Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

People never know where life may lead them. That is a fundamental fact in the world since the day someone is born. They cry, play, laugh, and soon experience pain from just the sheer fact of being alive. That was true for everyone no matter how their outlook on it all may be. Sometimes, it'd make one wonder. . .what makes a fulfilling way to live?

It was a cloudy morning that greeted Satan City and things had been resuming as normal ever since those catastrophic earthquakes that had occurred months ago. Though they were unaware of the fact that their planet was nearly forfeited to another extra-terrestrial being who aimed to dine upon their delicacies. Life moved on, the world kept on spinning and waited for no one. Everything was as normal as it could get and as boring too. This is evident for a particular, eighteen-year-old High School who lazily sat at his desk, his head buried into his arms as the lecture that made him feel like he was in college went through one ear and out the other. Though, given that this was the prestigious Orange Star High itself, it was understandable from another's point of view. Still, it didn't change the fact that the boy was boring as hell.

"The paper is worth it. . .the paper is worth it. . ." the boy repeated to himself multiple times over. His orange and red sneakers tapped a quiet song that he could only hear, and spiky, black hair that looked albeit abnormal to those around him swayed to the tune while his gray hood with a rose design slacked over his back. The urge to scratch the bottom of his behind from the itching sensation was making him a bit unhinged but he fought it down. Raising, his head, his obsidian eyes stared at the window next to him, "Ms.Chi Chi said I had to get a 'degree' to properly, 'fit in'. She could of at least warned me about what I was getting myself into months ago before I applied."

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, he turned to his right to see a recognizable face. A handsome one at that. Wavy, black hair that was long enough to be tied into a ponytail, bright brown eyes, and a jawline fit for one who can smile a girl's heart away. To top it all off, a checkered pattern button-down shirt with some black jeans? If they didn't know each other, he would call him a pretty boy by accident. Nevertheless, the "pretty boy" decided to warn him nicely, "Hey, Shikuro. You're dozing off into your own imaginary world again. You don't want to get hit with a ruler now, do you?"

The boy called Shikuro blinked for a moment after processing how weird it'd look if the ruler snapped into two from colliding with his body. The thought itself made him shiver at what he'd be in for on the phone if they were to find out, "Ye-yeah! Thanks for reminding me. I better look like I give a damn, Ace" He gave Ace a thumbs up which earned a chuckle from him considering the drool running down his lips.

"No problem, but you better wipe your mouth first," He gestured.

Shikuro, being a bit unaware, took notice and quickly wiped it off, "Crap, you're right! Man, I'm a walking embarrassment, huh—!?!?!"

*CLANK!*

At speeds that one could label as a professional baseball player or maybe an assassin, a metal, scalpel sliced through the air and found itself embedded into the wall behind their seating right between them. The two froze, chills running down their spine as they turned to the one who almost committed murder. A small-looking old man in a white lab coat who was currently stranglin–I mean holding down a frog on the table, "Mr.Yagi and Mr.Sojiro. I best remind you that if you talk during my lecture and lessons again that next time I won't intentionally kill the flies in the room. I'll aim for the grasshoppers instead. . ." Offput by the analogy, the two still felt a bit of a cold sweat at his comment.

Shikuro was the first to stand and bow out of respect, "So-sorry, Mr. Yu. We promise not to do it again."

"Well said, Yagi. You may take your seat but class, even though these two have the top grades in your class, do not follow their disruptive behavior," Mr.Yu nodded, "Now please turn to section 3 and refer to the diagram as I demonstrate.

Doing as told even though he knew full well how pointless it was, Shikuro took his seat once more and turned to the designated pages. It didn't take long for his mind to wander again, his thoughts dwelling on other matters that didn't relate to solving problems or the anatomy of some frog. Images flickered through his head, vivid yet he wanted to suppress them. It was long ago, far too long ago and here he was now. All grown up and living his life of normalcy. Nothing like how he lived back then. However, those old wounds always lingered, crawling up and down his back like an annoying insect.

Eyes narrowed, he began to jot down notes with a hint of aggression. Right now, he didn't feel alive in this setting demanding academic development. He needed to escape. . .to get out and be free to be who he had become. The current him that had walked through the path that life had led him so far. . .

He wanted. . .needed. . .to. Otherwise, he'll never get the answer to his questions.

[- - - -]

(After School, Planet Earth's Satan City: Orange Star Highschool)

Time had worked its magic and flew by with the high-noon sun descending. Kids of all ages within this grade level exited the building one by one, each chatting with their friends about future plans or conversing with teachers for advice on their homework and career paths. Though, each of these groups had a common demographic of people that could be associated. In one particular duo, however, that was easily the opposite. Ace Sojiro, a student who is idolized and popular throughout the entire school was currently walking side-by-side through the main gate with Shikuro Yagi, a new kid who transferred and looked disinterested in making friends with anyone else.

A match made in purgatory. That's what many have called it before. They couldn't fathom how this. . .friendship had happened but they knew their eyes weren't playing tricks on them. Especially since the two had walked across the street to order a meat-lover sub from the deli stand with Ace himself paying for the both of them. Either Shikuro had good dirt on him or they may have to go see a therapist about whether they were real or not.

Though, the other students and faculty's opinions and thoughts didn't matter. They merely went unnoticed as the two received their food and began walking down the street while enjoying the sandwich. Ace though, took the opportunity to dowse his food with some water before asking, "So, got any plans, today buddy? We can hit the arcade again and play Break Fighter 6. This time, I'm definitely going to win and break the tie." Shikuro, in a manner that was far too familiar to some, took a huge bite out of his sub before replying with food in his mouth.

"Mhm, sorry, I'll have to pass this time. I got something to do again," Shikuro said with a bit of an apologetic tone.

Ace raised an eyebrow, "Again? What could you possibly be doing after school?" The young boy only stared at him for a moment before smirking teasingly.

"It's a secret!" Shikuro grinned, his reply earning a rather disappointed look from his friend.

However, Ace was never the type to pry too much into someone's personal life. If someone had to go, he had to go. That was one aspect that Shikuro liked about him and it made it easy to keep things hidden from himself. That said, once the two made it to the street they'd normally part, Ace had already begun walking in the opposite direction towards a suburban neighborhood. Not before waving and saying his peace, "Well, alright. But don't think you'll be off the hook that easily. We gotta hang out sometime, okay? I'll see yah tomorrow, pal!"

"Yeah, I'll see you around, Ace! Stay safe!" Shikuro replied with a wave. Ace nodded before taking his leave, his figure disappearing as he turned a corner. Once he was out of sight, Shikuro quickly took a moment to check his surroundings. Camera's? Check. People? Check. Kids? Check. A random elderly person? Check. He was completely in the clear. In what could be described as an act of being otherworldly, Shikuro tensed his body before vanishing from his previous position. He was like the wind, coming and going yet no one knew where it'll be next. But for those who could perceive things faster than others, it was clear where he was now. Above the clouds, where the realm of what was thought to be ruled by birds, a white blur of aura was drawing a line that parted them. His current speed was akin to even surpassing even the fastest jet known to man though he was playing it safe. Losing his school bag due to overexerted force was a no-go for him. He had to learn that the hard way. Now that he was above the clouds, he dove right in, his body twisting and turning as his figure was covered in white and only left a shadow to show what he was doing.

The hood came off, and so did his pants. But strangely enough, once his pants and hood were shoved into what was presumed to be his bag, the shape of a monkey's tail was swaying behind him and clearly seeable. It was unbelievable to confirm at first but once all was said and done, Shikuro shot out of the clouds with a burst of renewed energy, his face grinning at the feel of moving so fast. Now once a High School Boy bored out of his mind was a Saiyan soaring through the skies as if he had been shackled down for too long. A gift from one of the most important figures of Earth, he dawned a standard black Gi with no undershirt, his orange and black buckled shoes matching with a similar color scheme of another while wrapped around the waist of his Gi and pants was a sash tied into a knot.

"Man, it feels fantastic to finally be able to let my tail loose! I was beginning to think it'd look all contorted!" Shikuro joked to himself as he looked behind to see his tail, "But it's as fine as usual. Now, time to hurry before I'm late!"

Once situated, Shikuro took the opportunity to take another leap in speed and descend toward the ground. He knew his destination was close and at the current rate he was going, he'd be there in no time at all. The only thing he'd find that would hold him up would be the animals that also took to the skies flying next to him, each one curious to see a humanoid-looking character occupying the same realm they do without the anatomy to do so. But to Shikuro, it was merely an opportunity to mess around, as he played and messed around with them, thus causing the animals to respond in kind. It was a good afternoon so far, one that he needed desperately. Although, his body still ached for what it craved most.

[- - - -]

(A Few Moments Later, At One of The Many Wastelands On Planet Earth. . .)

Touching down, Shikuro landed in the middle of the barren land covered in yellow soil. He looked around for a bit, his feet walking only a few steps forward as he continued to sense for someone's presence, "Not here yet, huh? That does give me some time." Taking the opportunity to set his bag down on a rock nearby, Shikuro rummaged through his stuff before pulling out what looked to be ordinary bracelets at first glance. Though, anyone who knew about the Capsule Corp logo could tell that it was some form of tech. Wasting no time, he slipped both of them on and activated them, his body beginning to feel its weight increase substantially though he seemed to still be unaffected, "Still works just fine. I'll have to text Bulma about today's feedback afterward." Smiling as he was now in his comfort zone, Shikuro took the chance to begin a small warm-up.

He made sure to distance himself away from his stuff, his feet crunching the soil into dust due to his weight being amplified by increased gravity. Nevertheless, he took his stance, his feet spreading akin to a mixture of two different styles that couldn't be pinpointed. However, as soon as he did, his fist began to fly and produce a sound that broke the air. Not satisfied with one, he continued with another, his body and mind imaging himself combating an opponent. His feet shifted as if he was dodging a punch and pivoted for a spinning elbow that stopped mid-air. Control was his focus, and he knew the said strike could be blocked easily. Hence he quickly came with a counter. Taking a step backward, his feet only tapped the ground for a second before his right leg whipped into a sharp snap kick. He held it there for a few seconds for stability. He breathed in and out, his brain taking in the good and bad of his few moves. He needed to pick up the pace.

One after another, his fist and kicks were flying dutifully and with purpose. Recalling from his previous experiences and teachings, attacks had to be carefully laid out and each serving a purpose. That was the style best for him and he wanted to improve upon it. Soon enough, he was moving so fast that clouds of dust were surrounding him, a feat displaying his speed as he was now like a blur with his movements. Sweat began to trickle before bursting after another punch was thrown.

"Faster. . ." Shikuro told himself, "I have to move faster. . .!"

Imagining a slicking roundhouse kick was sent his way, he flipped backward to narrowly avoid it from his imaginary foe before swiftly vanishing from the spot he landed in. Likewise, he'd assume they'd be confused as he reappeared behind them with impressive speed alone, his feet dancing in small taps into a roundhouse of his own, "FASTER!" Whipping through the air, Shikuro was sure it'd connect, however, he finally sensed a presence heading straight towards him. . .no in fact, it was already here. Just before his feet could stop on their own, something else made it. A cape figured, skin matching the color of green beans, and two antennae that stuck out of his head. He was tall, his height alone allowing him to tower over most adversaries as his purple Gi flowed from the shockwaves generated by stopping the strike. Shikuro's eyes widened a bit before smiling back at the sudden appearance of the man.

"About time, you arrived, Piccolo. Just in time too," Shikuro greeted.

Piccolo smirked as the kick retracted from his forearm that defended his face, "Hmph, nice to see you keeping up with your training. That kick was stronger than the last time I saw you." Shikuro smirked, proudly puffing his chest.

"Yup! Gotta keep myself at least in good physical condition!" Shikuro chirped.

Piccolo nodded before asking suddenly, "That's good to hear from you. But, I still find it weird that you are reluctant in fighting on the main field. You got serious potential, kid. We could have used that against Frieza or even during the Universe 6 tournament." Shikuro continued to smile, though he couldn't hide his reluctance to answer that question.

"Piccolo. . .you and I both know the reason for that. All my life it's been just a struggle to live. As much as I want to protect everyone together, I just feel my contributions are meaningless in the end. I mean. . .we have Goku and Vegeta to handle everything. . .," Shikuro answered back, adding with a solemn smile, "I just want a breather while doing what my body has always wanted, free of stress and worries."

Piccolo sighed, his hands making their way to his cape. He pushed it off, the weighted object almost nothing in comparison to him right now. However, he always found comfort in wearing it before he tossed it to the side to allow it to land on the rocks. Shikuro, a bit puzzled but realizing the reason why he was here in the first, deactivated the bracelets and took a stance as Piccolo began stretching. While doing so, Piccolo decided to speak, "That's a fair answer. Everyone wants to get away from their stress and worries. To escape into a little bubble with no one noticing. But, Shikuro, you've been in that bubble 6 years too long." The air began to tense around them, the wind blowing against the gold-soiled terrain and kicking up the dust between them.

"You've grown a lot since the day you arrived here and grew even more during your personal journey. Your potential is noteworthy when you came back after our fight against Buu and even now you still seek to grow. But isn't that enough to hold back your talent? You're a Saiyan afterall. . ." Piccolo noted definitively while taking a stance of his own, "Like it or not, you are part of a race hardwired for battle. If you are going to be reluctant to embrace that fact, fine. But take this into consideration. Don't think of your gift as a curse or something you should hide. Think of them as a tool to help keep the things you hold close and safe. In this world, you will be faced with an inevitable choice that'll force you to use them. Remember that. . ."

Shikuro took a mental step back before thinking about what he had said. He held great respect towards the Namekian being that he was the one who also taught him how to fight and utilize his Saiyan abilities better. In a way, he was right. This world was a dangerous one despite the peace that was earned. He thought back to one instance in the past, a moment that he'd never forget but held true to his heart after leaving Earth for a while. A moment that made him fight like no other. A story for another time he suppose but it was a reminder that gave weight to Piccolo's words. He was holding himself back, and right now, he will not for no longer.

His muscles tense, the air vibrating at the sensation of heat exuding from his body. Piccolo, noticing quickly, smirked quite happily at the change in demeanor. Pebbles began to float around the young Saiyan, his feet sliding forward and his focus heightening as seconds passed. This was a spar that was much needed. A spar that Piccolo had initiated as someone who didn't want to see history repeat itself. Shikuro was similar to his other pupil. Reluctant and hesitant to exploit their potential till pushed to do so. He made a mistake once and corrected it but now, he will no longer let such a thing happen again. Watching Frieza turn them into a pin-cushion was gut-wrenching enough and he was lucky Shikuro was on King Kai during that fiasco.

Nevertheless, things were about to begin, the wind ceasing and allowing all the rocks surrounding Shikuro to fall one by one. Everything was moving in slow motion for the Namek, his eyes capable of seeing every detail. The twitch of his fingers, the molecules in the air around him, the descent of the debris hitting the ground. As soon as it made a sound, all of his battle experience kicked in, and immediately notice Shikuro's feet kicking off the ground before he vanished out of his sight. Sounds of swift feet tapping lighting yet powerful around him were heard all over. It was a classic technique, to say the least, one that was a trademark of his rival back in his glory days. Several afterimages of Shikuro appeared around him in seconds, an illusion technique of the Turtle Hermit school that utilizes their quickness to deceive their opponent. But this one wasn't so easily deceived.

One by one, Piccolo began blasting apart the reflections of light, rubbing flying, and creating a smokescreen all around him as he narrowed them down. To obscure not only his own but his opponent's vision while disrupting their strategy. A double-edged sword of a plan but it was suitable for this situation. Just as the dust rose all around him, his eyes caught glimpse of a shadow moving through the smoke, a spark of blue electricity giving him away. Quickly, Piccolo turned around, shouting, "Too obvious, kid! Demon Explosive Wave! " His hand thrust forward and in that instance, an explosive burst of fiery energy rocketed itself toward the concealed figure. Picking up on the attack, the figure turned its head only for the energy wave to explode destructively, its shockwaves rupturing the surroundings and causing multiple cracks to form a spider-web pattern from where it impacted.

Smoke oozing from Piccolo's palm, he knew full well that wasn't enough to give him the wind. A veteran like him had learned to stay on guard, his ears picking up on a faint sound behind him while his senses felt a sharp power spike, "There!"

Turning as soon as he appeared, Piccolo raised his guard and blocked the kick that was aimed at his skull, the force of the ensuing shockwaves akin to a whirlwind of power. His feet began to skid backward but the satisfied smile on his face said it all. Shikuro, grinning back with a racing heart, was enveloped in golden Ki, his hair slightly spiked up as his teal eyes stared into the Namekian's.

"That's what I like to see! Perhaps you'll actually be a good warm-up for a change!" Piccolo noted, his arm brushing his leg off to the side before swiftly countering with a high, right hook.

Shikuro's grin widened at the response, "Warm-up? Then this 'Warm-up' is going to surprise you!" Piccolo smirked at his confidence before it shifted to mortified confusion as he saw him vanish from his sight. He looked around for a moment until he heard a shout from a position he least expected.

"Below you!"

Before he knew it, he felt the bottom of Shikuro's foot graze his chin as he narrowly leaned back to avoid the unorthodox attack. He looked down for a moment at the boy's smug expression, his position rather low to the ground as he used a handstand to reach him. Then it hit him, his eyes glancing over at the bracelets that he was using early, "I see, so he used the Gravity Bracelets to increase his weight. Doing so allowed him to avoid my counter without me detecting a shift in his energy. Clever move."

Taking advantage of his opponent's off-centered gravity, Shikuro spun around from his position and dove low into a sweep that took away Piccolo's sense of touch to the ground. For normal opponents's this would have worked but to someone capable of flight and aerobatics, it was a cake to recover. The Namekian quickly flipped himself a few feet away by performing several backflips to gain some distance. However, Shikuro was already hot on his tail, his golden aura flaring as he propelled himself to follow his target. In mere seconds, the two were locked into heavy combat, fist flying with the Saiyan gaining more ground. Through each exchange was a cross counter to throw the other of course for a switch counter but even that counter was checked by a reactive defense. A right hook ducked underneath, a fiery gold uppercut retaliation only for it to be stopped midway by a green palm. A sharp, right cross that failed to even damage the forearm guard covered in gold. Before finally, the two landed a blow across each other cheek that sent them both backward and performing twirls in mid-air.

Although the instant they made contact with the ground, the two shot up to the skies and vanished from normal sight. Shockwaves began to litter the sky, their speed surpassing anything that human technology could even dream of reaching. The Earth trembled at the force emitted, the terrain soon being littered with explosions that came from above as a golden light was avoided a rain of hellfire. The young Saiyan had to think before finally taking the opening he needed. He halted before dashing straight toward the Namekian who continued to fire away.

Slightly shocked at the boldness, Piccolo continued his array of blasts as Shikuro continued to weave his way around them like an annoying fly, "Trying to get in close? What could you be up to? That trick from before won't work in the sky." Nevertheless, the Saiyan still tried. As soon as he was a good distance away, he brought his hands together in a pose all too familiar.

"Kaaaaa. . ."

