-in-crime an agreeable nod.
Meanwhile, Present Eighteen remained stoic as ever, motionless despite the frantic activity right beside her. It was clear to all watching she has got to make a move sooner than later; however, and the future terminators' irises glowed a sinister shade of crimson, both literally tasting the looming violence as their tongues watered in anticipation.
Sure enough, the young cyborg girl's deceptively dainty left hand soon started sneaking its way toward Krillin's busy right. This welcoming change enticed yet more vivid imaginations from the killer duo who could barely keep themselves seated.
That's right, grab that puny arm and SNAP IT! SCREAM at him! Let him know how much of a loser he's been then LEAVE him!
Minds in-sync and clearly influenced by hardwired thought pattern, dozens of gruesome possibilities flashed through their brains in an instant. They could see the blasted monk's face plastered on the countless dead of their violent past, those dying screams replaced by his and flailing bodies oddly similar to the non-stopping button pressing further reaffirmed them of what's to come.
Except those slender fingers broke no bones nor caused any harms. Rather, the passenger began gently rubbing back and forth Krillin's sweaty skin until the tiniest of trembling ceased.
"Y-yes Eighteen?" The driver blurted out, though evidently having already recomposed much of his nerves.
She merely continued stroking his arm before responding not with the viciousness of her older counterpart, but a somewhat mechanical yet soothing tone. "Take your time Krillin, dates are meant to be enjoyed right?"
As if words alone were not enough, the late teen even flashed him a good-natured smile, oblivious she had just completely dashed any hope of retribution from her giddy onlookers.
"Okay that's it, if her taste is so poor then she can have that deadbeat but we sure as hell ain't related!" Future Seventeen bellowed, feeling rather betrayed by whom he now internally dubbed as his sibling's brainless clone. Perhaps sensing her need for company or was it for his own comfort, he proceeded to wrap an arm around her shoulders.
Unbeknownst to the fuming brother, the outcry only served to chip away what little remained of Future Eighteen's mental strength.
Not related...no I guess we really aren't related except by name and appearance...
Otherwise, how could she be so accepting and I...vindictive?
Present Krillin, on the flipside, was clearly galvanized by his date's reaction. Now with a sturdy hand, the warrior monk found the right channel in no time, filling the interior with relaxing tunes.
"There, I knew I would get it!" He exclaimed joyously.
"That you sure did, champ." She replied, even adding that last part quietly and earning her a wink along with muscle flexing from the red-faced driver.
T-This isn't happening!
Future Seventeen and Eighteen came to the same conclusion even if their logics were drastically different, with one driven by a grievous sense of betrayal and the other, shame and embarrassment of her inability to fully comprehend her younger copy's behavior.
No inner turmoil went unnoticed by King Kai, whose studying glance hidden under thick shades managed to pick up even the minutest of body languages from his guests.
You two still have much and I mean much to learn!
And you my friend, thank you for letting me conduct this experiment. I hope it's not too taxing on you as well!
The deity temporarily shifted focus from his guarded prisoners to the aforementioned individual. Despite clearly sensing Future Krillin had not moved an inch from his meditating spot, an aura of psychological distress only higher beings could perceive nevertheless permeated the surrounding air. It was as if the monk was somehow on track with the progress of replays, not to mention sufferings of his killers.
Letting out a sigh, the guardian of North Galaxy forced himself to find comfort in the fact that Krillin, in this timeline or the other, was not without friend, that his companions-in-arms were here to lessen his pain. Sure enough, soon he felt the remaining warriors gathered around the same blossoming tree. Forming a circle, they each adopted a meditative posture and exerted positive influence, which eventually drowned out the dark.
Present Krillin and Eighteen, completely unaware of the drama unfolding in another timeline, landed at a parking lot in close proximity to several landmarks. Chiefly amongst these go-to locations was an oddly familiar-looking mall that seemed to radiate even at a distance. Each raising a brow, the future cyborgs eyed one another with uncertainty and exchanged unspoken questions.