Piccolo's eyes widened a bit before smirking, his only comment being, "Ballsy. But. . ." He ceased firing and overlapped his hands together, his muscles tensing as an orb of energy began to formulate in front of his palms. Shouting with intense concentration, the ball scattered in multiple directions to where it surrounded Shikuro. The young Saiyan was taken aback by this, though soon enough, the absurd amount of energy balls shifted forms into glowing constructs that copied the appearance of the user, each one having a finger placed at their forehead and aimed directly at him.

"Tch. . .!" Shikuro hissed.

Piccolo grew serious, his sweat noticeable as this technique took a lot to use, "Theirs nowhere for you to run! Time for my new technique. One that combines the penetrations of my Special Beam Cannon and the quantity of my Hellzone Grenade!" As he noted, all of the fake Piccolos began focusing their energy on their forehead, the crackling and wild electricity forming quickly in succession. Shikuro looked above, below, left, and right. . .he was surrounded from all angles. The only direction he could go was forward.

"Forward. . ." Shikuro repeated in his head. Hadn't that been his only choice since the beginning? When he was born or, when anyone is born, their only option is to move forward. Eventually, everyone will meet a wall but it's up to them to decide whether they find a way to break it or give up and remain where they are: accepting fate as it is currently except changing it to how they want it to be. For him, he was being complaisant with how he was living currently. But that way of living. . .deep down, it didn't feel real.

"Meeee. . .Haaaaa. . . ." Shikuro continued with his chant, a spiraling wave of Ki formulating a blue orb of his resolve. The ultimate and most powerful technique of the Turtle School of Martial Arts was passed on to him as well. Like a wave in the sea, he'll use this technique to claim victory. All around him were enclosing walls ready to stop him, their cracking energy reaching the apex of their charge. So at their strongest. . .: he'll just have to respond equally! His eyes glowed like a burning flame in response to his desire to win, "Meeeeee. . .!"

Unbeknownst to Piccolo, Shikuro's energy had spiked as the spar had reached its climax. Whatever extra strength he may have found, Piccolo wasn't going to let things be as easy. No, he'll make it impossible, "Let's go, kid! Take this, Hellzone's 2nd layer: AP Shell! Fire! " At his command, all of the clones unleashed their respective charge Special Beam Cannons, the sight from afar looking like an execution dome. Things began to move slowly, the last bits of nervousness trickling away all with the sweat on his face. The time was now. Quickly, he split his hands thus resulting in the singularly charged orb becoming two. One behind him and one in front.

" HAAAAAAAAAAA! " Shikuro roared, the orb behind him unleashing a spiraling wave of energy that rocketed him forward at speeds beyond what he was capable of. It was so shocking that. . .the distance between them was closed in at an absurd time. He was already just a few feet away from him when all of the beams fired at him collided with one gigantic explosion behind him. The wind rushed around the land like a storm while Piccolo was shocked to see Shikuro's determined face so close-up. He grunted, silently cursing himself for getting worked up enough to use an incomplete technique. Though, like a father-like son, he quickly channeled his energy into his palms to raise his muscle's defense.

Piccolo claimed loudly in his head, "Not enough time. . .I'll raise my defense and counter swift—!"

"Here goes!" Shikuro shouted, his other hand motioning forward. Piccolo raised his guard high out of instinct, but through the gaps in which he could see, Shikuro altered the course of the second orb and aimed low. . .no, more accurately, right beneath him. Before he could utter a word, Shikuro roared over his thought process, "Second Wave!"

With another burst, the second Kamehameha propelled him up at similar speeds though only for a brief moment. Now. . .the young Saiyan was above him, the Namekian eyes glancing up in complete surprise as Shikuro gritted his teeth from the strain of using such a combo, "Forward, one step forward at a time. I'll shave down my walls little by little until I reach it. So. . ." The swirling energy from the Kamehameha, the kinetic energy from his shift in movement. . .both of them will be used for this next attack. Channeling around his fist, a golden image of Ki in the shape of a Chinese dragon's claw formed around his hand.

"This is my answer: from me to you!" Shikuro internally screamed from his heart. The energy swirling around his hand expanded before throwing his claw-like punch down from above, the image of a dragon's claw reflecting within Piccolo's eyes that showed a hint of pride. He didn't have any means of defense, the action taking place far faster than he could react which resulted in a clean hit across his cheek and jawline, " Ryusoken! "

Piccolo let out a short grunt, his body plummeting to Earth in a spiral of gold and blue Ki before finally impacting the ground. An explosion of energy-like winds shot and spiraled to the sky like a fierce tornado as the ground trembled like an Earthquake. Smoke and debris covered the ground and obscuring Shikuro's vision, his eyes glued onto the spot in which Piccolo had landed. All of the fake copies began to crumble away into dust and nothingness, the Saiyan panting with his golden form reverting to his normal hair color. Soon enough, the dust cloud faded along with the winds, unveiling the Namekian to be flat on his back and looking back up at the sky above, the sun shining on his battered face and torn clothing.

However, despite all that, he was smiling with satisfaction and raised his hand in defeat, the gesture alone causing Shikuro to smile a bit with exhaustion quite easily visible, "Hehe. . .hehehehe, I win. . .this one. . ." He began to descend slowly, before finally landing right above Piccolo. Without saying a word, he sat down next to him and faced forward while trying to catch his breath.

"Heh, seems you grew far faster than I hoped you would. . .that last attack gave me some much-needed PTSD," Piccolo jokingly noted with a slight grunt.

Shikuro was confused for a moment but didn't decide to ask any further questions. No, he wanted to come clean, "Yeah. . .but it was all thanks to you, Piccolo. Your words really were encouraging so. . .thank you. All this time, I've only thought of my training as something to pass the time and get a hang of my powers. But, I was being docile by playing background and trying to live a way that wasn't me. I was making a contradiction to myself. I wanted to know a lot more about myself and my origins as a Saiyan but I never wanted to look at it straight on. No, I was looking at it only partially instead of it at face value. . ." Shikuro took a moment to breathe in the air and glanced down at his hand.

"I was walking in the right direction but I became perpetually stationary on that road ever since I came to Earth. I stood in front of that wall because I was afraid of the answers behind it. . .that's why I never wanted to utilize my potential. To Goku and Vegeta, that's a natural part of them based on the way they lived. But for me, a full-blood as well, the way I grew up and viewed my heritage was different. . ." Shikuro noted, before turning to smile at Piccolo, "But that's not living, now is it? Isn't that what you were trying to say to me?"

Piccolo closed his eyes and smirked, "That's right. . .and what else did you learn?" Shikuro took a moment to think about what he was trying to imply but he figured that he said it already. Yes. . .he did.

"Fighting, whether instinctual or by choice, is a form of communication?" Shikuro answered.

"Bingo," Piccolo confirmed, his eyes reopening to the setting sun above, "Even your past had made you view those aspects of yourself as a curse. That curse is something common for those who have power. We are destined to fight one day. No matter what the battle may be or when. However, through those battles, don't ever think of them as a form to inflict pain. Think of them as a way to understand your enemy and judge them accordingly. Only then, you will be able to choose whether to form compassion with them or put them down for good. That is a realization I've come to learn quite a long time ago."

Shikuro understood and nodded, his eyes darting back to the sky mixed with blue and orange. The day was ending and the night was coming to take over. But. . .it was a calming feeling that made him feel a bit at peace. He wasn't there yet, the answer that he seeks has yet to reveal itself. However, as long as he continues to exist. . .that answer will surely come. A hope that he carries within his heart.

[- - - - ]

(Hours Later, Planet Earth Near Mount Paoz, A Cabin Near The Woods. . .)

Night had come in full view and showcased the beauty of the sky for the world to see. Many were incapable of viewing stars due to living in areas that fostered a lot of humans and civilians. But, to Shikuro, that had never been an issue. It was just a shame that the Full-Moon was currently out and he wasn't going to take any chances of destroying his home. Hence why he was currently in his room, studying away on impulse grilled into him years ago while completing some homework that quite frankly didn't take long. His clock was ticking away, the time reading 11:40 PM and counting. He had been out all day, opting to get in some extra training with his new motivation fueling his every movement. Though, like any other being, he eventually reached his limit and called it a day.

He fiddled with his pen a bit before placing it back down on the desk, his body leaning back into his chair as he stretched his aching arms and legs. Things were quiet, something that he didn't mind much and were used to for the longest time. However, loneliness was always lurking in others no matter how deep they bury it. He sighed, thinking about the kids at his school and their lives. For them, they likely had a mother and father, possibly a sibling or two. Older or younger, doesn't matter. They had a company which is fine until the young Saiyan compares that to his current situation.

He had companions to rely on. Chi-Chi, the wife of Goku is a godmother figure of some sort. Bulma is a cool aunt that he can hang around with. Mentors such as Piccolo, Gohan, and even Goku at some point. But even all of that didn't shake the feeling off. The feeling that he had since childhood—Shikuro frowned, mentally kicking himself. He got up from his chair and plopped onto his back on the bed in the corner of the room. Closing his eyes he only had one thought in mind.

"Mom. . .Dad. . .whether your alive or not, I'll continue to live out of respect," Shikuro turned to his side and slowly opened his eyes, "Whoever you are. . ."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From the Previous Chapter, The Following Day On Planet Earth. . .)

Morning crept its way through the partially cloudy horizon with the very nature of the wilderness waking up early to the sun's rays. Although, one particular commuter, was still laying his morning away in bed, his soft in-and-out breathing showing how carefree he was despite the time. However, his eyebrow scrunched briefly, his body shivering due to the lack of warmth as his blanket was scattered on the floor.

"Ko~~~~~~a~~~~"

He groaned, his body turning to the other side from the discomfort. Whatever, dream or memory he was having, he didn't recognize the voice. Whatever they were trying to say came out in muffles and was barely decipherable.

"Li~~~~~~ve. . ."

Now that was something he could at least understand. But, much to his dismay, all it did was cause him to delve deeper into the dark parts of his mind. Images flickered through his head, a jumble of moments that he could remember so clearly. . .as if they were yesterday. Twisting and turning, he tried to fight them off but couldn't. Though suddenly, the images ceased into one instance. . .the worse one that could have possibly popped up into his head. He knew this scene, his point of view looking around before looking down at his hands. Blood. . .lots of blood. Shaky hands hovering over a pool that drenched his clothes and the faint image of a figure bruised and bloody to no salvation. But unlike the previous message that was muffled, this one was recognizable.

"Shikuro. . .Li-live. . .please. ."

Eyes finally shooting open, the young Saiyan rose from his bed in a panic, his hand clenching over his heart as sweat drenched his body. He took in deep breaths, trying his hardest to regain composure. He shook his head in an attempt to snap himself into reality before he has a panic attack. Once he calmed himself, he looked around once more before taking a look at his hands. The morning sun had brightened them, its rays seeping through his window blinds as birds chirped outside his window. Sighing, he ran a hand over his face until he heard his phone buzz on his nightstand. Groggily and a bit annoyed after what he had experienced, he truly wondered who could be bothering him at this time.

Regardless, he still picked up the phone and took a look at the message sent.

"Hey, where are you right now?" -Ace

Shikuro raised an eyebrow before replying.

"Home? Why?" -Shikuro

"Home!? Dude, what are you still home for? You sick?" -Ace

Now the Saiyan was even more puzzled. Sure, he could catch a cold from here and there, but enough to make him call out? Never.

"No. . .? Of course not. What's up?" -Shikuro

There was a small pause after this reply. For a moment, Shikuro was beginning to think his friend's phone had died and now he was waiting for it to turn back on. Though, soon enough, the next message to come would liven up his day quite quickly.

"Bro. . .class starts in 10 minutes. . ." -Ace

If one were to listen closely, the sound of someone's mind breaking into a million pieces could be heard. The young Saiyan didn't even respond, not because he was contemplating what he wanted to reply with. . .no, it was simply because he was incapable of doing so. His mind? Rendered mute? Body? Completely frozen. Facial expression? Well, he was at least smiling perpetually, right? Good enough if you ignore the silent, high-pitched screams he was trying to hold back. A few seconds passed before the Saiyan shot out of bed as if he were a cat splashed with water. He tripped a bit on his comforter, his lips letting a curse slip in between as he made his way to the closet and grabbed one of the closest sets of outfits he could find.

"Just my luck. . .that's what I get for overworking myself so hard yesterday!" Shikuro complained loudly as he bolted towards the bathroom. Slamming the door behind him, he quickly stripped down and turned on the shower before scrubbing frantically. The cold water caused him to shiver but he had no time for the luxuries of warm water now did he? Once he was clean enough, he rinsed down and hopped out before drying off with a burst of ki. Deodorant was applied quickly and clothing was thrown on in record time before exiting the bathroom in a hurry towards the door while frantically texting Ace.

"Shit! I overslept! Thanks for the wake-up call!" -Shikuro

"Haha, no sweat. I'll see you at school, sleepyhead" -Ace

Even though he wasn't there to hear him say it, he could feel the mockery behind the message. He growled, muttering a single curse, "Ass" Shoving his phone into his pocket, he slipped it into his black pair of shoes containing a yellow star on the side that matched his blue sweats and yellow sweater covered by a black, baggy jacket. With no further time to waste, he booked it the moment he stepped out the door and slammed it shut, his figure already taking flight and soaring through the skies at top speed.

He looked down at his watch and frowned deeply, "You've got to be kidding. 7:59!? I only got two minutes!" With the self-consciousness of time on his mind, he pushed himself to move faster than what was recommended for others' safety. A sonic boom echoed and people who happen to look up at the right time only saw a white blur that flew over them. They were in awe, curious as to what sort of vehicle could produce that speed. If only they knew it was just a high school running late for class.

Once the school was in sight, the young Saiyan took a nose dive toward the roof and landed with just the right amount of force to not stir up any suspicion. Then, he bolted towards the door that lead down to the top floor which was lucky for him considering that's where his first class is located. He looked down at his watch while entering the main hallway and quickly paced himself toward his homeroom as humanly as possible. Still, 8:00 AM, and the classroom was just a few steps away. He could make it, "Looks like I'm right on time. Suck it, Ac—wait where's my ground-to-ground contact?"

With only one step closer, Shikuro went from claiming victory to questioning his defeat in mid-air. He looked around though no one was on site. Even if there was, he was far too powerful for a human to cause him to lose his balance. However, his eyes eventually did catch the very cause of his current predicament: a perfectly placed banana peel just right in front of the homeroom door. Mentally, his jaw dropped but his face said it all. Surprised yet absolutely done, "Son of a—"

*Bang!*

Comically, his but hit the ground first and on cue, the bell rang as he looked at his watch. . .8:00 AM. Sighing, he got up while kicking the banana peel across the hall out of spite before opening the door. Of course, he was greeted by the eyes of pretty much everyone in the classroom but more importantly, the teacher herself. Though thankfully, he was lucky enough to have English as his homeroom instead of Biology. Otherwise, he'd be dodging scalpels for half the period.

"Mr.Yagi, late today I see," Ms.Laurie said eying him up and down, "Do you have an excuse?"

A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he scratched his head, "Hehehe, uh no. I sort of woke up late. I think I need to get a new alarm." The English teacher stared at him for a moment before giving way to his pardon.

"Very well, then I will leave you off with a warning for today since you are normally well-behaved. But next time, try and be on time," Ms.Laurie warned.

Shikuro nodded before heading up the stairs of the lecture hall to take his seat. The eyes on him eased a bit with Ace giving him a morning wave and a hint of silent teasing much to his dismay. He made a mental note to get back at him later but for now, he simply took his seat and sighed with relief. But of course, his mornings weren't that simple.

"Wow, Studious over here waking up late for class? The apocalypse must be drawing near," A voice noted behind him.

Brow twitching, he turned to the person who made the remark, one that he had easily come to dislike since day 1. A girl with long, wavy blond hair, part of it tied into a ponytail, and deep blue eyes. She seemed rather well off considering the expensive embroidery of her clothing and several pieces of jewelry to boot. He was refraining from intent–he means accidentally making a mess of her white, button-down shirt that clung to her body and tearing her nicely patterned tie on top of it. Though, while she gave him a smug smirk, Shikuro responded mutually.

"Funny you should say that, Ryusika. Seeing you here almost gave me the impression that I entered the wrong school. Hath the time finally come? That you realized you needed to further that intellect of yours?" Shikuro retorted, earning a gasp from her while another student sitting beside her glared at him threateningly.

However, Shikuro only glared at him back, almost daring him to try something but considering they were all in class, he was reluctant to do so. Knowing this, Shikuro merely turned back to his own business and began taking out his books for class. Through his peripherals, he could see Ace giving him the thumbs up and trying to hold in his laughter.

"Nice one," Ace snickered.

Shikuro smirked, only adding, "Thanks, I am to please those who want my attention so bad." This little rivalry between him and those two had been going on for approximately two or three months from what he could remember. During the time everyone was attending the Universe 6 tournament, Shikuro had been wasting his life away getting accustomed to school life. However, during his first week of school, things simply didn't go smoothly. Ryusika was a daughter of a famous fashion designer that had monopolized a great deal of the clothing market. There weren't many fashion industries that could rival them and it was well-known that she was the queen madonna of Orange High School. Many viewed her as the pinnacle of what every other girl in the school should strive to be but to Shikuro. . .she was spoiled and needy as one can imagine.

It also didn't help that her boyfriend was as predictable as he can be. The star player of the Orange Star High's football team, Glade. A large, muscular jock who had a sharp jawline and scruffed, spiky green hair, and emerald eyes. A duo that didn't have him on their radar until one moment during lunch. An accident in which Shikuro applied a little too much pressure and caused his bowl of soup to splatter all over the popular girl's expensive sweater. Ever since then, it's been pretty much bad blood between the three of them and every altercation was on-sight with no warrants. Well, a one-sided instigation to be exact considering the young Saiyan could sneeze the wrong way and send them to the afterlife if he felt like it.

Sighing, he attuned himself to the lecture at hand. English was a lenient subject for him and much easier to pretend to listen in comparison to his other classes. The only drawback was that he was bored out of his mind.

"If only I could move the clock forward. . .," Shikuro thought to himself. But, he knew that was wishful thinking. His attention couldn't stay on the nuances of stories and literature dating back to medieval times. Sure, he loved to read from time to time but that was because the modern age had improved on simplifying things instead of speaking in rhymes and riddles.

He looked up at the clock as his hand worked the job of getting the notes down on paper, "40 minutes to go. . .damn it all."

[- - - -]

(Fast-Forwarding On Planet Earth, Orange Star Highschool. . .)

Two, grueling periods had finally passed for the young Saiyan with lunch finally approaching around the corner. If it was down to anything, this was the only time of day that he actually looked forward to on his school days. The only downside was that due to separate schedules, he would be attending lunch alone due to Ace being too damn popular for his own good. Large crowds of ogling girls over a charming boy? Nope, he refused to be stuck in the middle of that. It'd draw too much attention to himself that he would want.

Knowing this, he waved Ace a temporary farewell considering they have the same class together again the following period. Though, as soon as Ace had left, a sensation of malice intent didn't go unnoticed. Painfully right as he was, Shikuro turned around as the sound of footsteps grew louder until he found himself confronted by two students who looked to be part of some sort of club. More specifically, athletic activities. He recognized them quite easily and could already deduce what was happening.

"Let me guess, Glade paid you guys again with his girlfriend's money? Typical," Shikuro assumed, struggling to hide a smirk.

One of the bullies that he recalled was called Utaba stepped forward, his physic reminding him of a certain prince in terms of height and muscle ratio, though his hair was brown instead of the common black "Don't get cocky! All those other times were simply because of your insane luck!" The other student who doubled his height cracked his knuckles in agreement, his name rather difficult for him to pronounce so Shikuro opted to call him Boara as he looked like a boar.

"Yeah, it has run dry as of today so prepare for a beatdown, Studious," Boara added with venom.

Shikuro shrug at how oblivious they could be. If all the other times were luck as he labeled it, then how come he has come out unscathed pretty much every single time? Humans like these are the reason why Mr.Satan makes so much money off false fame. Not that he could complain. He DID graciously help him get enrolled into Orange High School so that's a bonus, "Fellas, fellas, trust me. You don't want to do this today. My luck is at an all-time low and wound up making me late to my morning class." Smirking sinisterly, with Utaba laughing away.

"You hear this guy, Boara!" Utaba asked jokingly.

Shikuro's eyes widened, "Oh damn. . .so I wasn't alone on the nickname. . ." Regardless, the surprised look on his face was taken as a misconception to provoke the two bullies to puff their bravado even further.

"He's vulnerable now. We can finally get him back!" Utaba grinned with Boara right behind him.

The two began to walk toward the Saiyan in an attempt to corner him. However, Shikuro was still fixated on the fact that his nickname for the Boara was common in which he stood there long enough for the remaining dust from a chalkboard to seep through and tickle his nose. His face churned, the itchy sensation causing him to take several breaths as he tried to hold it back. The two bullies stood frozen in confusion, a mistake they would quickly regret making.

"AAAAACHOOOOOOOOO!"

With his last bit of restraint broken, the young Saiyan unleashed the sneeze. His focus wavered, and he had absentmindedly lost a bit of control over his capabilities. As a result, a powerful gust of wind filled the hallway and startled all the students passing by while the bullies who had been at the forefront were taken aback. Both of their eyes widened in shock, the feeling of being connected to the ground revoked as they flew down the hall, and skidded against the floor before finally crashing into a locker that had already been invented before and looked oddly suspicious from the gecko. Whatever substance was in there had smelled terrible and no one dared to open it but now: upon collision, the locker's top door was forced open to unleash devastation on anyone unfortunate to be underneath. What could be presumed as the remains of an expired milk carton proceeded to drench the two bullies and their screams of confusion and disgust filled the hallways while Shikuro scratched his nose.

It didn't take him long to realize what happened and now he found himself looking around frantically. Luckily for him, everyone was scratching their heads with one boy commenting, "Anyone felt that powerful gust of wind? I wonder where it came from." Everyone else shrugged but Shikuro, he breathed a sigh of relief and began to admire the dismay of Utaba and Boara's panic.

"Well, I did warn them. . ." Shikuro muttered before turning and walking away to go find a quiet place to enjoy his meal with a snicker, "I am unlucky today. . ."

[- - - -]

(Forwarding Time On Planet Earth, Orange Star Highschool. . .)

It was already nearing the last period of the day and the young Saiyan was making his way down the lower floors to attend one of the classes that he had to watch out for the most. He'd skip but after repeatedly doing so for so many weeks, the faculty of Orange Star High had managed to tighten up their "security" specifically for him. Whether someone had it out for him among the staff or they genuinely didn't want to see their second coming of a "Golden Child" fall from grace simply because he didn't want to work a sweat, Shikuro couldn't care less. If anything happens, they'll be held accountable. Sighing, he slowed his descent down the stair out of spite before noticing a face that he honestly wished he didn't see.

Glade was impossible to miss for those who cross paths with him through the school. His appearance stood out like a sore thumb and to be frank, he was the one that Shikuro didn't like the most ever since he came here. This was why when the two made eye contact, they both respectively signaled a silent death threat that only they can understand.

"Must ask, how're your lackeys doing? I bet showering with a bar of soap won't be enough to remove that gunk's smell," Shikuro asked, deciding to have a little fun. Considering his dislike for the guy doesn't come anywhere close to him actually feeling hatred. He tried to mitigate and squash their beef multiple times but the football player was far too adamant. Something about him really must have ground his gears as Glade was determined to make his school life a living hell. Granted, Shikuro could ignore him but in the famous words that Vegeta had told him about such a matter.

"If they try to give you hell. Then you show them what hell really is."

Although Shikuro was more about instilling humility, he too had his limits in comparison to Goku. So Vegeta's advice was also an option depending on his mood. An option that he chose at this moment but didn't decide to act fully on it. No, he'll show him how pathetic he was being.

"Why are you asking, Studious? " Glade said. Shikuro's eyebrow twitched a bit. He could never understand it but the way that nickname rolled off his tongue specifically pushed his buttons. But he held his cool as Glade continued, "You should mind your own business and concerns about my friends. Just know, next time you insult my girl the way you did this morning, I'll personally punch your lights out."

Shikuro rolled his eyes, "You mean your 'wallet'? Cmon Glade, stop acting as if you care. But anyways, you're welcome to try but considering you have yet to do so either means you are aware of how dumb it is to try in a school setting or you are scared my 'luck' will embarrass you too." The two stopped dead in their tracks with Shikuro now standing above the football jock who was still climbing the steps below. It was dead silence but Glade soon broke it with a snarl and proceeded to walk past him.

"You're not worth it right now, just consider my warning, worm," Glade growled.

As he climb the stairs, Shikuro responded kindly with one of his own, "Sure, just heed my warning as well, Gladey." He chuckled at the sound of what could be presumed to be a garbage can being kicked. Antagonization, especially when inflicted on that one in particular, never ceases to be funny. Although, with that settled, Shikuro redirected his thoughts back onto the main issue. It didn't take him long to reach his next class, even if he was walking as slowly as he could. Now, he was face to face with the most daunting class.

Physical Education. . .also referred to as P.E

It wasn't like Shikuro was incapable of scoring high in this class. In fact, he was more than capable and if he did utilize his true abilities then everyone would probably write stories of him being some "God of P.E." or something. Though, it was because he was this strong among those who don't even have a lick of the same training he had. That strength would draw too much suspicion upon his normal, guy facade. He had power but he could already imagine the labels that everyone would say. . .they happened once already. Hiding his powers was a task instilled into his head for as long as he could remember. Even though it was long ago since he began doing that, even now he was still told to do so. People of Earth don't believe in aliens capable of erasing planets on a whim. They even go as far as to deny their existence entirely despite experiencing so many phenomena and Earth being destroyed twice. Nevertheless, hiding one's true self in a common crowd. . .it was mentally tiring.

Shikuro took in a breath and opened the locker room door, his eyes darting around for a vacant spot to change. Multiple boys of different appearances were doing nothing but hanging and messing around in one section of the locker room, thus leaving a more vacant part for those who desired privacy. Shikuro, glad that everyone else was distracted, took the chance to slip through and make his way over to the said spot. Opting to keep his tail sometimes made trivial things inconvenient but he could never part with it. It served as a reminder and for personal reasons, he kept his tail. Though, this meant that he had to be quick in changing his clothing and he started by swapping his pants for a pair of baggy gray sweats. Once that was done, he removed his jacket and hung it on the rack nearby, and waited patiently for class to start.

"Hey, have you heard the rumors. . .?" One kid said, his voice garnering the young Saiyan's attention. Eavesdropping to pass the time? Why not? Shikuro turned away and pretended to be minding his own business, even pulling out his phone in the process as the kid continued, "I heard that Ace Sojiro, the one that is friends with that Shikuro kid, has a secret lover."

Shikuro raised an eyebrow but continued to listen as another responded, "Huh, oh, I think I heard the same thing. But I thought it was made up because there wasn't any proof."

"Well, you're right about that. The one who started it was some obsessed chick who coincidentally saw them together though she couldn't describe who it was cause she was wearing a hood. Whoever it was, they sure are stirring up a storm," the other kid explained.

Gaining enough information he wanted to hear, Shikuro tuned out the rest of their conversation and delve into his thoughts, "Ace found someone, huh. . .?" Shikuro never really cared for the relationship aspect of things. Romanticized high school drama was far too confusing and the very concept of liking someone intimately was alien to him. Granted, he never had the best role models for such a complex topic but he could get the gist. He felt happy for him if the rumors were true but at the same time, Shikuro found that it'll be a lot more lonely to attend this school if his only friend will have their time preoccupied with the one he loves. What right did he have to intervene? They found happiness. Knowing that was more than enough reason for him.

Out of respect for the friend that had offered to be in his company since his first week here, that was the least he could do. Soon enough, the alarm buzzed briefly and Shikuro along with all the other students in his gym class began to flood out of the lockers and make their way toward the field. End-of-the-day classes weren't as big, thankfully enough, but the boy-to-girl ratio was equivalent to 1:3. Everyone wore their Orange Star badges at their waist as they waited for the coach to take center stage and explain what they were doing today. A man of tanned skin, his height a bit shorter than Piccolo's while having short brown hair and a bushy mustache. His clothing only consisted of two things despite the cool weather: A pair of shorts to show off his leg muscles and a tank top to show off his upper body.

This was Mr.Hangrem, the most well-known Gym teacher who coaches all of the extracurricular activities regarding athletes. Shikuro didn't know what to think about him. He's had a kind, lady who is passionate about stories as an English teacher. He had a rather threatening Biology teacher who he could swear had some form of dark history with one of the drama teachers. A topic that he chose not to delve into otherwise he'd uncover something heinous. But no, this one was the most confusing to decipher his feelings for. Sometimes, he can see him as a cool guy but other times. . .he was the absolute bane of his existence.

"Good afternoon class!" Mr.Hangrem greeted before noticing the young Saiyan's presence, "I see we finally have a returning student to this class. One filled with nice potential."

Shikuro kept his poker face but internally, he shivered at the way he said: "nice". Whatever he meant by it, he wanted him to rephrase the way he said it. Regardless, Mr.Hangrem continued with his class introduction, "But that's beside the point. As you know, we are gonna have to do physical testing this month. You know, the standard push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups tests. Etc, etc. But for today, we'll be knocking out the hardest test that you all would love: the mile run!" At the mention of the test itself, every single student present started to kick the ground and complain.

"Suck it up, you were gonna have to do it eventually. Now make your way over to the track and wait for your name to be called for your heat!" Mr.Hangrem interjected. Everyone begrudgingly walked over to the track field while Shikuro was trying his hardest not to laugh. Truthfully, he had almost forgotten about these tests, and thankfully, they are easy to fake. All he had to do was run slow enough to get a passing time and he'd be on his merry way for the rest of the day. Since it wasn't his turn yet, he decided to hang out to the side and watch, his eyes immediately picking up on two individuals who he had recognized. They were friends with Ace, though they hadn't spoken much considering he'd distance himself from making any more associations. Especially since one of the two was the class's number one running back for the football team: Vincent Aldreno. A foreign exchange student from a country that he had forgotten about. He stood out with, his short, spiky orange hair, tanned skin a pair of honey-gold eyes while his unique lean build for speed was evidence of his hard work. But his ties to the football team itself were an instant no-go. From what Shikuro could tell from observing him, he was a serious athlete and not much of an outgoing person in contrast to the other one. Kize Kagami was the more outgoing and cheerful one of the two. Though his stature was shorter than Vincent, he is widely known as the number-one rank track athlete in the city. Whatever event there was, he'd always excel in it and was no slouch to be disregarded.

Some even started giving him the nickname the "Yellow Blur" due to his dominance in the sprints with his blond hair and emerald eyes as the basis for the name. There was no coincidence that the presumed two fastest students in the school would be facing off in the first heat. As inhuman as Shikuro may be, he was kind of excited to see how a race would unfold between these two, and judging by the rivalry glance between them, they certainly were aiming to put on a show. It wasn't an everyday occurrence after all.

Once the row of students for the first heat lined their way up at the starting line, all that was left was for the whistle to be blown and the test could start. For what was supposed to be an exercise, Shikuro couldn't help but wait with anticipation. He was always a sucker for sports events as much as he avoided this class. In reality, the only thing holding him back from showing his love for physical activities was the need to stay incognito to everyone else. A task that he was barely doing correctly. After a moment of tense silence, the whistle blew and all of the students were seen dashing out of the blocks. Though only two stood alone at the front. Vincent and Kize were moving at a pace of their own while everyone else lagged behind. From start to finish, the gap only widened with each stride until they found themselves on the opposite side of the track and their competitive natures clashing with one another.

Shikuro had no experience with human sports but for one, he could feel the passion when watching from afar. He could relate somehow, considering he does train and practice the arts of fighting in his own time though that was with a crowd that he thought of as family rather than other people outside the bubble. Thus, he could understand the wide grins on both competitors' faces despite the exhaustion they were likely feeling. One lap, two laps, three, and then four. Each one ran with all their heart and soul until one claimed victory.

"Alright, that makes me the winner Vincent! You owe me a latte!" Kize cheered, his time finishing at an impressive four minutes and fifteen seconds. For a sprinter, that was pretty insane in the eyes of many.

Vincent, still gasping for air though begrudgingly accepting his defeat, finished only about thirty seconds behind after gassing out in the middle of the fourth lap, "Fine, you win this round. But be rest assured that I'll come back with some vengeance." Feeling their thriving spirits Shikuro was having trouble restraining himself. Saiyan urges were difficult to control. If they weren't fighting or watching one, the only other thing would be activities such as these to spark a competitive spirit in them. Shikuro was no exception.

Group after the group went by until eventually, it came his turn. The whistle blew and he still came out with the intent of trying to pass. However, his goosebumps were getting the best of him. All he could think of was the feeling they must have felt. The rush of the wind whipping against their face when facing one another. It was almost like they were fighting, a form of communication that disregarded the use of words. It made him reflect on yesterday during his spar.

One Lap. . .

One step forward at a time. That was what he decided. To live what he felt was truly him. Throughout the entirety of the training session, Shikuro was doing exactly that. Of course, he couldn't simply reveal his powers for the whole school to see. However, his true self still is in glimpses. He was already doing that with his friend, Ace.

Two Laps. . .

His pace picked up a bit, a smile creeping upward as the rush of wind increased. It was normal for him but more importantly, he wanted to fit in without having to change forcefully. To conform to others around him, even just a little. One second. A brief moment of freedom per day. He'd be content with just that. . .

Three Laps. . .

The young Saiyan was beginning to relax, his arms free-flowing and the world around him merely becoming a blur. No one else mattered and it was just him alone. Rush filled his lungs with air, his face grinning widely as he was coming alive. To continue down this path is to learn to live without the worry of being too different and ostracized for it. That was his next step. . .a battle that he had to overcome on his own. Only time will tell. . .

Four laps. . .

Shikuro slowed down once he had passed the finish line, his breathing calm and controlled after the short exercise. For someone like him, he knew that running just a mile with no additional weights was nothing more than a stroll through the park for him. However, he was slowly realizing where may have messed up. He had been too caught up in his thoughts to notice the stares he was getting from every single one of his classmates. He raised a confused eyebrow until he notice Mr.Hangrem walking up to him with the stopwatch in hand. The coach looked at the watch and then back at the young Saiyan a few times and nodded his head as if he were trying to reconnect with reality.

Then, to Shikuro's horror, he grinned, "Well now, young Yagi! I think you should try out and join the track team this year! You're quite the runner!" Shikuro wryly smiled, his face becoming increasingly pale out of nervous fear.

"Wh–what do you mean sir. . ." Shikuro asked, failing to realize that the rest of his heat was just NOW finishing their last lap.

Without a word, Mr.Hangrem showed him the time on the stopwatch and his eyes nearly bulged out of their eye sockets. Four minutes flat. . .Four. Zero. Zero. If it wasn't for the fact that he wasn't who he is, then he wouldn't have believed it. Zoning out so much and getting all caught up in his own emotions had lifted a few of his intentional restraints enough to screw him over. He was lucky this was a test but rumors around the school were sure to spread like wildfire after this. His resolve before still stands but dealing with this during his school life? Now that was a whole other ballpark he didn't want to mess with.

As he internally groaned, he suddenly felt an added weight over his shoulder. He nearly jumped and on reflex, kick the hell out of the one who dared test their luck with an alien capable of leveling the whole area. However, once he realized he was face-to-face with Kize and Vincent, Shikuro tensed.

"Damn, you're really fast! Faster than me! You're that Shikuro kid, right? The one Ace hangs around sometimes when he's not with us!?" Kize said with enthusiasm.

Shikuro's mouth twitched as Mr.Hangrem disappeared into the background to conduct the last group's test while answering, "Ye-yeah. . .that's me. Shikuro Yagi to be exact." Vincent stepped forward with an oddly suspicious look on his face.

"So, Shikuro, why don't you do any sports? That time you just got is right behind that of the high school world record and helps you compete in other sports. Perhaps you should join the soccer or Football team even." Vincent questioned.

Stuck in his thoughts, Shikuro searched through numerous responses and excuses he could use to cover up what had happened. Saying that he was just lucky and got into a good mood was a no-go. A good race of that caliber doesn't happen unless you had prior training. After sorting through that, he answered with a feigned, nervous laugh, "Uh, you know. Gotta keep up those grades, am I right? Besides, I'm pretty sure my mom mentioned that her side of the family had really good genetics for fast-twitch fibers and whatnot."

"Mhm, right. . ." Vincent said with skepticism. Shikuro, only interacting with this guy for a few minutes, was already putting him on his "to-watch-out-for" list. He seemed to be very perceptive. . .too much so for his own good in his own opinion.

Luckily for him, the bell rang, thus signaling the end of the school day as the last heat finished in a nick of time. Shikuro, taking the opportunity as they both were distracted, bolted towards the gate and ignored Vicent and Kize's call for him to come back. Whatever reason they had, he didn't care. He wasn't prepared for a situation where he'd slip up and stir some form of suspicion. He absolutely refused to repeat what Gohan did. He promised he'd do better or Chi Chi would cease all deliveries of her bento entirely. Then what will he eat for lunch? The schools? He refused after finding a literal hairball in his soup that one time.

As his steps quickened, he notice a corner that lead to the back of the school, a place where not much traffic was through which was perfect for him. He took out his phone, giving Ace a quick text about him not being able to walk home with him today before taking the sharp turn that he needed. As soon as his figure was out of sight, he shot to the skies at speeds he was sure no one human would be able to perceive.

It didn't take him long to reach high enough for no one to see, his bag flowing in the winds. He had left his jacket but screw it. He can always go for a later, "Sorry, Ace. . ." Shikuro muttered to himself knowing full well he was going to get an earful later. But, this time was for a good reason. There was somewhere he needed to be.

However, as he turned as he prepared to fly West from where he was, he couldn't help but pick up something odd. . .a sharp spike in a Ki that he didn't recognize. He stopped mid-air, his body twisting and turning to pinpoint where it went. It was dark yet. . .he could feel that it was in great turmoil with itself. A strange feeling washed over him and part of him was telling him to go figure out what it was. However, as quickly as it came, the Ki dialed down, thus leaving Shikuro in a perplexed state. Was he imagining it? He shook his head, "Whatever it was, it's gone now. Not my business, I guess."