Have we visited this place?
Again, no words were necessary before they shook their heads simultaneously as both had arrived at the same conclusion.
No way, we've blown up too many of these shopping centers to count...,
As they pondered over the memory-stirring scene, the pilot had taken something out and tossed it at the car. To his viewer's amazement, with a poof, the vehicle capable of seating multiple people had vanished and in its place, an oval object resting on the ground.
"H-how did you do that? Is that one of your ki techniques?" Present Eighteen had beaten her future counterpart to the inquiry as she stared at the pure human in unconcealed awe, her eyes as wide as her gaping mouth.
"O-oh you mean this?" Present Krillin held the white container up and pointed at it.
Both female cyborgs nodded at the reverse question while sporting the same attentive expression.
Evidently pleased he could be of service, the warrior monk flashed a cheeky grin as he answered, "Why, it's capsule Eighteen, a product invented by my old friend Bulma. With it, you can store anything you want inside. Convenient isn't it?"
"Bulma? Your resident scientist Yamcha mentioned?" The younger blonde asked, still sporting a tinge of unease, her irises blinking yellow, no doubt searching through the inbuilt database of a certain mad scientist.
Again, Present Krillin said with a disarming smile, "Yes Bulma. She's not just a great person but the daughter of the founder of Capsule Corporation, which, well, manufactured all these capsules." He finished before suddenly tossing the object over to Present Eighteen, who caught and began to study it in detail.
"Wow, anything you say?" She muttered, twirling the tiny capsule in between slender fingers.
"Yup, anything as long as it's non-human." He replied cheerfully.
"Like me for instance?"
"Wh-,"
The remark had not merely caught Present Krillin completely off guard, but even all those watching, prompting the dead killers to share a questionable glance.
"W-wait no!" Just like that, Earth's elite fighter had lost all his cheerfulness.
"You heard me Krillin. Surely you can store a robot such as myself inside this thing." She interrupted him abruptly; her lips forming a bitter smile and eyes downcast, "It would be quite convenient too, taking me out only when you need to. I mean really...,"
"NEVER!"
It was Present Krillin's turn to cut her off. With an assertiveness not yet witnessed, he did the unthinkable; grasped her hands and began stroking them in a manner mirroring his date's during the car ride, his thumb drawing circles on the delicate palms. This drew those previously biting cold orbs back on him, reflecting his sincere expression and pair of fiery ambers burning with never-before-seen intensity.
"You are not a robot, certainly not to me nor would I stand anyone calling you one!" He stated emotionally, fingers still clasped around hers. "What Gero did to you and your brother was unimaginably cruel, but...,"
"But?" Both cyborg girls asked as they eagerly awaited his answer.
"But that was all in the past right Eighteen? You have an entire future ahead of you so let's start living the life what do you say?" His answer came, earnest as always.
"S-sure." She blurted out, cheeks now a rosy red and a sharp contrast to the ghastly pale worn by the dead killer.
T-that's right, s-she still has an entire life ahead of her, free of Gero's control...,
While I, we...,
Future Eighteen need not finish her thought before an all too familiar warmth encased her.
It was all she could ask for, and all she knew she deserved.
Thank you brother.
As the deceased mass murderer comforted one another, the couple had already made their way inside hand-in-hand, giving their audiences a good look at the interior. No wonder it shined, the future duo thought, as the lavish decoration, from carpeted marble floor to stores dressed-in fairytale coating all screamed high class.
All these, when combined with mountains of jaw-dropping merchandises proved too much for the passed away terminatress, although for a completely different reason. Having long forgotten such fashions were of little use to a spirit lacking corporeal form such as herself, she couldn't help but grew bitter upon inspecting her age-old blue vest, matching skirt, and black legging.
Why the hell didn't I wear something fancier when I died? Curses!