That said, the Saiyan wasted no time and dashed forth toward his next location in hopes to direct his mind away from his school troubles. . .Yes, school days were always a pain. But little did he know, someone was watching. . .

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where the Last Chapter Left Off On Planet Earth. . .)

It was already getting close to the middle of the day after school had finished. After stopping by a hotdog stand stationed in a rural area, Shikuro arrived at the city that housed his destination. West City: the metropolis of some of the largest markets and industrial corporations. One is that of the world's most influential and famous: Capsule Corporation. The destination mentioned is the very home of the current president of said company and the daughter of the famous scientist behind the makings of such technology. Shikuro, being a foreigner and more accustomed to wildlife or wooden cabins, was still amazed by all of the high-tech that filled the city and how there were so many people maneuvering the busy streets. Luckily for him, he could fly and could very easily pinpoint the round, house that also served as the basis of operation for Capsule Corp technology.

Casually, he flew down and landed in front of the door of the building, before entering with the keycard granted to him by the owners. One of the many perks of being associated with the richest women in the world. You're just welcomed in whenever you want to which he had concerns though considering one of her friends can teleport then he had no right to judge her. As he entered the building, he tried tracing down her Ki as he fiddled with the Gravity Bracelets in hand, his head twisting and turning to admire all of the clean interiors and lingering Helper-Robots that did all the menial chores. Normally, they'd attack anyone who was an intruder but since he had the card, he was relatively safe from having to turn metal into scrap.

Though, as he grew closer to the Ki signature he had been tracking, two more familiar ones could be felt. Considerably strong ones at that and judging by the sound coming from behind one door, he could easily guess who it was. He smirked, his hand swiping the card to access the room before being greeted by a rather normal sight one would have expected if they had sensed them. Two kids, one resembling that of his father and the other of their mother, both sitting down on bean bags with controllers in their hands while facing an abysmally large TV screen. From the looks of it, they were playing some sort of racing game that was close to its end as one passed the finish line before the other. A child-like cheer filled the room.

"Alright!" the boy with purple colored hair cheered, his friend scratching and rubbing his head in frustration, "That makes it ten to nine! Next round will finish it, Goten!"

Goten frowned, his eyes now filled with determination to win, "Nuh, uh! I'm not going to let you win that easily!?" Shikuro smirked before walking over to the couch that towered over them and leaned forward.

"That's the spirit, Goten. You go, kid," Shikuro encouraged, his voice gaining both of their attention.

They lit up like a Christmas tree once they saw him, the two exclaimings, "Shikuro!"

Chuckling, the older of the three playfully boasted, "The one and only. . .how have you two been." Trunks paused the game and placed his controller down before answering.

"How we've been? We've been good but what about you!? We haven't seen in a while!" Trunks pointed out before asking, "Did you come to finally hang out with us!?"

Shikuro, sad that he'd had to be honest with them, broke the news as kindly as he could, "Not today, sorry. I actually came to see your mom, Trunks." The two half-breeds' once-brightened features were crestfallen from hearing this. His heart twisted for a moment. He had always hated being the bearer of bad news. It never sat well in his stomach to see those reactions afterward.

"I. . .uh, promise to make it up to you next time," Shikuro pleaded, though, considering that he did skip out on a previous promise earlier, he didn't have a lot of merit going for him. So, he double down on it this time around and whisper to the both of them, "I'll send a download link to that game you two always wanted. Just don't let your moms know I sent it. Deal?"

Whatever game it was, Shikuro had earned their grace as they both looked at each other and grinned, agreeing simultaneously, "You got yourself a deal!" With a sigh of relief, Shikuro took a breather for a moment before the very voice he was looking for finally entered the conversation.

"Making deals behind my back, Shikuro? I'm hurt. . ." the voice said. A bit startled as he forgot her ki signature was still present in this room, Shikuro turned to the owner of the said voice, the woman standing just a few feet behind him. Her figure was still that of her thirties, her hair blue and neatly combed while matching her wide blue eyes. She wore a loose-fitting white shirt, a red handkerchief wrapped around her neck with some jeans. Bulma Brief, the current president and head developer of Capsule Corporation was what many called her. But for Shikuro, it was simply just Bulma, "Whatever you promise them better not be anything serious."

Shikuro waved dismissively with a nervous look contrasting it, "Nothing of the sort. Besides, I only came by to give you some feedback on the Gravity Bracelets. They work pretty well but the durability could use a little touch-up" He raised the device and pointed to the noticeable yet small crack on the surface.

"As you can see for yourself," Shikuro added, handing the device over to Bulma who looked a bit annoyed at the damage.

She swore she used enough material to make it durable enough for Saiyan use, "Really now? That's hard to believe that this came from the simple workouts you usually do. What could you possibly have been doing to cause a crack in them?" the young Saiyan scratched his cheek and was quite reluctant to answer.

"Well. . ., I sparred against Piccolo the other day. It was. . .pretty intense and I used them a bit to help gain an advantage. . .," Shikuro noted.

"That explains it. . ." Bulma sighed, waving the device in hand, "You do know I didn't design these for combat purposes, right? Actually, don't answer that, you did know considering I taught you myself as well. These are the only prototype that I have and out of everyone else, I trust you to take better care of them during testing, unlike someone I know."

Hands clasped together, the young Saiyan gave a nervous laugh, "Sorry, sorry, I won't do it again. Though the damage isn't that bad, right? Just a bit of filling in the cracks should do." Bulma frowned a bit at that assumption. It wasn't wrong, such a small amount of damage that didn't affect the hardware inside was easy to fix.

"You're lucky you're my only option. Just be sure not to use these in spars, okay?" the Capsule Corp president warned.

Nodding, Shikuro heeded her warning, "Got it. No more sparring with them! Piccolo will be the last time I use it!"

"Did I hear 'Piccolo' and 'spar' in the same sentence?"

As if on cue, Shikuro half expected that he'd be unable to avoid him. His Ki stood out far too much to be ignored and as soon as the door opened, Shikuro knew who it was. Arguably one of the most powerful beings of the universe and in the history of the Saiyan race, his spiky hair was like flames protruded upward as he wore his modern, Saiyan armor courtesy of his rich wife. Vegeta, the Prince of All Saiyans had finally arrived. He looked around before his eyes finally landed on Shikuro, a grin forming on his face as soon as their eyes met, "Well now, I was looking for a new punching bag and one came strolling into my home out of coincidence? Must be my lucky day"

"Probably not, I've been more unlucky than usual to be exact," Shikuro noted with no context. But the Prince didn't care.

No, he was here for business and Shikuro knew that. Recalling all the times the two had known each other, they only really spent it in one way as Vegeta refused for the Saiyan race to be weak in their few numbers. Especially a full-blood at that. That was why Shikuro gulped out of fear when they came face-to-face. Trauma like no other was still instilled in his body. He trained with Piccolo for a month. Gohan for about three. Both times pushing him to his limits but not breaking him. But Vegeta? No, this man knew exactly how to break someone. Physically and mentally. That's why. . .

"Follow me. . .boy. . ." Vegeta said as nicely as he could.

Shikuro knew what he was implying and so did everyone else in the room. Bulma already saw where this was going and sighed after taking a few steps back over to the alcohol bar she had set in place in the room and sat on the stool. Things never changed. Shikuro tensed but withstood his silent stance, "No. . .I have school tomorrow and my body is still sore from yesterday." Vegeta frowned and turned to Bulma.

"You have him as a legal guardian, right? Write him off for a few days of school," Vegeta demanded.

Too tired to argue, Bulma conceded though rolled her eyes, "Your wish is my command, your majesty." Shikuro looked mortified and betrayed. He tests and even helps her out with designing the Gravity Bracelets and this is how he is repaid. Heresy he says! It must be! Where did her morals lie!? He looked back at Vegeta with a silent plea in his eyes.

"Come on. . .what about my fatigue!?" Shikuro addressed this once more. Although, Vegeta scoffed at such an excuse.

"Walk it off, you're a Saiyan," Vegeta reminded before adding as he shook a bag in his hand, "Besides, one Senzu Bean every twenty-four hours should keep you alive."

Keep him alive? Is he homicidal? Shikuro couldn't tell but he needed another excuse Vegeta took a step forward as a warning, "Wait, wait, wait! What about Goku? Isn't he a better option? If not, then Gohan?" Vegeta paused for a moment, his reaction garnering some hope in Shikuro's eyes as he smirked anxiously. But as quickly as he paused, he return the gesture differently.

"Busy playing the fiddle to his wife and busy tending to nonsense such as paperwork. Also, I'm not giving you a choice," Vegeta claimed. Before Shikuro could interject, Vegeta already closed the distance and from the corner of his eye, Shikuro could have sworn he saw Trunks opening the screendoor while Goten ensured the close was clear. Traitors. . .all of them. Though his lamentations were drowned out by Vegeta's next few words, "Time for some training, boy."

Then, before Shikuro could so much as react, the Saiyan prince grabbed him by the face and dragged him through the door and into the sky. Today. . .was one hundred percent not his day. . .

[- - - -]

(Moments Later, Sunset On One of The Many Rocky Plains On Planet Earth. . .)

The setting sun usually would have been the signal that the day was ending. Stores would begin to slow in business, kids would be forbidden from staying up too late and forced inside, and people would start dinner before sleep. However, at this one very moment, things would only be the beginning. . .

*BOOOOOOM!*

Reverberating shockwaves whiplashed through the grass, shards of rubble spewing like a volcanic eruption as smoke rose to the sky. Animals nearby had started to flee to safety and away from the scene, all confused as to what could have caused such a calamity. But, little did they know it was just the impact of a Saiyan Highschooler getting tossed around like a ragdoll. Shikuro groaned as he steadily rose from the crater that he was in, his hand rubbing his head and checking for any bleeding. Thankfully, he was alright for now but he knew damn well he wouldn't be for much longer.

"Damn, that hurt. . ." Shikuro complained before noticing Vegeta descending from above. He shot him an annoyed glare that only served to spark Vegeta's competitive spirit, "You could have let me go after I gave up halfway there. Besides, isn't the Gravity Chamber available? Why bring us all the way out HERE of all places?"

As Vegeta touched the ground, he chuckled at the now riled-up junior, "First off, I did let you go. Secondly, the Gravity Chamber is broken but Bulma doesn't know yet. I was originally going to 'ask' her to fix it but then you showed up. Now you'll be my 'business' to occupy till it's fixed."

"Still, you could of at least dropped me off at home. I got homework and stuff in this bag, you know?" Shikuro frowned.

The Saiyan prince retorted with a hint of disappointment, "Forget all that. You and I both know you are only there for your own independence. None of that matters right now so hurry up and get ready." Shikuro remained silent before sighing. There was no way he could deny that one and the option to at least change into more suitable clothing was also voided once he refused the first time.

"Man. . ." Shikuro grunted, his feet propping himself up before tossing his school bag off to the side. He'd find a more suitable or safer spot but even that didn't guarantee that his stuff wouldn't go up in flames. Cracking his knuckles, he made one final complaint, "Just take it a bit easier than last time. I kind of find this shirt quite comfy."

Vegeta, arrogant as he was prideful, brushed that concern off to the side, "Take it easy? Now, why would I insult you more than I already am? You won't even push me to that breaking point." Feeling challenged, Shikuro glared at him, his body only tensing for a brief moment with the air around him heating up. His energy began to rise, the ground trembling at his feet and the grass swaying gently in the wind. With a burst of energy, golden light enveloped his form, his hair shifting from black to gold and eyes to teal. Shockwaves whipped past Vegeta who stood near the vicinity of the legendary transformation of the Saiyan race, even going as far as to smirk a bit as he notice a change in Shikuro's demeanor.

"I see you weren't kidding about viewing me as a punching bag. . .," Shikuro growled, "Then I'll just have to be the first punching bag that fights back!"

Vegeta chuckled at the threat, "Trust me, I know you will. Your power alone with just Super Saiyan is impressive for someone who trains the way you do. Potential is there but still not enough to make me take you seriously." Having enough, Shikuro dashed forward, blades of grass blown backward as all the force was placed in the opposing direction. His fist cocked back to generate power before he hurled it towards the prince's face. . .

*WACK!*

Shikuro's went wide eye, his fist stopped right in the palms of Vegeta that callously stared back into him. The young Saiyan growled, his Ki flaring even further though it did little to even push Vegeta back for even an inch. The prince smirked at the rather cute attempt, "You're far too green, boy. Head-strong but too straightforward!" He gave a brief yell, his eyes glistening as an invisible force pushed against Shikuro's body.

His muscles ached from the sudden pressure and his Ki dissipated with his back hunched over as if he were punched in the gut. Kiai: a basic form of Ki manipulation that sends a powerful shockwave at its target to knock them back. Normally useless against opponents of relative strength but effective when dealing with weaker foes. In this case, the latter applies and Shikuro hissed as he was sent flying into a nearby boulder. Shards of rock spewed out from where he crashed, the smoke clearing briefly to reveal Vegeta smirking away as he struggled to regain his composure. His shirt was partially torn which sucked but he was starting to think that was the least of his worries.

"What's the matter, boy? Do you need me to tuck you in?" Vegeta mocked.

Shikuro snarled at the offer, "N-no. . .!" He crawled out of the boulder and retook his stance for combat as the Saiyan Prince had a glint in his eyes.

"Good, that's good. Don't take your eyes off your opponent for a second," Vegeta complimented, his arms folding over each other, "Now come! I'll whip you into where you should be myself!"

Shikuro didn't understand what he meant but his words were oddly empowering. Wasting no time, he attempted another dash toward him, the action itself making Vegeta internally shake his head at his repetition. However, he was quickly proven wrong as once he drew close, Shikuro changed directions before he could make a move. At one moment he was close, then the next, he distance himself before charging in once more. Then he retreated. . .then charged. . .before suddenly he was moving sporadically all around the Saiyan prince, afterimages duplicating in numbers that couldn't be counted in a short amount of time.

"This trick? Surely you jest," Vegeta questioned. Speed was his only option here. He couldn't afford a head-on clash against someone of his caliber. This is why the afterimage technique was meant to buy Shikuro enough time for an opening where he let his guard down. Unfortunately. . .Vegeta decided to be different today. He unfolded his arms and began scanning through the duplicates that surrounded him. Silence filled the air but before long, his eyes sharping turned to his left. The soles of his shoes dug into the ground as he dashed towards one of the afterimages that had been made. Though this one soon morphed into complete shock as Vegeta slugged it across the face.

The ensuing shockwaves from the blow dispersed all the surrounding copies and left only the one that had been struck. His guess was right though, despite the young Saiyan blacking out for a moment, Shikuro regained his foot and retaliated with a low sweep in hopes to disrupt his balance. Vegeta saw this though and leaped back just enough to avoid having his feet taken by a sneaky attack. Although Shikuro was determined, his body spun swiftly, and stepped into a high reverse kick aimed at Vegeta's skull. A mistake he'll quickly regret.

Vegeta grunted and quickly grabbed Shikuro's leg much to his surprise before he felt himself get hoisted into the air. The Saiyan prince roared and slammed him onto his back so hard the ground indented deeper into the Earth. Eyes widening from the feeling of his spine nearly snapping in two, Shikuro gagged and coughed as pain washed all over his body. His body shivered from the pain, time giving him no room to cope with it with Vegeta looming over him with a fist ready to pummel him into the dirt. . .literally.

"Tch. . .!" Shikuro hissed, his free leg kicking away Vegeta's arm for freedom. A second was all he'll ever get so he made use of it and flipped himself onto his feet and dashed away. He needed to think a bit. Just how is he supposed to fight someone that had a counter to everything he'll do? Finding an answer to that was going to take time. . .time that he simply didn't have. The Saiyan prince was already in hot pursuit, his speed in his base alone capable of taking him far enough to close the distance in a single stride.

Shocked, Shikuro aimed to change direction to throw him off but before he could do so...

*Grab*

Looking down in confusion, Vegeta had already gained a tight grip on his shirt. Time slowed for Shikuro since he wasn't even sure when he had been already caught, the only words escaping his lips being, "What—-graghghh!" His sentence was hitched, the feeling of all the air in his body leaving at once as Vegeta's fist made itself nice and comfy into his gut. His back hunched, a shockwave passing through and likely causing a great deal of internal damage. Shikuro's mind nearly went blank, eyes growing white as his hair reverted in color before he hit the ground face first. . .hard.

There was a slight pause between him going in and out of consciousness before he began coughing furiously, blood splatting against the grass while Vegeta looked down in disappointment. The Saiyan prince spat to the side, "Was that all it took? Except for being a punching bag that 'fights back' you became one that was simply a moving target." Shikuro couldn't respond properly but his eyes said it all when he glared back at him.

The fire was there at least so Vegeta decided to cut him some slack.

"I suppose we'll have a lot of work to do. When you are done whining over your love tap, come over there for a bite to eat. Afterward, we'll continue once more," Vegeta pointed towards a rock formation resembling a circle. Convenient to say the least and as he began walking towards it, he gestured a small wave of approval, "But at least you weren't too disappointing. You might have given Gohan at his peak during the fight against Majin Buu a problem. But again, that was against Majin Buu of course. That's nothing to what I am right now."

As he disappear over to the area he pointed to, Shikuro slowly rolled himself over to face the sky above. The orange had nearly faded into the black, the sun absent as the crescent moon stood above. He breathed in and out slowly, relaxing his body in an attempt to ignore the painful sensation that kept him grounded. He had lost. A completely one-sided defeat with him gaining little to no improvement. He didn't even make him sweat. To say it wasn't frustration. . .it'd be a lie and to make it even worse. . .he found himself relishing in it a bit. He sighed, the confusion causing his mind to go blank as he watched the stars above appear one by one. This was only just day one if he could assume. There is never one full day of training with the Saiyan prince. He'll run him dry before he could even get a wink of sleep, only to repeat the process. Knowing this, Shikuro's leg twitched with the intent to run. . .yes, all it took was a twitch.

*BOOM!*

In that instance, one of the boulders was blown into smithereens as a warning. Shikuro chuckled to himself at the predicament he was in, noting out loud, "Can't fault a man for trying. . .I'm so dead."

[- - - -]

(The Following Morning On The Rocky Plains of Planet Earth. . .)

The night veil was beginning to slowly diminish, the sky cloudy yet somewhat bright as the morning was creeping its way through. Birds that roamed the plains were chirping their morning songs as one would expect but for one individual, waking up was the last thing on his mind. Truthfully, he'd rather sleep in the whole morning after what he had dealt with. Bruised, and a bit bloody with his clothes torn in all areas, Shikuro leaned against a rock with a makeshift blanket covering his body. He had finally fallen asleep after all that he went through last night. Vegeta had continuously forced him into a spar with each one becoming increasingly more brutal than the last. It was honestly both embarrassing and. . .well he wasn't sure what else. He had been beaten more times in a single night than he had been in a whole year. Something that didn't seem possible at first.

Personally, Shikuro believed he earned a good amount of rest. He did pretty dang good and was improving over time. What's snoring his life away going to hurt? It was okay in his eyes. Well, only in his eyes considering a looming shadow had blocked out the little light that came through the clouds and stood over him. He would believe that it was out of courtesy but he knew exactly who he was dealing with. Even in his sleep. . .hell was relentless. A prince of Saiyans, fist raised as he blew a kiss on it for good measure. Then, going from a peaceful sleep to screaming in pain, Shikuro felt Vegeta's fist sending him flying with a swift blow to the face, his body performing several flips in the air before he finally landed back on his feet.

Now, he was awake. He rubbed his cheek irritably and crankiness was getting the better of him, "Damn it! You could have just shaken me awake with a light jolt! Araaagh, that hurts!" Vegeta folded his arms in amusement.

"Waking up a Saiyan the peaceful way? Maybe if you were a half-breed but that isn't the case, now is it?" Vegeta mused and shrugged, "Besides, I didn't have a bucket of ice water so I used the good old reliable Saiyan Style of waking a private up."

Shikuro frowned, "Man, and here I thought I would get a decent amount of sleep. I deserve that at least, right?" Vegeta scoffed at the presumption.

"After what happened last night? I'd say you get ten minutes of grace at most if I'm being generous," Vegeta argued, "I'm going to push you beyond your limits, boy! You'll be where you should be once I'm done with you!"

The young Saiyan sighed, raising his arm in defeat as he saw can feel Vegeta prompting him to start already. Unlike other times, he can't tell if this time around was training or if he was just his punching bag to kick around. Either way, he wasn't going to be able to leave anytime soon and his phone is dead. He cheered as if he were dead inside, "Hooraaaa. . ."

"Indeed. . .now, think fast!" Vegeta shouted, his thrusting forward and unleashing an energy wave straight toward Shikuro. The young Saiyan quickly shifted back into his stance and transformed right into a Super Saiyan to increase his chances. From the countless spars they had over the course of one night, he realized that Vegeta was raising the difficulty overall each time they sparred on purpose. This made Shikuro weary of any attack he unleashed because it could either damage him or seriously kill him if he wasn't careful. Hence why he took to the skies, not only to be safe but also to keep his stuff from being incinerated. Just as predicted, the energy wave was indeed homing, its trajectory bending to track him.

Knowing this, Shikuro countered by firing several energy waves to intercept it. Homing blasts were tricky and he didn't have the necessary speed to outrun them. But if he was correct about his previous assumption, they were easy to disrupt even for the weakest individual. They'd have to put in a good amount of Ki to make it stronger but doing so would be still taxing as homing blasts by nature take up energy to maintain in the first place the further they travel. So once the blast collided with an explosion, Shikuro had already propelled himself through the smoke thus leaving the energy wave to pass behind him due to it being slowed down.

Vegeta was awed for a moment, commenting, "Impressive. You temporarily slowed the blast down with your own just enough to slip by and exploit the weakness of homing blasts to your advantage." Shikuro smirked, his fist cocking back for a moment as he drew close. Though, it was all a ploy to get Vegeta to relax a bit considering how predictable such an attack would be. Just before he threw the punch, he front-flipped mid-air and used the momentum to deliver a thunderous axe kick from above. Vegeta smirked without worry and blocked the kick with his forearm rather easily. The force traveled to the ground and split the Earth in multiple directions as the two were locked in close quarters.

"I'd have to thank Piccolo and Gohan for that tip," Shikuro noted.

Somewhat glad that he was using previous training lessons, the Saiyan prince was still, far from where he wanted things to be, "That's a nice step in the right direction. However. . ." He pushed Shikuro's leg off and hurled a punch that narrowly graze Shikuro's chin as he flipped away. Although, the moment he touched the grass, Shikuro sprung back into action and unleashed a flurry of strikes while Vegeta calmly dodged each one with his innate perception and focus.

"You still are lacking," Vegeta said bluntly, his eyes picking up on an opening that he slipped an uppercut through. Shikuro's eyes picked it up however and crossed his arms just in time to block it, the blow briefly lifting him into the air. Using this to turn the tables, Shikuro wrapped his legs around Vegeta's arm and leaned enough to place two palms on the ground before flipping backward. This resulted in Vegeta being thrown away as soon as he released his grip while he fired several energy waves at him the moment their eyes met while upside down. Regardless, despite the effort, the Saiyan prince deflected them with several swipes from his arms and legs before landing on his feet in a brief moment. Explosions from where the blast landed erupted behind him as he dashed forward, his feet kicking up blades of grass. Shikuro hissed, his body twisting to land on his feet and getting ready to defend himself. Now, a flurry of punches and kicks was coming his way but unlike Vegeta, he was having difficulties while the prince continued, "What you lack is the 'thing' that'll spark your true passion."

"My passion—ngh!" Shikuro muttered before a fist slipped through his guard and struck him across the face. He nearly fell over but he stomped his feet and steeled himself to return a blow. Hands clenched into a fist with a low, left hook hurled at the Saiyan prince's liver area. But, to Shikuro's surprise, Vegeta saw it coming and caught the strike. Punishing him for such a mistake, he kneed Shikuro hard in the stomach although this time, he didn't deform the moment he got hit hard in the same area. Progress but it still hurt like hell. Baring with the pain, Shikuro vanished from Vegeta's sights to gain some distance between them, his reappearance a bit wobbly as he struggled to stand.

Vegeta remained still as he watched him try to regain his breath, "You're training session with Piccolo could easily be felt from where I am at, boy. You did pretty well from what I can tell, however, you aren't fully there yet which is to be expected. A Namekian wouldn't know how to force a pure-blood Saiyan out of its shell." Shikuro took slight offense to that but kept his tongue if he didn't want to escalate things further.

"You know what your problem is?" Vegeta asked.

Shikuro raised an eyebrow but he felt danger directed towards him. His body tensed the moment Vegeta appeared before him and once more he was being bombarded with heavy blow after heavy blow while the prince himself continued, "You train and train more often than Gohan but at the same time, you train just like him!" another blow came harder than the rest and sent Shikuro skidding backward before more hammering blows came his way. Now, he could barely fight back.

"You train because you feel obligated to do so not as something that is a part of you. For the half-breed, I can understand but you. . ." Vegeta remarked, his fist fainting a punch into a grab. Shikuro's eyes widened as he was once more hoisted into the air and thrown right into another boulder, the impact cracking it a bit as blood escape his lips from a cough. However, Vegeta was ruthless this time around and gut-checked him with a hard blow to his liver. Shikuro gagged for a moment though steeled himself back into the fight. He countered with a knee only for it to be stopped at Vegeta's palm while the following punch was halted by him wrapping his hand around his wrist. The two locked eyes in heated combat, "Surely you get what I'm saying through our spar right now. For someone who is purebred, it stands to reason for me to question where the hell your love is. From what I can tell, it's either lost somewhere or. . ."

Vegeta paused and his expression shifted into something that instilled fear into Shikuro's heart. Face darkening and eyes showing intent to kill was what he felt as Vegeta added, "It feels like you are taking your damn sweet time to wake up! If you truly want to grow! If you truly want to move forward! If you really want to truly live like you! Then. . ." Vegeta took the moment to headbutt him much to Shikuro's surprise, his grip loosening while Shikuro was trying to shake off the excruciating pain. The Saiyan prince reeled his fist back and tightened to the point that his gloves squeaked.

"Quit being so damn timid about it!" Vegeta shouted his next punch landing directly into Shikuro's chest. Everything went blank, the feeling of his ribcage nearly shattering like glass, the boulder was reduced to rubble, and all of it went unnoticed as Shikuro was blown backward. His body tumbled across the grass before finally colliding with another boulder from afar. He coughed even harsher than last time, blood constantly spewing and staining the blades of grass red. His ears were ringing but he could still hear Vegeta's feet walking towards him until he fully loomed over him. His vision was blurry but he could tell just by the look on his face that he was completely serious and stern with what he was about to say next, "You're done for now. But just know, if this continues at this rate, you'll surely die before your time here is over. So eat this, and be ready in five, boy"

He dropped the Senzu Bean at Shikuro's feet and began to walk away. With Shaky hands, Shikuro picked the bean up and chewed slowly. He leaned back as the clouds grew even cloudier. It was only day 2 and he felt like a complete mess. Another loss was dealt to him which wasn't new but this one in particular. . .it really did sting. He sighed, leaning back against the unstable structure of the bolder. Fighting was also a form of communication yet he failed to understand the thing that sparks his passion. It didn't take a rocket scientist to understand why that was the case. . .Vegeta was just simply much stronger than he was. . .

Shikuro gritted his teeth, a frown forming on his face as he slammed his fist against the boulder behind him out of frustration, the rock structure now collapse from the added force. He sighed pathetically and looked at the hand he used to destroy it, muttering, "He's too strong. . .way too strong. . ."

[- - - -]

(Several Days Later On The Rocky Plains Of Planet Earth. . .)

Days had passed since they had begun this perpetual torture that Vegeta calls a training session. Five in total to be exact and throughout the entire time, Shikuro had experienced what the hidden eleventh layer of hell was like. Truly, the descriptions didn't live up to the real deal. It was already deep into the night when the moon had vanished from sight. A moonless sky just right for a fight where the only source of light was the stars above. However, as one may already know, this fight was still a one-sided annihilation from the looks of things.

Blood dripped onto the tip of a single grass blade, a panting figure struggling to stand as blood seeped from his exposed shoulders to his fingertips. Shikuro was struggling to stay completely awake, this particular spar of there's going on for almost exactly twenty-four hours. A full day of nothing but fighting? No sleep, no food, not even a break. He was surprised he was even alive and more so that Vegeta who stood across from him wasn't even showing signs of fatigue. What was his secret? Bulma must be making him some extra special kind of energy drink for him to be able to train for this long non-stop. Granted, he didn't really push him to exert himself much but still. . .it was impressive.

Believing he didn't have time to be in his thoughts, Shikuro remained on guard, his body shifting back into a stance despite his injuries, half-torn clothing, and tired expression. Vegeta on the other hand was glad progress was still being made yet he was growing impatient, "Not giving up? Good, I like that. Though, you've reached your limit. You understand that any further will likely kill you." Shikuro paused for a moment before steeling himself. He knew that whatever he thought about it didn't matter.

"Isn't that what you've been trying to do for the past five days? There's no running away for me, right?" Shikuro noted.

Vegeta chuckled a bit, affirming, "You're right. . .there is no going back for you." Without a word, Vegeta shot up to the sky above faster than Shikuro could react. The young Saiyan looked up above in confusion at what he was planning until he notice Vegeta's hand directed down towards him. A sharp spike of Ki. . .that was all he needed to sense before realizing what he was doing. Fear and panic filled his eyes as he saw particles gather into a large, raging, and unrestrained ball of energy at Vegeta's palm. He wouldn't. . .

"You're taking this too far, Vegeta! If you do that then you'll wind up destroying the Earth!" Shikuro exclaimed.

However, the prince didn't seem to care and instead further his resolve, "Then that'll be on my guilty conscious along with yours. If this blast even remotely risks the Earth being destroyed then it'll also fall on the one who failed to stop it! But by all means, I'm confident that I can but what about you!? How will you be able to handle this do-or-die situation!" Shikuro grunted, his brain trying to formulate an argument that could sway him to reconsider. But nothing came to mind.

From the way things looked, the Saiyan prince was dead set on risking the Earth for the sake of his training. Such dedication bordered the lines of insanity. Scratch that, this was completely insane. Everyone could die if he. . .oh. Shikuro, slow as he was, was finally getting it. This was the type of situation that Piccolo had mentioned. Where the sake of everyone that he knows is put at stake and falls upon his shoulders. An event where he needed to utilize his potential. . .the key to that being. . .

"What you lack is the 'thing' that'll spark your true passion."

Now, he was being forced to find it or die. He whispered, "Shit. . .". With an injured arm, he doubt he could manage even a half-decent Kamehameha at the moment. Without that, his overall firepower wasn't enough to stop what was to come. He had to push and deflect it away, somehow. With his good arm tensing and preparing for the worse. Shikuro took in a breath and faced him head-on, his eyes showing sparks that made the prince intrigued.

"That's the look. . .I sure hope you're ready!" Vegeta shouted, his ball of energy nearly doubling in size to the point that it looked like a miniature blue sun. One push was all it needed to be unleashed. . .and it came in just one command, " Big Bang Attack! "

The miniature blue sun fell from the sky, a lone golden light in the face of impending death. Mustering bits of courage at a time, the figure shrouded in light roared to commit to this act of bravery. Both hands thrust forward at the moment that the large mass of energy was close to the ground. His palms pushed against the surface, a burning sensation filling every nerve in his body as he struggled to redirect it. His feet skid back, his efforts proving to be in vain so far while the veins in his arm were constantly pumping blood. Survival instincts were at an all-time high for him as Vegeta watched from above and waited for any moment of slip-up. Even though what he said had seemed true, he wasn't going to let his wife and son die over something like this. However, he would let Shikuro die if he didn't meet the end goal of all this. Thus his eyes narrowed as he watched the young Saiyan struggle, his teeth gritting as no progress was being made.

"All that time and this is the best you could do!?" Vegeta asked. Shikuro directed his attention to Vegeta who floated on a pedestal above him. He was expecting a look of displeasure at the display but this time was different. It was almost like. . .he was having high expectations, "When will you wake up!? When will you take initiative!? Ask yourself that right now! That passion that burns at the very core of your soul and stems from your heritage! Just when will that heart of yours finally be released from those restraints!?"

Shikuro's eyes widened for a moment, "Heart. . .?" He looked down in deep thought with the revelation hitting him to the point that he was stunned, face frozen in realization. Shaving away the wall? Taking a step at a time? Those wouldn't do. Not now at least. What he needed was to find his driving force to push him along that long road. An emotion that'll spur him on through the endless obstacles that'll come his way and keep his mind sain. Passion. . .that was what he called it.

Golden locks of hair shadow his face, and the sound of fierce gales whipping passed him becomes nothing but a blur. Throughout this whole training, that strange sensation of frustration from defeat yet fulfillment was confusing him. Five days it took him. Five long days for him to realize why he felt that way. Deep down in his soul that is his heart and his heart that is his soul, Shikuro found the thing that was needed to ignite his passion: the Saiyan instinctual love for challenges and self-improvement.

He looked up, golden flames exuding from his eyes as he roared to the heavens itself, "ARAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" The speck of light flickered briefly only to erupt into a mighty inferno of power. From the depths of Shikuro's heart, power surged through him and granted him strength. Light exuded from his palms, his hair spiky up with one long bang protruding to the side and another shorter bang remaining the same. Blue lightning raged throughout the terrain and exuded from the young Saiyans aura, a gold light emitting from his palms. With one final push, Shikuro roared once more, this time his power spiking to a level that caught Vegeta briefly off guard.

With a burst of golden energy, the miniature blue sun was redirected into the night sky above and detonated into a large explosion that filled the area with light. Every animal within the vicinity woke up from the sudden shine under the presumption that the morning sun came early. Though, they weren't wrong in that regard as it soon rose in just a few minutes once the energy dissipated.

The prince of all Saiyans looked stared down below him, his eyes glued onto Shikuro, "That burst of energy was unexpected. But it came and went in just an instant. Regardless though. . ." The prince floated down and landed right in front of Shikuro who looked to be on the verge of passing out. The form he took. . .it was undeniable at what it was. A form born from the depths of a Saiyans 'heart' exploding to life. That was how he achieved it at one point in his life.

"Congratulations. You finally reached Super Saiyan 2," Vegeta smirked.

Shikuro, barely able to hear anymore, slowly smirked before finally reverting into his base form and collapsing from exhaustion. The rising sun did nothing to bother him to deter him from resting right here judging by the look on his face. That said, Vegeta chuckled a bit before tossing a Senzu Bean onto his chest as Shikuro was fading in and out of consciousness. The prince turned, atlas satisfied, "That's enough. You finally reached where you are supposed to be so I guess you earned your rest. This training session is finally over." He walked off a bit so he wouldn't disturb him too much.

"I'll admit, at least you colored me impressed on this final day," Vegeta commented. His Ki flared and took to the skies with Shikuro being left behind.

The young Saiyan chuckled a bit, slightly glad that he was finally able to earn a bit of praise. He continued to stare at the brightening, clear sky above. Not a single cloud was in sight as the shining sun shone upon him. Despite this, everything was still going dark but to the very least, he finally understood the reason why he was put through the wringer. He smirked, closing his eyes and before he drifted away into a well-earned sleep, he noted out loud, "That was fun. . .but too bad I have school today. . .that just sucks."

Darkness would come but hold onto your heart. With it, you'll find your way even without a light. . .

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(The Following Day After The Events Of The Previous Chapter, Planet Earth. . .)

One long day had passed after Shikuro's final spar against the Saiyan prince. He'll admit, things had been becoming quite hectic as of late. First, he spars against Piccolo. Then he was far from an eventful and unlucky day at school. Then lastly, he gets beaten to the point of exhaustion for five days straight and nearly dies in the process. If all things check off then he'd say it could have been worse and things should be smooth sailing from here on out. The bright side is, he skipped three days of school and unlocked a new form. Downside? Well, he might have made a new enemy he didn't want. . .

"You and I have to talk. . .Don't think skipping school will save you from me." -Ace

It was now morning with said Saiyan already rising from his bed and now staring at his phone with a blank expression on his face. He sucked at keeping promises. That much he knew. He could skip but Bulma would likely know and send Vegeta after him. After dealing with her hound for five days straight, he honestly didn't want to go for another round with that beast. Shivering and rubbing his thighs as his injuries weren't fully healed, Shikuro found the will to crawl out of bed and go get ready for school. He had woken up early thanks to his sleep schedule being in shambles so he had time to be a bit leisurely in his preparation.

Although, missing a few days of school wasn't much of an issue for him. Courtesy of having Bulma as a teacher, Chi Chi as a looming figure that demanded studying, and Gohan who helped him out with things he didn't understand, he was sure that whatever was being taught wasn't anything he didn't know or would eventually come across later. Though, he still didn't consider him the smartest of the bunch. He simply knew enough to support himself when needed which was all the reason why he was going for that certificate to prove that.

Opening his closet, he pulled out a set of clothes and made his way to the bathroom for a relaxing shower to soothe his aching muscles. Once he was done, he exited the bathroom door with steam oozing out into the hallway, his current attire consisting of ripped jeans, orange and red shoes resembling that of converse as a star symbol was etched into the side, and a red checker pattern hoodie that was unbuttoned to reveal a white T-shirt underneath. He yawned a bit as made his way over to the door while picking up his bag before exiting his home and making sure it was locked. He looked to the sky before taking off in the direction of Satan City.

He had time to kill considering how early he had woken up but it was rare for him not to be in a slight hurry to be somewhere. Procrastination was his strong suit after all. Regardless, once he made it to the city, he took an opportunity to stop by and pick up a breakfast sandwich before taking a nice stroll to school. Honestly, despite everything that's happened, Shikuro was feeling a lot better now. Taking a bite out of his sandwich, he couldn't help but attribute it to his recent training. For once, he felt quite awake. Beating Piccolo placed him at the starting line and unlocking Super Saiyan 2 acted as the starting gun. Now he felt like he was moving and nothing could stop him. He smirked to himself, "Today is going to be a good day. I can feel it!"