Present Eighteen, acting much like her older counterpart for the first time, gazed at the packed building in awe, clearly amazed by the fancy setting.
"So uhh...you like what you are seeing so far? I ahh...heard the place just opened and thought we'd check it out together." Present Krillin asked, his timid nature back in full display, no doubt unsure what to make of the pause.
Hands still joined in a firm grip; they stood there in silence as others brushed past them. Eventually though, those sparkling ocean-blue orbs met the creamy-chocolate brown pools, resulting in flustered cheeks. It was a vicious cycle that eventually propelled their skin colors to surpass that of tomato red as they stayed glued on the spot.
The lovey-dovey scene garnered nothing but groans from the spectators.
"Aww common, what's with that reaction? It's just a...a shopping trip." Future Eighteen muttered, arms folded in front of her chest and eyes gotten all green.
"Yeah, she's definitely not you sis. You certainly wouldn't act all pathetic like that that even if Krillin's with you." The brother spat without much thought, only to instantly regret it when her face dropped. "H-hey sis, just forget what I said alright?" The younger twin quickly corrected before stealing a glance at King Kai and, when he's sure the deity wasn't looking, whispered, "besides, who's to say that other you will have a better time with that midget?"
The elder sister knew that probably wouldn't be the case, especially when everything they had expected played out the opposite since the viewing began. Nevertheless, she returned with a smile.
"Thank you bro. Let's see what happens next!"
"Well, what are you waiting for Eighteen? Go try out some clothes already!"
Future Eighteen had snapped out of her sulking just in time for Present Krillin to give her present self a playful shove forward.
Evidently trying excessively hard to recompose herself, the cyborg teen glanced back at him with defrosted eyes and flushed cheeks. "Are you sure Krillin? You just might not endure the long hours?" She said in a level tone, earning nods of approval from the chuckling audiences.
Yeah, you have no idea what horror awaits you little man!
"Hey, don't worry Eighteen, take all the time you need. I've survived far worse." Earth's strongest human responded without missing a beat.
Oh, that's it, you've signed your own death warrant.
Both future twins shook their heads. It was as if the King Kai of this timeline had conspired against the couple, that endless hurdles awaited them despite the date had barely begun.
The catwalk was, according to Future Seventeen, the show to end all shows. As much as he loved reminiscing all the adventures he and his sister had embarked together, living through a blasted clothing selection certainly was not one of those.
Especially when he's the only one suffering apparently.
"So, how do I look now Krillin?" Present Eighteen inquired, sounding completely at ease. The outfit in question consisted of a purple t-shirt with horizontal white narrow stripes, ragged black jeans, and platinum silver sandals.
Are you kidding me? You looked horrible! Like just gotten out of prison horrible with that stripped shirt!
As soon as that thought came to mind, the raven-haired youth regretted instantly.
No wait! Tell her she looked fabulous you damned midget! Compliment her, please her, just do whatever it takes as long as you call it a day!
The man evidently had no plan of wrapping up the shopping trip; however, as he stood there in awe, eyes wide and mouth agape. Behind him rested a mountain of garments, further proof of their unwilling audience's torment.
"Well?" The cyborg girl asked expectedly again, one hand resting on her waist and body leaning toward the same side in a classic model's pose.
Oh common speak up already you mute! You have my approval to propose to her for all I care!
Present Krillin meanwhile had finally awakened from his trance and blurted out a quick, "You looked great!"
Yes, finally thank you!
"Just great?" She arched a brow then spun around for the umpteenth time, an action that forced her brother of a different dimension to shield his eyes in resignation.
"Well," The warrior monk paused, seemingly on the verge of delivering an important speech, "where to begin, I really liked the purple, it's not a color I'd associate with you yet it really suits you. Those white stripes complimented your fair skin too! Oh, and that pants...,"
The rest of this long-winded analysis was lost to the literal poor soul now suffering from a totally different reason.
"Why this Krillin has great taste!" Future Eighteen remarked out of nowhere, earning her the dirtiest glare from her sibling.