*BANG!*

"Or not. . ." Shikuro deflated, a stray bullet passing by in front of him and hitting a light post. The young Saiyan sighed and turned toward the direction where the bullet came from. It was completely what he expected. Whenever guns are fired in a city, it'll never be for a mere target practice session or show. Just down the street of the four-way intersection were shattered glass, several police cars, and a store filled with terrified people begging to be saved. All the while a band of goons stood at the center of attention, their guns blasting away at the police cars with their superior weaponry. A robbery. That just had to be the thing to spoil his morning. But he didn't look to mind and only gobbled the rest of his sandwich as he stood by while fleeing civilians ran passed him, "Guess I'll have to be the one to do the clean-up. . .Not like Gohan has time to play superhero nowadays. . ."

As if this were a routine of some sort, Shikuro had already spotted a disclosed location, his feet sprinting towards it and taking the chance to make sure no one was in sight. Swiftly, he stripped and began changing into a suit that he pulled out of a secret compartment of his bag. A long-sleeved, skin-tight suit with orange outlines along the chest and abdomen area. Tight, leather black gloves with metal around the knuckles went well with his skin-tight pants that went all the way down to his buckled shoes. But lastly, he fixed on his orange visor that hid his eyes and part of his face before finally wrapping his matching scarf around his neck. Now, he was ready to take care of business. With a single leap, he jumped from his hiding spot and rushed over to the scene.

"HAHAHAHA! Take that you law-enforcing bastards—wait, who's that!?" One goon shouted, his ecstasy in causing mayhem turning into utter confusion. From what he saw in the distance a scarfed figure heading straight towards him, his eyes widening as the gravity-defying man landed in front of him before kicking his gun out of hand. Stunned just enough, Shikuro took the opportunity to turn the man around with a push before knocking him out with a quick chop to the back of the neck.

The goon's body hit the floor, thus altering the rest of his acquaintances at what happened. Now, their attention was all on the scarfed heroic man that dared to intrude on their parade. One of the goons, larger to the point that Shikuro had to question if he was human, step forward. He could only assume he was the leader though he didn't care. He wanted to finish this quickly which was unfortunate for the robber leader who looked confident to take care of someone who wasn't even at his shoulders, "Now who the hell are you? A chump in a suit looking to die?" Shikuro wasn't even remotely amused.

"Write that down. You'll need it when you find yourself in a jail cell and need to remember how you got there," Shikuro retorted.

The robber's leader laughed at what he assumed to be a joke, "Alright, but make sure you write it down so they can have it written on your tombstone! Fire away, boys!" With a single gesture, all the leader's fellow companions aimed their guns right at the Saiyan. Shikuro mentally shook his head. Things just never change and common sense gets thrown out the window with these types. In just a mere moment, the scarfed hero found himself in the middle of an onslaught of bullets from all directions, although he stood there without a care in the world. He could honestly wait for all of them to get even closer and he'd still have time to run over to a coffee shop, make the coffee, drink it, and then proceed to get right back into the same position as he was before. But for the sake of simplicity, he did the logical thing: vanish from their sight and immediately gut-checking their leader with a light elbow that they couldn't even perceive.

The bullets, with no target in sight, collided and shatter in multiple directions which caused widespread panic among the group of robbers, some cursing at each other for firing when not needed. This only served to quicken their defeat. The moment their leader's body touched the hard, concrete pavement, Shikuro rushed over and finger-tapped another goon and rendered him unconscious. Now seeing how inhumanely fast he was, the robbers stared at him in fear once his eyes locked onto them.

"One leader and one lackey down. I'd say. . .one . . .two. . .thirteen more to go," Shikuro noted as he cracked his fingers, "Yup, this shouldn't take me long. In mere moments, you guys are going to be roommates in a cell."

Each one of the robbers felt a cold chill when he said it. It was practically like this sort of thing was a walk in the park for this scarfed hero. However, one of them still found the resolve to fight back, "Do-don't worry! We still have that! Now's the time to use it, boys!" Shikuro sighed.

"Whatever you bring out isn't going to be of much use you know," He pointed out.

"Oh yeah. . .?" The robber snickered as one of the lackeys opened a large case before pulling out an RPG, fully loaded and ready for use "Then how about one of these bad boys!"

Shikuro stood motionless in response to the weapon. Though not out of fear but what illegal market would be running through the city to allow someone to be able to purchase an explosive projective? After all these years, cops still failed to handle at least that? In any case, Shikuro still responded as expected, repeating, "Whatever you bring out isn't going to be of much use you know. . . " Annoyed and with adrenaline at a high, the robber was determined to test that.

"Then let's see if you can back up that confidence! Hoooraaaaa!" the robber shouted while pulling the trigger.

The shell fired and rocketed itself toward Shikuro with signs of it not reeling off course. The goon snickered, almost cackling as the young Saiyan stood there. However, his laughter would cease only seconds later. Sighing, Shikuro casually caught the missile in the palm of his hands, the explosives fuel that propelled it forward losing gas quickly. What was thought to be an unstoppable force to humankind had finally met an unmovable object, the scarfed hero's feet not even budging an inch from where he stood once the last of the fuel diminished. All of the criminals looked onward in complete shock as Shikuro casually lifted the round into the sky before blowing it into smithereens. Ashes and smoke descended as Shikuro tilted his head back to the shocked robbers and shrugged.

"You can't say I didn't warn you," Shikuro said though he doubt they could hear him. Deciding that was enough fun for one day, Shikuro quickly vanished past them and struck them in their pressure points. Bodies hit the pavement in succession until none were left and silence was all there was to be. But that silence was interrupted by cheers from a crowd that had gathered, thus leaving Shikuro to bathe in the glory of the early morning sun. Unused to the attention, Shikuro scratched his head sheepishly as one officer walked up to him out of respect, "Your help is much appreciated, Mr.Sunkaiser. We'll take care of the rest.

Shikuro nodded, "Sure thing and it was no problem. I just can't believe robbers are willing to be up at this time, though I can't be one to talk. . ." As the man chuckled, the officers began rounding up the villains one by one. Seeing as things were under, Shikuro decided to prepare himself to return to his stuff until . . .

"Mom. . .! Mom please. . .!"

He paused in his step and turned toward the direction of the pleading cries that filled his ears. His eyes widened at the sight of a woman currently laid out in the middle of the store, blood seeping from her stomach. Instinctively, he ran over and kneeled to get a closer look, his eyes now locked onto the deep stab wound that had been inflicted upon her. However, what distracted him from taking action was a small tug at his suit. He looked up and his heart wrenched. Face-to-face, a boy just about the age of 10 or so, stared into his eyes with his desperate blue orbs.

"Mr. . .hero, please. . .can you. . .save her? My mom. . .she's hurt badly and I don't know what to do!" The boy asked, his words coming out in chokes as he couldn't hold back his tears.

Shikuro froze, memories flooding back from a time he rather not return to. Under his visor was a darkening expression that couldn't suppress his shaky hands. This scenario. . .he's been here before. A time in his life that left him mortally wounded and lost. When—, "Tch!" Shikuro mentally punched himself and focused on what needed to be done. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a Senzu Bean and began inserting it into the woman's mouth before forcing her to chew. He wasn't a medic and he had no knowledge of any special Ki healing techniques. But who needs that when you got the number one cure for all severed limbs and large holes? Soon, her body naturally swallowed the chewed bean. Seeing this made him relax a bit before he stood up and turned away much to the boy's confusion.

Though, the boy's attention was shifted back to his mother moving, her eyes opening slowly as she tried to process her surroundings. Shocked at her miraculous and quick recovery, the boy looked to thank the scarf hero only to find. . .that he had disappeared without a trace.

[- - - -]

(Minutes Later In Satan City, Orange Star Highschool. . .)

*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

Heavy footsteps echoed in the barely occupied hallway of the upper floors of Orange Star High. Though everyone seemed unaware of the reason for this as Shikuro was quickly pacing his way to his classroom. His expression was irritated and his facial complexion a bit pale. The Saiyan's mind and body felt heavy, the reason being something he didn't want to admit to himself let alone anyone. The scene of the boy's mother dying right in front of him. He tried to ignore it but he couldn't help but overlap it with another one. He clenched his teeth, tempted to break something to vent his frustration but he knew where he was. Every time he thought about it, he couldn't help but become angry, and more often than not, it made it difficult for him to maintain his restraints.

Taking in a breath, he turned into his homeroom class and quickly noticed everyone else going about their daily gossip before class. One adding fuel to the fire of his current state of mind. . .

"Hey, you heard about the robbery this morning?" One male student brought up as Shikuro began walking up the stairs.

In response, another male student who was huddled next to him answered, "Yeah, about how a gang of robbers who were stopped by that new superhero that's been coming around from time to time? Sunkaiser, right?"

"Yeah, apparently not only they stopped the robbers but also some reported that he had the ability to revive the dead! One of the injured women magically had all her wounds healed after Sunkaiser checked on her! Could you believe that!?" The other male exclaimed.

Laughing, the other student replied, "Come on, first he has super strength and speed but now he can heal others like he's some Saint? He might be the second coming of that Saiyaman guy my dad used to talk about! You know—. . ."

Shikuro drowned out their conversation as he turned to make his way over to his desk. Saint? Hero? He scoffed at the idea. If only they knew. . .

"Shikuro, don't mind them. . .be strong"

The vivid words of a female voice from the distant past echoed. His lips pressed together into a deep frown as he sat down albeit too aggressively. Thankfully, no one noticed, but he couldn't help but bury his head between his arms to hide his face. He breathed in and out, trying to calm his emotions that were waiting to resurface from their burial. Although, he could help but think back on it all. Ever since he came here to this Planet. . .he believed that he had certainly gained power. But sometimes, he wished that power came at an earlier time. He wished he was more capable during his childhood similar to how Gohan, Goku, and Vegeta described there's. Each of them were able to face their enemies head-on, their lives filled with their own shares of battles. Some more so than others. But for him. . .it was the exact opposite during those days. As one would describe theirs as bravery and admirable, Shikuro would call his own as. . .

"Pathetic and weak. . .," Shikuro thought to himself.

He raised his head, his eyes revealing a hidden depression that made them look lazy. In this room filled with those without worries or inner turmoil, jealousy was always his greatest adversary when coming to school. Every kid around his age, all of them seemed to live life without knowing how cruel this reality could be. That one moment, even if you didn't have much happiness, that happiness could be taken away, thrown to the ground, and trampled until it's no longer recognizable. And yet for some, once that happens, they don't even get the time to properly mourn. There will be no burial for that sort of loss. No, all that will happen is that it gets thrown away behind a door called a facade until it begins to rot and seep through.

That's why being labeled such things left a sour taste in his mouth. Those descriptions normally meant for those that are considered to be "Saints" in history books or "Heroes" in comics just never sat well with him. He was Saiyan, yes, but like everyone else, he had emotions and an understanding of realism. "Saints" and "Heroes" in his eyes are fictional characters designed to adhere to fantasy and romanticized. Their past motivations only being the wistful desire to save others out of impulse rather than having that desire sparked from experience itself. Even then, those that he knew to be the very ones to save everyone countless times. . .were the ones who didn't even have that desire to "save everyone" in the first place and only rose to the occasion to either seek a challenge and test their might or just to protect their love ones from harm. Selfishness was their drive and allowed them to grow to rise to those trials. He leaned back and looked above toward the ceiling of the classroom.

"Then was it too much to ask to even entertain such a whimsical fantasy of being a satisfying life back then? No. . .was it even about that, to begin with?" Shikuro wondered to himself. Even he didn't know the answer and he surely won't find out now.

Snapping him out of his thoughts, a hand shook him gently on his shoulder, the action itself prompting him to jolt in response. He turned to the one responsible with eyes resembling a dear caught in headlights. Though, he slowly relaxed yet was still frozen as Ace stared back at him with a hint of concern. Sighing, his popular friend shook his head, commenting, "Well, I was going to grill you in for leaving me hanging but. . .perhaps you did have a good reason." His words went out one ear and out the other.

Shikuro wasn't expecting anyone to walk up to him this early considering when he arrives at this hour, Ace wouldn't be here until the near start of close. Hence why he was trying to figure out how long he's been wallowing to himself in relation to how long Ace had been in his presence. Regardless, this was certainly embarrassing. The Saiyan sighed and turned to unpack his stuff now so he doesn't have to do it later though this action prompted Ace to press further.

"Shikuro. . .you alright? You weren't at school for four days and on the first day back you look like someone had died?" Ace asked.

The Saiyan cringed at the word "died". As much as he liked the guy, he sure knew how to say the wrong words at the most inconvenient times. Though, judging by his reaction, Ace showed some form of self-awareness and retracted, "Oh. . ." Great, a misconception that wasn't too far from the truth. Just what he needed right now.

A bit irritated, Shikuro was quickening his pace as his books were being organized in front of him. The mild aggression caused Ace to sit down in defeat as he began to take out his supplies as well, "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up something that deep–"

"It's fine," Shikuro interrupted, his lie sounding a bit convincing with his tone attempting to sound cheerful, "It wasn't anything of the sort. I just happened to eat something that I shouldn't have and now I'm paying the price, hehe."

Under normal circumstances, Ace would believe him. However, at this current moment, he knew something was off about Shikuro. It was the eyes. Those eyes looked to be searching for something that they knew was already dead. The same eyes that he saw that one moment he happened to meet the Saiyan for the first time. A feeling he'd empathize with. He scratched his cheek and rubbed the back of his head before finally working up the courage to speak. If he didn't at least offer this, then he might as well be the same as the one he despised the most, "Shikuro. . ." The Saiyan hummed back in response without batting an eye.

"If you need someone to talk to about it, then you can always come to me. It's what friends do," Ace assured.

Silence fell between them in this room of chatter, but, Shikuro couldn't help but press his lips to contain his emotions before smirking it all away, "I told you, it's nothing." This time, Ace could even hear the hint of denial but he knew now wasn't the time. He simply laughed lightly as a white flag.

"Hehe, I know," Ace said, his eyes growing distant as he repeated once more in his head, "I know. . ."

[- - - -]

(Hours Later In Satan City, Orange Star High. . .)

After this morning, the school had progressed as normal and students were flooding out of the entrance doors. Some more quickly than others though none as fast as Shikuro. As an understanding friend, Ace had told him he "needed" to be somewhere else but still gave him the grilling he rightfully deserved. He couldn't say he didn't see it coming. Although recalling back to this morning, he couldn't help but think the phrase: "Needed to be somewhere else" translated to "I'm going to give you some space." . Shikuro frowned a bit but he couldn't hold it against him. He knew he was just concerned for his mental health and was being a good friend in doing so. He just wished he wasn't so damn easy to read at times. Sighing, as he passed the gate and turned onto the street, he was about to take off before anyone could see. . .until something or rather someone had bumped right into him.

*CLANG!*

Hitting the pavement, a brown box of supplies spilled various old parts and technology across the sidewalk. Students walked by as Shikuro silently cursed for being so careless, unaware of who or what he had bumped into. He just decided to apologize first, "Sorry, I didn't think about where I was going."

"No, it's no big deal. I wasn't paying much attention as well. . ." a feminine voice replied quietly.

Now realizing it, Shikuro looked away from the scattered contents and to the person he had bumped into. From what he could tell, she looked to be a bit into either her late teens or early twenties. A college student perhaps. He couldn't really make that assumption though she wore a lab coat over what looked to be a sleeveless red and blue pattern sweater, and long black leggings over matching shoes that resembled the pattern of her sweater. Her azure blue eyes mirrored that of the sky and her auburn hair was albeit messy but also curving in multiple directions. Judging by her figure, Shikuro wondered just how or why someone like her could be carrying a box of such components. They must have been heavy and tiring considering how fatigued she looked.

Though despite this, she knelt and began returning her scattered pieces to where they once belonged. Still believing it was his fault, Shikuro too, knelt down and began helping much to her surprise. He looked up and tried to give a smile despite his mood earlier this morning.

"Here, let me help too," Shikuro reassured as he placed what looked to be an old chip into the box, "Carrying this stuff in that crummy-looking box must of been hard. I'm willing to help if you'd like. I don't get anything going on."

The lab girl looked a little surprised but was quick to decline, "No, I can handle carrying my supplies myself. . ." Shikuro stared blankly but nodded. What right did he have to deny someone from their own hard work?

"Alright, I'll leave it to you—?" Shikuro said before the sound of a growling stomach interrupted him mid-sentence. At first, Shikuro thought it was him but second that once he noticed the girl began to flush in front of him. It took him a minute to process before he couldn't help but laugh a bit much to her dismay which made him grin, "Hehe, maybe I should treat you to food first. Consider it as an apology so you may pick whatever you want."

The woman twitched at the request, her eyes shying away from his. Clueless as he was, Shikuro continued to stare at her, asserting the lovely tactic known as peer pressure. But for other reasons, the girl seemed to be trying to get away out of fear unbeknownst to him. Though, after swallowing down whatever was holding her back, she conceded, her face flush from all the exertion she had to do in order to—, "A crepe' would be nice?" Shikuro hummed.

"A crepe', huh? Have a sweet tooth I see," Shikuro noted as he placed the last remaining part into the book. Without her consent, he picked it up with one arm much to her surprise, and offered her a hand, "Come on, I know a sweet stand nearby that I can get a deal there. You'll love it."

Reluctantly, she took his hand before she found herself being pulled along the crowd of people by the young Saiyan. A gesture that made her body crave and her instincts kick in. Yet, she continued to fight down her urges, her inner battles unknown to everyone. Taking his hand alone, she could tell this one was no ordinary human, or rather, was he even human at all. Whatever he may be, it didn't matter. She needed to hold on until they part ways, for his sake. . .

Luckily, it didn't take them long to reach the spot Shikuro was talking about. It wasn't crowded which was perfect for her. The faster the better. With no further to do, Shikuro let her hand go and turned to ask, "So, what are you thinking? Got any ideas what you like?" He smirked in expectation of her shying away again. For her eyes to grow timid and her voice to become silen—

"I want my crepe' double layered, filled with whip cream and caramel along with several strawberries. Make sure it's nice and soft yet crisp towards the center. But not just any crisp but a golden brown. Also—" the lab coat girl continued on and on from there.

As for Shikuro, well, he just stood there with a blank smile on his face. Without a word, he took out a pad and pen before jotting everything down on a piece of paper. He was going to be here for a while considering he was already flipping over one page of his notepad. Once she was done, he went over to the stand and handed him the notepad filled with at least two pages' worth of notes. Understandably, the elderly man behind the stand looked at him with a raised eyebrow, the questioning gaze making him a bit nervous to ask. . ., "Also. . ., can I get one cup of water please?"

The man nodded and turned away to begin the order preparations albeit annoyed as he had to continue flipping back and forth between the notes. The sight almost made Shikuro laugh before he turned away to return to the girl. Seeing how she was already sitting down at a bench placed in front, Shikuro took the opportunity to sit down next to her as they waited for their order and rested the box in the middle to create some space.

Soon enough, silence took over and Shikuro was trying to think of a way to start a conversation. Granted, this was a stranger after all, so he could just pull out his phone and stay quiet. But considering that he did offer her repayment and the fact that she was currently sitting next to him while staring into space, she must not have had the same luxury to distract herself. It'd just be rude in his own opinion. Looking down at the box, however, did spark some curiosity.

"So, what type of science project got you going through that junk?" Shikuro ask as he pointed inside the box. The woman popped right out of her little bubble and turned her eyes to him as he asked further, "You know, judging by the lab coat and your appearance, I'd say you are college, right? Or am I wrong?"

The girl cupped her chin for a moment as if she needed to think about what she was going to say next. Technically, she is around that age overall, but the fact of the matter is that her mental state is slightly older and certainly is smarter than just your everyday university student, including those prodigies. Though, for the sake of refraining from revealing herself to a stranger, she answered vaguely.

"It's for a friend. . .I'm helping them out," she answered.

Shikuro nodded before looking to the sky, "A friend, huh? Must be cooking up something really good to require all those parts." The Saiyan rubbed his head, his mind wandering back to earlier. Though, as if the woman could read his mind, she asked a rather coincidental question.

"What about you? Don't you have friends to spend time with rather than be here with me?" She asked.

A bit caught off guard, Shikuro glanced at her for a moment before casting his head to the ground. The silence was brief as he replied surprisingly with honesty, "Well, I wouldn't say I have many. Most of the people I know are what I consider family. But they have their own lives. Other than that. . ." He paused for a moment.

"Other than what. . .?" She pressed on.

"Well, there is one friend from school who's been really good to me. We'd hang out pretty often but I feel like it's been a one-sided effort. . .," Shikuro sighed and looked at his palm, "Just today when I wasn't in my element, I pushed away his offer for consulting. Even then, he didn't get mad or complain. He left me be,"

Shikuro smirked as he turned to her, his mood brightening a bit after realizing how good he has it, "I guess I can count myself lucky to have someone willing to be patient. Unlike some other guy I know, hehe!" Oddly and unbeknownst to him, she resonated with that notation, her hand resting on her chest at how someone can be so open to someone they just met. Unlike her who was still hiding away in suffering. That's why she could admit one thing. . .

"I guess, that makes the both of us. . ." She mumbled.

Her voice didn't reach his ears but he nodded anyways before noticing the man from the stand holding up a crepe' and the water he requested. Shikuro grinned and pointed it out, "Yeah, but hey! The food is ready. I'll head over and get it for ya!" Before she could say a word, the Saiyan jogged over to the stand and picked up his order.

He left a tip for the old man's efforts considering the specifics of the order and walked back over to the lab coat woman, his hand stretch out to hand her the crepe'. Reluctantly, she took it and just moments later, a crowd began to form around them. Now that his debt had been paid, Shikuro took the chance to say his goodbyes.

"Well, I hope you enjoy the treat. I better get going now but it was nice meeting you," Shikuro said, his body turning to leave but before doing so, he gave one last look and encouragement, "Oh, and I wish you and your friend success on your project. Chou!"

Wanting to get home before sunset, Shikuro rushed off and left the woman behind to watch his figure disappear into the crowd. Her head tilted down to the crepe' in hand, the sight alone causing her mouth to water. However, at the same time, it also made her heart tinge and her breathing grow hasty. With shaky hands, she bit into her crepe' in hopes it'd suppress her urges even going as far as to savor the taste with slow chewing. One thing came to her mind as she reflected on the experience and drew a comparison with it to the food in hand. . .

"Sweet. . ."

[- - - -]

(Hours Later, Somewhere Located In A Underground Bunker On Planet Earth's Mountainside. . .)

Mountains are a good place to hide and an even better place to make a secret facility that you didn't want anyone to know. One scientist who worked for the most notorious organizations in history was a prime example of this. But as of this moment, instead of an entire facility that houses dangerous technology aimed to kill a single man, this one served mostly to contain to protect everyone else. A bunker etched into the side of a mountain disguised as a cave and inside contrasted from what one may initially expect.

The walls were nicely covered in smooth sheet-rock painted white, the lights dim with scattered papers, flasks, and tools across a series of tables. There were only two doors, one being a large circular door made of material that most modern scientists would dream of coming across to study while the other door led deep into the facility that has yet to be explored. As expected though for a secret bunker, its population size warranted its silence. A population size of one.

Sitting on the table, a large "humanoid" male with a red, spiky mohawk, eyes closed and dawned in green and back armor over a black, skin-tight suit. Though, through closer inspection, one could tell this one wasn't human. The missing arm that revealed robotic parts and wiring was a dead giveaway. Whatever it was, it didn't seem to respond until the sound of the main entrance opening and closing. This was his cue to awaken from his sleep. Several footsteps echoed throughout the lab portion of the bunker, a woman whose legs wobbled as she tripped over her own feet.

Thankfully, the large android was quick to catch her while preventing the box she carried from spilling on the floor. Strangely though, for a machine, he looked at her with concern as she was trying to catch her breath, crumps of what was previously eaten earlier still remaining on her face as she shifted back and forth from exhaustion to a crazed smirk, her eyes flickering from blue to red. She was running out of time. . .

"Android 21. . .are you—" The large android was cut off by a sudden push from her.

She looked up, face drenched in sweat before reassuring him, "I'm fine, 16. . .I can hold out just a bit longer. . ." The scientist designated as Android 21 began walking to her table and placed rested the box on the side.

"We don't have a lot of time till Project: Festival is launched by the Supercomputer: L.R. Until then, the least I can do is finish rebuilding you. . .," 21 said as she pulled the parts from the box, her eyes narrowing, "You're the only thing keeping me sane right now. I'll need you to keep me in check so no harm can come to anyone once it launches, got it?"

Hearing how adamant she was, 16 nodded but he knew full well that. . .even he may not be enough.

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(The Following Two Days On Planet Earth, Open Plains Near Mount Paoz. . .)

Shikuro wasn't much of a lazy or sit-still type of person when it came to his daily life outside of school inconveniences. A trait that could be attributed to his Saiyan side, as lazing around would only lead him to take a nap that'd waste the rest of the day away. That being said, it was quite odd to see him doing what looked to be exactly that in the middle of a grassy field with nothing interesting going on around him. So much so that one would question why he was even wearing his Gi if he wasn't even going to work up a sweat. However, in contrast to those assumptions one would make, he was actually in the middle of his thoughts about training.

"Bulma said the Gravity Bracelets were going to need a few more tweaks and updates on the programming. So there goes portable Gravity Chamber. . ." Shikuro frowned a bit as he mentally kicked himself. The device was a convenient tool for a useful form of training that he'd adopted from his two senior full-bloods. It was a great way to add extreme weight without needing to use magic or wear heavier equipment. That, and he had a way to avoid using the Gravity Room, which in return provided fewer encounters with Vegeta. Being his training partner is more like a death sentence, and he couldn't understand how Goku could handle him. The young Saiyan stood up and focused his Ki on the feeling he had recently. Power surged from the depths of his heart and exploded to life as he recalled his near-death experience, his hair spiky up into gold as a match aura's static electricity danced through the grass beneath his feat.

He looked down at his hands as he tried to get a better feel over his new power, "I suppose the next step is the achieve Super Saiyan 3. . ." His eyes narrowed at the initial thought. From what he could remember, when Goku showed him the form, Super Saiyan 3's difficulty was leaps beyond most Super Saiyan transformations. Even Super Saiyan Blue was far easier to achieve. For him to gain that would take time. What if he were to have to fight someone much stronger than he currently is? Certainly, there has to be an explosive power that he can utilize to navigate around that issue.

"Explosive like Super Saiyan 2. . .wait, that's it!" Shikuro said aloud to no one in particular, his aura dispersing after remembering the technique, "Kaioken! I completely forgot about that little cheat code!"

However, another thought came to mind quicker than he had brought up the technique, his hand cupping his chin after remembering, "But wait. . .Goku already used that technique with Super Saiyan Blue and nearly messed up his Ki in general, if I remember. With my regular forms that don't use the same Ki, I'll likely wind up dead if I try it. But. . ." He stood there for what felt like ages until someone snapped him out of it.

"Uh. . .Shikuro?"

Taken aback by the new presence in this vacant field of grass, Shikuro turned around in surprise: mostly at himself due to him being unable to sense whoever it was coming. But upon first inspection, he relaxed though still confused as to why he wasn't alone at the moment. Abnormally spiky hair that stuck out like a sore thumb, a Gi matching that of his father's trademark orange and blue while holding onto a bag of what appears to be groceries. Shikuro's face reddened a bit out of embarrassment at the face of the man.

"Sen–I mean Gohan!? What are you doing here!?" Shikuro sputtered.

Gohan chuckled a bit as he raised the bag, "I was on the way home from picking up vegetables from Dad's, but then I saw you just standing in the middle of nowhere. Figured I'd bring you back to reality before you become too much like Piccolo." Relaxing a bit, Shikuro sighed.

"If that's the case, you could have just called out to me earlier, you know?" He said

"I did, but you didn't seem to respond," Gohan answered matter-in-factly, adding, "Besides, what's got your mind so worked upped that you need to be here?"

Shikuro blinked for a split second and rubbed his head, "Well, I've been trying to think of some ideas to try out with my training. I've gotten stronger, but I feel like pushing myself a bit harder today." A glint of realization revealed itself in the halfling's eyes.

"Oh, you're right. . .that form you are in, Super Saiyan 2?" Gohan asked, with Shikuro answering with just a nod. A proud smile formed on the older male's face, his hand resting on the young full-blood's shoulder, "That's great! To achieve Super Saiyan 2 is quite a leap, if I must say so myself from personal experience. Ooooh and you certainly are a lot stronger than I was a while back. Look at how much you've grown!"

Shikuro felt his face begin to turn red as he was not used to being bombarded with so many compliments at once. He scratched his cheek and spoke albeit timidly, "Ye-yeah. . .Vegeta made sure that I got the push I needed." Pulling back, Gohan nodded in understanding at the implications of tangling with Vegeta.

"Vegeta, huh. . .? That explains the increased eagerness that differs from how you were before," Gohan noted as he reflected on himself, "It's good to see the willingness and drive for self-improvement. Anyways, what do you have in mind now that you reached that level?"

The young Saiyan shook his head before answering, "Well, I was thinking of trying the Kaioken." Gohan raised an eyebrow.

"Kaioken? But why that? Super Saiyan 2 causes less strain in comparison, does it not? Why revert to that?" Gohan said in confusion.

"Not revert," Shikuro corrected, "But to combine it?"

There was a dead silence that allowed the soft sound of the wind and the flying insects that flew from one blade of grass to another to be heard. Checking once and twice for any signs of a joke, Gohan stood with a blank expression on his face before morphing into a look of disapproval and disbelief, "Are you trying to kill yourself? Dad was lucky to be able to fight again after pulling such a stunt, and that was with divine Ki. Trying it with just a regular Super Saiyan form would likely kill you." Shikuro nervously took a step back but nodded as one thought came across his mind.

"I-I know, but hear me out," he pleaded.

Gohan stared sternly but shortly conceded, "Fine, speak." Taking a breath of relief, the pure blood took a moment to take a few steps back to give Gohan some space.

"So basically, you're right that the regular Super Saiyan forms would pose a greater risk to the user with Kaioken. But that's only because of how our Ki behaves once we transform, right? Unlike the nature of Blue's Ki, the Super Saiyan Ki's is meant to be explosive and wild, which makes it harder to control in comparison," Shikuro noted, his hands tensing into fists, eyes closing in focus as he continued, "That said, it stands to reason that the reason why Super Saiyan Blue rebounded after diffusing Kaioken was that some of the Super Saiyan's nature still lingered. If that's the case, then it's not entirely impossible for me to be able to use Kaioken just like Goku. You and Goku always did say my Ki control was really good."

Gohan nervously bit his lip after recalling him making that remark. Shikuro, during his early training exercises to gain some control over his powers, was exceptionally notable at Ki control, almost to the point that they even labeled him as a prodigy in that regard. They just never thought that he'd take it to the point of insanity. Shaking his head, Gohan aimed to do the right thing, "Yes, but—"

"Alright, then it should be worth a shot," Shikuro interrupted, much to Gohan's surprise, his eyes opening as his aura flared, "I just gotta take the process slower so my body can get used to it."

Before Gohan could speak, Shikuro's aura flared to life, the eruption of energy causing a whiplash of wind to rage furiously around the plains. Welp, those go swaying him away from doing something reckless. Looking onward, Gohan mentally shook his head as he watched the young Saiyan struggle. Flickers of red came and went within the raging gold, but each time one revealed itself, Gohan could see the strain that Shikuro's body was having. He looked down at the bag of groceries in hand, then at the sky, before finally looking back at Shikuro. For as long as he knew him, Shikuro had never been one to voluntarily push his training to such length. It was always the "follow-the-instructor-and-you'll-succeed" type of attitude. A mindset that honestly reflected that of his own back when Frieza was out for revenge. Though now, this "Shikuro" he saw before him. . .he was different. For the first time, he's taking his own strides and putting even his well-being on the line. It's almost as if. . .

"He's finally learned to breathe. . ." Gohan thought to himself. Knowing this as he watched Shikuro persistently go through trial and error, it'd do him an injustice to stop him now that he's already started. Smirking, he walked a few steps over to the side and took a seat unbeknownst to Shikuro, who was trying to maintain focus. Without a word, he took out his phone and began texting away before sending the message.

"I'll be home late tonight. You can head to bed before me, Videl" -Gohan

Today was going to be a long day.

[- - - -]

(Hours Later On Planet Earth, Near Mount Paoz Forest. . .)

*Bang*

"Damn it, Shikuro. I told you it wasn't a good idea,"

Banging through the front door, Gohan rushed down the hallway and into Shikuro's bedroom with the latter draped over his shoulder. It had been a full six hours since he had begun his little "experiment," and to put it bluntly, said experiment failed. . successfully? The definition of success, in this case, was subjective and based on the personal opinions of the two. Shikuro groaned, his body overheating as steam seemed to ooze off his tense and tight muscles. Regardless, he still manages to speak a bit, at least.

"Wh-what. . .I pulled it off, didn't I? Plus, at least I don't feel like. . .I have that Ki disorder thingy. . ." Shikuro argued, his brain clearly in two different places at once.

Gohan frowned before finally kicking open the door to his bedroom and quickly laying him across the bed. Upon inspection, Shikuro was breathing heavily, his body in a perpetual state of being hot, while each twitch caused him excruciating pain. This pain, however, didn't stop Gohan from scolding him, "You got lucky. If you went any further than just regular Kaioken, then you really would have died there. Besides, your current condition isn't normal either. I gave you a Senzu Bean, but it seems like your body is still experiencing the pain. . ."

"I'm. . fine then," Shikuro assured with a grunt, "Ngh, it's just Lingering Ki Recoil. King Kai mentioned it once. .hehe"

Gohan nervously watched him chuckle away the pain as he lay in his bed from his recklessness. He knew it was against his better judgment to allow him to proceed, but he couldn't help but think that his father would have done the same. Wasn't that how he managed to defeat Cell all those years back? Though back then, it didn't weigh on him about the cruel reality that this world provides. It was true that his father had lacked the better judgment of his desires, that he didn't want to be the one to fight and defeat others the same way he did. However, that fateful day was a wake-up call. There will be enemies that can't be swayed by logic or reason. Buu was the ultimate testament to that ideal. At that point, the only option left is to fight and he admittedly that he neglected it after years of peace. Even more so once Beerus had arrived.

That's why he was glad that Shikuro only partially followed down that same road. His path was unique; he could feel it. And this recklessness. . may serve as an important advancement in his journey. That said, his eyes narrowed down on the younger Saiyan. He was beginning to drift away to sleep, his self-awareness dim as it could be as he began snoring while his tail scratched the side of his ribs. The sight itself made Gohan chuckle lightly enough not to wake him up, "Still, though, you are quite the unusual one. To think you managed to come out in this state alone is a testament. I don't even think dad is capable of pulling off what you just did today. . ." As if to respond to that sentiment, Shikuro began to softly smirk, his breathing easing away.

Seeing that he was now asleep, Gohan decided it was time for him to leave. He had already stayed longer than he needed to, and it was already getting late. That said, he turned around and began heading towards the door before exiting with the gentle sound of the door closing behind him so he wouldn't wake him up. He just had to trust in the magical powers of the god saving beans and let him recuperate on his own. However, as Gohan left by taking off into the night, Shikuro stirred in his sleep. . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scenery Change: Location Unknown. . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Purple and orange skies were cleared of clouds, a color scheme usually meant for the end of the day yet for this place, it was only just the early afternoon. Down below was a bustling village, vast as a city yet needed to be advanced in terms of infrastructure. Housing was mostly made of solid brick, and the roads still needed pavement in most areas. However, life below only seemed to go on as usual as merchants made their trades and children danced and played make-believe throughout the streets. Many watched them with amusement and didn't even bother to hide their chuckle at the pretended heroism of a very loud boy. But in contrast to this, one observer wasn't very amused.

A boy with spiky black hair and a noticeable tail sticking out took a bite out of an apple as he sat on top of the roof looking from above. He didn't look any more than 6 years old, his attire being simple in that it consisted of a black colored shirt and white pants held up by a sash knotted together at the side. His black ankle sandals looked worn out and cut up in certain areas. Ears sharp, the boy listened in on the little play below, his eyes showing a hint of disdain yet mostly discomfort at what he was hearing.

"Take that, vile Saiyan! You'll be slain with this next attack, haha!" one boy said to the other, who pretended to cower in fear and beg for his life.

However, one girl who matched their light purple skin and was with them to play as the damsel in distress grew nervous and pointed out, "Umm. . .guys, shouldn't stop for today? We don't want to get into trouble again. . ." The other boy with scruffy brown hair raised an eyebrow as he looked around before noting loudly.

"Why? Everyone else seems to be enjoying it," The boy of similar skin said, "Besides, Dad said it was okay to no matter what that old hag tries to say. She'll not be able to do anything, so trust me—"

"I won't be able to do what exactly?"

All of the children who were playing turned in fear at the threatening voice. A woman of light purple skin, matching lavender hair, along eyes that reflected the color of rose quartz stood behind them with a dark glare. Her ears were pointing, similar to every other citizen around though she wore what appeared to be a black Clergy dress over similar-colored pants while being buttoned up with gold pins. The children shivered under her gaze before taking off, the boy who was so confident before now screaming out in fear.

"Run while you still can! It's the Lavender Witch!"

Having already disappeared among the crowd, the woman continued to glare at them beyond their sight before relenting her gaze once she realized there was no catching up to them. She looked around and noticed the disapproving stares she was getting, some being just plain hatred. Under normal circumstances, anyone would shrink away at such animosity directed towards them, but for her, when she compares that to someone else, this amount was nothing in comparison. She ignored them and continued on her search before finally spotting the boy who watched from above, her eyes showing relief as she exhaled the stress away. The boy frowned and took another bite of his apple in a way to send a message to her that irked her, though she refrained from vocalizing it.

"Shikuro, what are you doing up there!? Come down, or you'll get yourself hurt!" She shouted.

The boy named Shikuro swallowed before tossing stuff the remains of his apple into a pouch. Without hesitation, he leaped down from the roof using several strings that hung the wet clothes along the alleyway as a means to slow his descent. Once he touched the ground, the woman walked over to him quickly and loomed with disappointment.

"You're in big trouble. What do you think you're doing by sneaking out on your own without me?" She scolded.