"What?" She snapped with matching belligerence.
Future Seventeen could only eye roll in exasperation, "Oh nothing sister dearest, it's just that you say that to anyone praising your dress."
"And? What's wrong with that?" The older twin rebuffed, arms crossed in a defensive manner.
"Tsk, pretend I didn't say anything." He sighed in defeat before whispering to himself, "if only all our victims worshipped her fashion sense, then no one would be killed and I wouldn't be forced to sit here and watch this crap!"
Unfortunately, the airing of such unsightly scene proceeded when Present Eighteen, obviously lost in her shopping streak, proposed the unthinkable, "So Krillin, why don't you pick something for me?"
"W-what? Y-y-you serious?" Evidently caught by surprise, Present Krillin all but stuttered, to which she merely nodded, crystal blue orbs fixated on him akin to a cat waiting for her treat. "O-okay then Eighteen, I'll try but don't blame me if I chose something not to your liking alright?" He finished hesitantly.
"Oh common, how can I possibly hate anything you select for me?" Future Eighteen remarked, clearly too vested in the scene to differentiate two realities.
No by loving Sixteen, please disappoint her, no, better yet gross her out so much she immediately ended the blasted trip!
As much as he wanted to say those words out loud, the younger sibling remained silent in fear of triggering another backlash.
Several more arduous minutes passed, during which the patient date browsed through the aisles, studying over dozens of latest fashions and even holding each one in front of the posing blonde until at last, with an audible acclamation, he delivered the result.
"Well, what about this Eighteen?" Present Krillin said rather confidently.
The clothing in question was a familiar looking black leather jacket that should have rang bells for Future Eighteen yet did not.
Weird, it might look a bit different, but I swear I have worn that before...,
The younger cyborg clearly had no such reservations; however, as she quickly put it on. Instantly, her eyes sparkled in undeniable approval, those ballerina-like legs even did a small dance in before the mirror.
"Oh thank you Sixteen in heavens, now she's gotten her stuff they can finally move on." Future Seventeen spat, not minding his twin's reaction one bit.
Strangely, the elder twin did not bother mutter a response, her mind still occupied by the predicament.
In yet more good news for the deceased shopping-hater, the runway model soon made her way toward the shop's exit followed by her faithful attendant balancing a stack of clothing at least twice his height. By now, the store's stockpile appeared to be half-empty, to which both Future Seventeen and the long line of shoppers ready to checkout commented in disapproval.
"Look at that, how much do you think that will cost?"
"Are they really going to pay for all that?"
"No way, unless they are filthy rich."
Mutters of contempt filled the space, raising questions for the deceased cyborgs who pondered over the meanings behind those spoken vocabularies.
Cost? Pay? Rich? What even are they?
Try as they might, Future Seventeen and Eighteen simply could not recall ever hearing those words, let alone using them. The elder blonde was particularly troubled by this development as she began to fear these unknown factors will negatively affect this date.
If the younger cyborg girl had heard those damning whispers, she certainly did not react in any shape or form as she walked past the customers at a brisk pace. It was not until an outstretched hand stopping her did she displayed any emotions.
"Yes?" The immaculately dressed model asked, clearly irked by the gesture.
"Sorry ma'am, but surely you know you must pay for the goods." The cashier replied politely despite half the room erupting in snickers.
"Pay? Huh, what even is that?" Present Eighteen retorted, earning her more jeers that finally drew a noticeable reaction as the irises flashed a pale red.
And here we go again...,
Future Seventeen kept his thoughts to himself, unwilling to antagonize his sister any further who was already exhibiting signs of unease. It pained her loyal companion seeing her fidgeting fingers and repeatedly brushing those golden locks, especially when she was genuinely enjoying the scene with those puppy dog eyes glued on the screen.
By now, some of the observant shoppers had become aware of the cyber teen's unusual blinking orbs too. Gasps soon erupted amongst the crowd, which then descended into an eerie silence.
The tense situation was thankfully defused when Present Krillin, although literally burdened with loads, rushed to her side.
"Of course we'll pay. You'll have to excuse us sir, she's just carried away by our long planned shopping trip." He said apologetically. With hands still full, the strongest Earthling made a gentle head gesture that could only be interpreted as: "follow me".
Follow him she did, making her way to the end of the line save for some minor blushing. Minutes ticked by slowly and the crowd in front diminished with equal laggard pace yet the young cyborg waited patiently much like everyone else, staring straight ahead and responding occasionally to Present Krillin's attempts at brightening her up.
Could I have endured all these if my Krillin was there for me? Surely I could...
Right?
As soothing as it was watching the cultured monk playing the usual part of a cheerleader, the scene nevertheless raised more uncertainties within the deceased terminatress. In secret, she had sunk back to her old habit and compiled a log of objectives she could have accomplished in the allotted time.
Hmm...stripping the mall and the entire neighborhood clean, leaving human casualty in the three digits, not a bad progress...,
Wait, what was I thinking?
With cold sweats dripping down her face and crimson-blinking pupils returning to normal, Future Eighteen had awakened from her calculation in time for the couple's turn to pay.
"I trust you two find everything alright?" The cashier asked as he methodically transformed mountains of clothing into rows of filled bags all the while avoiding eye contact with his blonde customer.
Present Krillin looked like he was about to answer but his date beat him to it with a rigid yet calm, "Yes we did." She paused briefly before mouthing out a curt, "Nice packaging skill."
It left the cashier frozen in place, jaws agape and barely able to reply with a polite, "Thank you ma'am."
Seeing the artificially-enhanced woman designed to wipe out mankind abiding by its very rules and even engaging in human conversations had never been as fulfilling as that moment, and both deceased murderers let out sighs of relief.
Afterwards, as the couple sat by an indoor café, enjoying their choice drinks paid by the suited monk and surrounded by loads of merchandise, Present Eighteen, still dressed in the jacket, would continue to stare at him all troubled, her crystal blue pools harboring emotional spectrums ranging from embarrassment to puzzlement.
"Krillin," She suddenly asked, withdrawing from the nearly full glass.
"Yes Eighteen?" He replied immediately, giving her full attention and leaving the beverage half-empty.
"Must we pay for all of these? Can't we, you know...," The cyborg girl paused sheepishly before continuing, "simply take them?"
The question apparently came at a surprise, as Krillin chuckled good-naturedly. "In short, yes Eighteen, and that's because everyone deserves just reward for their services."
The delinquent turned artificial fighter raised a brow as she repeated the last word questionably, "Services?"
Neither spectators bought the explanation, as they snickered at the lame reasoning. The older Eighteen was especially critical, as she huffed and folded her arms in contempt.
Yeah, what services? All they've ever done was mocking you! Sure, maybe it's not punishable by death, but you've already repaid them by leaving those losers alone.
"Yes, services," The cultured warrior proceeded, showing as much patience as previously. "In short, human society works by people rewarding one another for their hard work, which is often in the form of money."
"Oh." She nodded, pupils flashing yellow, evidently in data registration mode.
"That's why we cannot simply take without paying for these. It's like, well," He paused as if deciding how to phrase the next part gently. "Well, like how we've stolen from someone, that we've robbed them of their livelihood."
"Livelihood?" She was as attentive as could be.
"Yes livelihood, the essentials that sustains someone's life." Present Krillin answered with matching earnestness.
"Someone's life? Life, life...," Present Eighteen muttered quietly, her facial expression blank.
This trance lasted for minutes, during which her date once again sat patiently across the table from her, gazing at the young woman heedfully. It was anyone's guess as to what exactly was coursing through her mind. Even the older blonde dared not fathom what was about to happen, not wanting and perhaps, even fearing her thoughts will impact the girl on screen.
The first noticeable reaction came when the cyborg's cat-like eyes narrowed to resemble that of a lioness's. Soon, electric sparks began dancing from her petite form, concentrating especially on those two clenched fists.
"E-Eighteen!" Present Krillin beat both their audiences to it as he cried out in alarm. "P-pretend I never said those things okay? On second thought, I don't think the association with life is quite correct."
"No Krillin!" Present Eighteen interrupted him sternly. "It might not be as serious, but such act's no different than what that, that bastard scientist or filthy creature did." She spat, standing straight up with entire body trembling in rage and windows to her soul all but flashing murderous red by now.
Yet just as abrupt as the eruption came, it dissipated into thin air shortly after, certainly not long enough to draw much unwanted attention as those within their vicinity gazed at the concrete walls sealing the place, no doubt wonder what had brought about the strong wind.
"Eighteen?" The monk asked, his rendering of her number for a name exerting such soothing effect the deceased terminatress was all but sure the most critical moment had passed.
After all, if Krillin's words can calm me down like that, there's no way other me could still be angry!
She did not answer immediately, but merely walked toward bags blown away by her unrestrained energy and began picking up the scattered clothing.
"Here, let me help." Just like that, he was by her side, bending down and gathering the garments.
It was another joint activity shared by the duo, albeit this time both were joined on the ground, stashing their purchases. At some point, their searching hands touched, which resulted in eyes making contact and in turn led to gradual blushing. Akin to two statues, they remained glued on the spot, neither so much as moved a muscle, their faces inches apart. Tension was clearly in the air and the only question was, who would cave first.
Kiya! N-no...no way...I know it's too soon, but are we gonna? No, I meant are they gonna?
An indescribable, dare she say amorous emotion washed over Future Eighteen and she nearly squealed aloud. Cheeks far redder than either on screen, the incorporeal being nevertheless felt her pulse quickened, heartbeat accelerated, and tongue getting dry amongst other symptoms she's too proud to admit.
Naturally, the change in behavior did not go unobserved by her life-long companion, who had no choice but leaned away, repulsed by the uncharacteristically schoolgirlish behavior.
By Sixteen! Just what other mind-blowing rollercoaster ride are you going to put me through sis?
Unfortunately as fate would have it, the deceased killer's hope was dashed for the umpteenth time when her, or rather her other self's date gentlemanly backed away, earning him a disapproving groan from the female spectator.
"You wish sis!" Future Seventeen finally spat, unable to hold his tongue anymore.
"Hey shut up brat!" She retorted halfheartedly, too immersed in the scene to argue further.
Meanwhile, everything had seemingly returned to normal in the present with the couple seated at the table, finishing up the residuals of their drinks. The clothes strewn about sat obediently in its containers, providing no chance for drama a certain giddy watcher so desperately craved.
"Impressive." The younger cyborg girl suddenly said amidst gingerly sipping through straw.
"Huh?" Present Krillin asked, his face flushing mildly, which paled comparing to the older, anticipating blonde.
Present Eighteen smiled warmly at his question. "I said impressive. You must have contributed a lot to the...society to," she paused briefly as if pondering over what vocabulary to use, "to pay for all these."
The praise evidently took a while to completely register in the usually observant monk's head. By the time it did those already rosy cheeks matched the tomato red of Future Eighteen.
"O-oh...hahaha...yeah well, if you put it that way I...uhh...," it was her date's turn to fumble over words, his trademark stuttering back in full-swing "I-I guess I really did huh...hahaha?" He finished, lapsing into another nervous chuckle before hurriedly back to focus on the beverage. In his emotional charged state; however, even such simple task was far beyond him and Earth's strongest pure human kept on missing the straw, much like how he missed the radio channel hours earlier.
Again, her slender fingers found his free ones and began rubbing on them gently. "Hey, just calm down Krillin. Cause you can be really cool when you act confidently." She stated resolutely, diamond-piercing orbs went right through his creamy chocolate pools.
"Yeah, calm your nerves you love-stricken moron!" Future Seventeen shouted gleefully, his side-glancing eyes making it clear who was the intended audience.
All Future Eighteen could do was to throw him a dirty glance, knowing full well she was in no condition to bicker.
Present Krillin, on the other hand, was obviously rejuvenated and in peak mood. Once he was done with the drink, the Z-fighter had gotten up, stretched his limbs comically, and then gathered every single bag in his muscular arms. "So, what do you say we go for another round of shopping Eighteen?" He offered, clearly ready to please.
Yes! Another round of shopping, another chance to bond with Krillin!
Future Eighteen nodded enthusiastically in sharp contrast to her whining sibling.
"No thanks." Was all Present Eighteen said as she remained seated.
"I'm sorry?" Both her date and alternative self blurted out in shock while Future Seventeen fist pumped in triumph.
"You heard me Krillin. You earned those money, they are yours, your contribution. It would be a shame if I simply take them away." She concluded, cheeks flushing momentarily before reverting back to its porcelain shade.
"Oh...," The warrior monk was evidently at a loss of words as was the deceased mass murderess, whose face burned with shame.
Can't simply take away...how can she say that? W-what does that make me? Who's...who's...,
Taken so much?
"Okay fine, you win Eighteen, no more shopping then." Present Krillin said brightly, having recovered far faster than the repentant killer, "but let's walk a bit some more okay? I uh...you know?" He paused, looking all sheepish and, according to the older blonde, unresistingly adorable.
Apparently, the younger cyborg girl shared her counterpart's sentiment for once and chuckled. "Know what Krillin? If you want to ask me for something, you have to say it out loud." She teased; legs and arms crossed in a faux-haughty manner her spectators immediately saw through.
The biological human was a tad slower to catch on; however, as he visibly gulped as if mustering up courage then declared for all to hear, "I want to spend more time with you Eighteen."
"Of course, I'd love to."
With that, the couple both gotten up and began strolling through the mall once more, their hands joined together despite neither exhibiting visible affections. From across time and space, Future Eighteen cheered them on without reserve while her loyal companion whined, his silver lining being his temperamental sister was no longer going through drastic emotional ups and downs.
Hours later once they were back at the lonesome tree hut, riding an air mobile barely capable of staying afloat despite all the merchandises stored inside capsules, a dirt-covered Present Seventeen who looked like he's just enjoyed a nice exploration would whine for a completely different reason.
"Hey sis, just how in Sixteen's name can our home store all these trash?" The young cyborg youth groaned as he stood waist deep in garments.
"Oops, sorry little bro, shouldn't have thrown those capsules at you." The cyborg girl replied cheekily, earning her a playful mud rub to the jacket.
"Hey, what's that for?" The elder sister cried out before frantically trying to clean her precious clothing of dirt.
It was at that very moment the puzzle was solved, and Future Eighteen, previously riding high on positive feelings, exploded as memories came crashing down. The smearing of blood on that same jacket, the inability to salvage it, and its inevitable destruction.
The jacket I torn up thanks to little bro, it's the same Krillin would've bought for me!
A/N: To all my readers, I must say I am so and I mean so sorry for the lack of update.
When I finished chapter 15 almost two years ago, I never imagined I'd taken this long of a hiatus. Can't say I am one hundred percent back though, just that I still want to finish the story.
One of the reasons I was stuck for so long was deciding whether to have K18's first date match the one portrayed in Long Distance Communication. After debating how to proceed with this chapter, it became quite evident that simply cannot be done without addressing some of the points mentioned in earlier chapters. For my oldest readers, feel free to imagine this story an alternative route taken by the same characters. This also means that no, I will completely skip over some of the plots from LDC in favor of smoother progression.
While I cannot guarantee when the next update will come, all I can say is this story will forever linger in my mind until I finish it. Thanks to all who's followed me this far.