"Skipping your lessons?" Shikuro nonchalantly said, much to her dismay, before adding, "They're boring, and you always make me sit through them. Why do I need to learn how to read and write when I already know how to speak, Nana?"

Nana rubbed the temple of her nose and let out an exasperated sigh, "Learning those little things will help you later, trust me. Look, I don't care if you try skipping close to home, but don't go running off into the main city." Shikuro pouted.

"But that's the whole point. If I was at the monastery, you'd find me easily," Shikuro complained.

Hearing this, Nana shook his head, "You're too smart for your own good. Come on, we're going home." Before he could protest, she took his hand and began pulling him away from the bustling treats of the large village. The young boy could have easily resisted but refrained from doing so. His strength was. . .abnormal, but against someone like her, he always found himself not having the will to defy her. And so, they walked with silence as the constant chatter continued amongst the folks around them. But Nana knew better that it was all just a facade. No matter how much one may hide it, small glances of disdain could always be sensed. It was a common ability among any living being. The instinct that something or someone was aiming to inflict harm, whether at the moment or premeditated. Even if it wasn't directed at her.

Subconsciously, she looked down at the boy, who seemed to not have noticed those who looked at him but she knew better. Shikuro was a sharp child despite his unwillingness to sit down to read just one chapter or to answer simple questions on the chalkboard. She knew that he could tell by the hostility directed towards him that he was the outcast. . someone that everyone commonly hated. As for why? He probably had deduced it already. He doesn't look a single bit like them, and his tail standing out should have been a dead giveaway. Everyone on the planet, from every corner of the globe, hated the Saiyans. History already had told the stories. Rummaging and pillaging of their resources before the times of being under Frieza caused their civilization to take several setbacks throughout the years. Due to this, history was retold from generation to generation by ancestors of the demonic apes who crave destruction and, in return, created prejudice. A one-sided prejudice at that.

"Shikuro. . ." Nana began, her tone of voice earning a hum in response. She sighed as she recalled what happened earlier, "You were watching those kids down there, right?"

Shikuro nodded, his tail slumping against the dirt, and began drawing a straight line as he walked. His lips pressed together as he held back from creating an outburst but replied with as much control as he could, "What of it. . .?" Yup, that didn't come out right, but the message said it all. Nana sighed as she looked forward, the hateful eyes around them beginning to become less hidden as they continued down towards the more. . .aggressive part of the village.

"Listen, don't let those sorts of things get to you. It may be hard to ignore, but—" Nana began before getting caught off.

"I know. . ." Shikuro interrupted, the woman's eyes widening a bit. The child's eyes began to grow a bit distant as if he were looking at something beyond everything else. Though, the young Saiyan boy held a small accepting smirk on his face, "I'm not very liked 'cause I'm a Saiyan or whatever, right? That much is obvious. But, I'm fine, really. . ."

"Shikuro. . ." Nana muttered.

Shikuro looked up and assuring grin, "Demon or not, I'll show them who I really am with my heart." Nana blinked for a moment before smirking as she ruffled his hair, much to his displeasure.

"You got that from my grandfather, didn't you? You two are always sneaking off together when I'm not looking," Nana grinned.

Shikuro opened one of his eyes before remarking, "Better than you're crummy lessons. Gramps Koshu at least shows me cool stuff." As he mentioned, the child Saiyan boy began throwing jabs at the air, though his form wasn't much and rather ugly. Nana let out an amused hum and gave a quick but light punch to the top of his skull, which made him wince.

"Don't go letting him influence you too much, you little shit," Nana rolled her eyes, "The likely hood of you ever having to be that strong like grandfather is small. Plus, if you aren't careful, you might get his bad habits of trying to sound wise."

Shikuro gave a face of disgust at that last part, "Ew, never!" Nana chuckled a bit before looking up at the sky as they walked down the long road to the Monastery. The wind blew against her face before sighing.

"However, Shikuro, don't ever think of yourself as a demon. To Koshu and me. . .you're our blessing," Nana admitted before looking down at the boy who seemed just confused at where this was coming from as she continued, "All life has value. Nothing is ever useless, even you. So keep that mindset of yours, and don't ever let others define your true self. That's something for you to find. That's what it means to be 'strong' and 'live'."

"So just like 'that,' huh. . ." Shikuro muttered.

Nana raised an eyebrow, "Huh. . .?" However, Shikuro didn't answer her question and only smiled as he clenched his fist in front of him.

"Nothing," Was all he said in response.

Her reassurance was heartwarming as they continued to walk through the crowd of darkness. To Shikuro, she was one of the two lights he had growing up. No matter how much trouble he caused her, she was one of the only ones who didn't seem to give him that look of resentment. While others looked at him with contempt, she would always somehow block it out. While there were times when he'd get bombarded with insults, her presence alone tuned it all out. Even now, the words the villagers "mumbled" loudly enough for him to hear. . .

"Tch, it's that thing. . Why does Lady Nana even bother?"

"I know, such a murderous creature with her as a caretaker? Disgusting."

"We should be allowed to kill the damn thing for what it has done."

"Better; it should finish itself for Redemption and end their species line now. It was never going to live a fulfilling life anyways. . . "

All those words struck the child's heart like an angry drum that fueled his emotions. If it were a bad day, he'd likely lash out if it wasn't for Nana's grip around his hand growing tighter to keep his temper in check. As if it were her way of quietly saying, ignore them. Lucky them, he'd go for his third straight argument and confrontation this week. Though recently, he'd opted for the better choice and to bite his tongue. Instead of needlessly fighting back with his emotions, he'd rather show him with action. How? He had no idea, and the way it's been going felt like it was impossible. But the confidence Nana and her grandfather had in him. . was encouraging, to say the least. It sounded so simple, and it was definitely long-term, but Shikuro didn't want to give up. He didn't want to accept the perception the world had instilled in him before he was born. A simple yet pure desire is born on this planet, filled with prejudice.

One life, to thrive and live up to expectations placed on him by the two lights of his life. To prove that he wasn't a mistake to keep alive. A life that didn't deserve to die and those who kept it alive. . .were right all along.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scenery Change: Current Time, Night. . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nighttime was always a time when hardly anything happened. For it was the time when many would rest and take refuge in their homes to hide from the dark. But those without homes learned to adapt to that cold concept that made them alone. In contrast, others found shelter together with others in similar situations. But even then, there will still be those among the rest who still felt that loneliness. That was what it was like to live in an orphanage for so long. A monastery-like building made of brick and kept up to date with many rooms and a large courtyard guarded by a gate. Inside, children of all ages slept due to curfew and were obedient to not overstep their boundaries against their headmaster: the one who bore the title of "witch" due to how scary she could get when provoked.

However, one child didn't mind that persona and opted to stay awake by reading one of the epic tales that Nana would read to him when she caught him staying up. All the other kids were kinda jealous, but they somewhat knew he was a special case. From kids who come into kids who've been around for at least a year, all knew about one boy who had never left for his entire life. A Saiyan protected by the will of the monastery. It was almost like a blessing; the leniency and trust that Nana had for him were like no other. A connection that no other child could hope to foster during their time there simply because they knew each other for too long. A sibling relationship. Hence, many of the kids, except for a select few, had distanced themselves from the boy, and even though Shikuro didn't mind, it still hurt in some shape or form.

Seeing them all playing games and enjoying their youth to the fullest while he was mostly by himself made him lose out on a lot of things. It made him a bit jealous, considering no one his age would dare to approach him most of the time. On this planet filled with a race that wanted nothing more for him to not exist, forming bonds and connections was nigh-impossible. Those that he did form would be severed as easily as a pair of scissors cutting a string. It was always when one kid is peer pressured by the others, or one is adopted and taken away to live a family life: those being the ones that hurt the most when he sees them not even a day later and doesn't bat an eye.

He couldn't blame them; who'd want to risk being alone again? So, he just continued on with what he had. The elder Koshu would sit with him on those dreadful camping trips where he'd do most of the dirty tasks but would listen to the epic tales and stories of his past. Then, with Nana, he'd sit down at the table to enjoy a warm meal with her and laugh as they acted almost like siblings.

He was content. . nothing else was needed. Just to live a simple and repeating life like that with the ones he truly cherished. If he grew up with that, then he'd be fine. The 'world' couldn't possibly get any worse than what he had been dealing with thus far–

*BOOM!*

Startling and sudden, a loud explosion erupted and shook the orphanages and everyone else awake. All of the children went wide-eyed, including Shikuro, who was awake this entire time. Confusion was all they felt at first before fear and terror crept their way around the corner, the screams of people outside echoing throughout the night. The children shivered, fear petrifying them to their spots. At the same time, Shikuro was about the only one brave enough to at least peek through a window. A mistake that he wishes he didn't make.

Before his very eyes, through the glass, protection of the world was an inferno. A wild one at that, and large enough to engulf the village in flames that looked like they came straight out of hell. Shikuro's skin grew cold, his stomach churning and his hands shaking so much that his grip on the book he held had loosened and fell to the floor. From what he could see, people were dying. . .lots of people, in ways that honestly were going to make him puke. Just a single portion of the street said it all, bodies scattered and skewered by what looked to be crescent scepters made of black with masked figures dressed in red and black garments covering their entire appearance.

Who were they? Why are they here? Why would they do such a thing? Those sorts of questions rummage through his head like a vicious cycle. However, between his fears and those behind him, he knew he had to act soon. Who knows when they'll come here too or whether they spared children or not? He swallowed nervously before turning to the children present, "Everyone. We have to get out of here!"

"But. . .it's too scary. . .why not wait for big sister. . ." One of the younger girls said.

"We don't have time to wait! Nana was—!" Shikuro paused mid-sentence in realization. Nana. . .his big sister. . one of his sparks of light. . she went out for late night shopping. Panic and fear washed over him as he took another glance at the smoldering city through the window.

He gritted his teeth, his mental self beating down the selfish desires that he had before continuing, "She'll be alright. We just have to find safety first and wait for her. . ." He reassured her; however, it was mostly a ploy to trick himself. He wanted to sprint out into the flames in search of his elder sister, but he knew if Nana was here, she'd prioritize the safety of the children first. With her currently missing, that responsibility falls on him.

Building up his courage, Shikuro leads his group of children through the hallways of the monastery, their feet treading carefully to not make too much noise in the darkness. They'd come across strays or kids who hadn't left on their own and added them to the group before continuing to move swiftly into the backyard.

Though the action itself made it quite confusing for many of the other kids with one boy noting, "He-Hey! This isn't the emergency exit!? It's back the other way!" Shikuro ignored him and gestured for him to keep his voice down.

"Shhh, trust me," Shikuro assured as he pushed apart a gap between the bushes. The group of kids looked over his shoulder to notice a pathway cut through the bushes that was small enough for even the biggest kids among them to fit through. Chuckling a bit despite the situation, Shikuro noted, "I had this secret exit made for my next getaway that leads over to a cool lake I found. Just don't go blabbering about it to Nana after though."

Without a word, Shikuro pulled the girl over from before and allowed her to pass through first. Soon enough, one by one, the kids took the exit with little trouble until he was just about the last one left to go. But. . .he didn't take that chance, not now, at least. He turned around and looked over to the dark smoke that rose over the monastery. He swallowed and took a step forward before feeling a tug at his sleeve behind him. Turning, the girl who was terrified to even move was still there with concerned eyes.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

Shikuro, for one, didn't recognize her from the common faces he knew around the orphanage. She had to be new and only had a few friends. So since he was pretty much the leader, he was his lifeline. . .but knowing that Shikuro still had other desires that overwritten the urge to be that lifeline, "I'm going to look for Nana."

"But didn't you say we should wait. . .?" She questioned further.

"I did. . .but, you all should be the ones waiting. Unlike you, I'm. . .well. . ." Shikuro took a moment to think about how he should phrase his next words. Even if she was ignorant and wasn't playing him, even just thinking about his abnormalities made him feel self-conscious. He didn't know why, but. . .he simply refrained from speaking the truth as he remembered Nana's words, "I'm just strong enough on my own. Don't worry."

Noticing her hands were dirty, he took out a spare orange sash and handed it to her, as he knew that the path was certainly muddy. Without any further exchanges, he turned and began to sprint off to give her no choice but to head on without him. The wind whipped passed his face as he made his way around the orphanage building and over the fence where he was sure he wouldn't be seen. His feet tapped the ground lightly before slipping into an alleyway to avoid direct contact with any of those cloaked people.

Although, part of him felt a tinge of regret. The flames, for one, made it rather tricky to maintain his breathing while making things difficult to see within all of the smoke. For most of his wandering around, he had to shield his eyes, which slowed his progress in making ground. But what made him regret even more wasn't the dangers of the fire. . .no, it was the things he saw when he dove straight into this hell. No matter how long he wandered or how many turns he made, corpses were all he saw. The only variety he got was the way they were presented.

Charred bodies due to be unfortunate enough to not be able to escape whatever explosion had happened. Pools of blood where someone had been crushed to death, some even being children. However, the most common ones were those who were laid out on the ground and bleeding to death due to sustaining a serious injury. . with some even being still alive but suffering. Each time he heard a groan, he'd run over to save them, yet it was all the same. They had lost way too much blood, their bodies limp and practically on death's door. God only knows where the doctors are or if they are even alive, and he was no doctor. Although, what nearly sent him over the edge. . .

*Thump!*

Shikuro looked down at the feeling of bumping into something, his dreary eyes from the smoke obscuring his vision, garnering some delay in his processing skills. He was far too distracted by what was around him that he didn't see what was in front of him. Once he realized this, he nearly keeled over and threw up right on the spot. Beneath his feet, the bisected body of a soldier was what he saw. .time froze, and for a moment, his breathing hitched. He saw many gruesome sights through this search, but this was by far the worst. Simply because the shocked, lifeless eyes of the soldier were staring right back at him. It was honestly disturbing, and it caused him to take a few steps back until he heard it. . .

"Someone! Anybody, please help!"

A desperate cry snapped him out of his stupor, and he immediately began looking around frantically for the source of said plea. After several attempts, his eyes locked onto what appeared to be a collapsing building that was held up by only a few pillars that were giving way under pressure. But faintly, underneath where the door should be, a man who looked to be in their forties was desperately reaching out and trying to pull himself from the pile of collapsed furniture. Shikuro acted on impulse, his feet kicking off into a dash to where the man was trapped before skidding to a complete stop in front of him. A large couch with a clock on top of it. . that was what was weighing him down. Simple, except that both had frames made of metal with flames surrounding both of them and accelerating the collapse of the house. He didn't have time. . .

Bracing himself, Shikuro squatted down and gripped the bottom of the couch, his hands feeling the burns from the heated frame, which made him whimper. However, he persevered and used his gifted strength to lift the layered objects just enough for the man to crawl out. Seeing that this was their only chance, with the pillars of the house creaking away, Shikuro barked, "Hurry! Move now while you still can!" Taking advantage of the situation, the man hurried and crawled onto his feet despite the pain. Once he was free, Shikuro quickly released his grip and leaped away as the house finally gave way a collapse, his breathing heavy as his now redder hand shook in pain.

"That. . .was close. . ." Shikuro noted to himself.

"Wait. . .you're. . .?"

Shikuro turned around to see the man he had just saved. He stood in disbelief as he finally got to process who his savior was. Half-expectedly, the young boy was already getting ready for the look of disdain and disgust he'd normally get. If this were any other day, he'd maybe stay to hear it, but he didn't have time for that. Nana was his priority. He turned around now that his little task was done but stopped at the vocalized phrase that he'd thought he'd never hear.

"Thank you. . ."

The child Saiyan took a moment to look behind him, his only sight of the man being him limping away to safety. It caught him off guard, even though it sounded like he was forcing himself to say it. He was a bit stunned at being thanked by someone other than Nana and Koshu. However, he'd had to admit: the act of saving just one life in this hell. . brought some satisfaction he didn't think he'd feel for those that despised him. He looked down at his hands, his eyes lingering on them. They were burnt a bit, the pain lingering on, but that pain served as a mark. If he can continue like this, then—

"Shikuro. . .? Shikuro!?"

The sound of a familiar voice made him jolt. Before he could turn around, he was scooped up from his feet, the world around him beginning to grow dim as the woman's embrace grew tighter. It held so much emotion in them that he couldn't help but blush a bit when they separated; his eyes locked onto hers as she was on the verge of crying.

"You little shit. . .why haven't you evacuated with the others!?" Nana said tearfully.

Shikuro froze a bit before answering, "I was looking for you. I didn't want to escape until I knew you were safe. . ." Nana took a mental step back. He was looking for her. . .part of her was flattered, but to think that he'd grown so attached that he'd risk his own life just to be near her. . .she couldn't help but feel responsible. With that in mind, she eyed him head to toe, his clothes and face dirted by the ashes with hands partially scorched. She grimaced at the sight of them, but her reaction didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh, this. . .?" Shikuro noted, albeit too nonchalantly, "I'm fine. It only stings a little, but it's nothing compared to well. . everything else around us."

Nana stared at him in bewilderment. The way he said it was like it was no big deal, but there was something hidden in his tone of voice. Like he was trying hard to hide how scared he was. His hands were shaking despite his expression. For as long as she knew and helped raise Shikuro, he was a. . interesting little brat. Caused her more trouble even as an infant and more as he grew up with a conscious. She didn't really help with her habit of lingering profanity, and her grandfather's rough and stubborn personality created the ideal troublemaker when it came to it. But one straight that stood out was Shikuro's toughness which only grew as he lived on Codia. The child quickly learns to hide his anxieties and troubles to where it feels like he's unbothered by them. That and combined with his Saiyan instincts, getting into scuffles and arguments with the locals was a daily part of his life. But. . was that the life she wanted for him?

She gave a hard stare as Shikuro tilted his head in confusion as Nana was trapped within her thoughts, her frown reflecting that of guilt and sorrow, "Nana. . .?" She didn't respond and seemed to have come to a resolution of her own at that moment.

"Shikuro. . .I'm sorry. . .," Nana muttered.

The child Saiyan felt a bit concerned and was even about to question her further, but time was ticking. She scooped him off his feet once more and began sprinting along the trail that led to the large forest at the opposite end of the village. The world became nothing more than a blur, and Shikuro's voice hitched as Nana began to explain, "Shikuro, please listen carefully to what I'm about to say. . ." His perplexed eyes looked up at her steeled face that only focused on moving faster. Before long, they reached the forest and sprinted through the trees and grass under the crescent moon.

"The reason why all this has happened is that the great elder was confronted by some shady men. . ." Nana informed before adding, "They showed up pretty much out of nowhere, all dressed in red cloaks that held weapons molded in a strange black material. At first, they didn't seem aggressive, but during the meeting, they demanded one thing that started this whole atrocity."

She turned the corner and found herself in front of a vine wall covered in moss. However, the obstacle didn't deter her and only served as a path she needed to take. She began scaling the walls with Shikuro holding on, "They wanted a certain child. But not just any child. We don't know how they know of this information or why they would go to such lengths, but the child they described was a boy who had a monkey's tale and a different skin color from our species." Upon completing her sentence, she climbed over the ledge and onto her feet before continuing her haste through the forest.

"A boy with a tail. . .then they are. . ." Shikuro's repeated with innate fear.

"Yes," Nana affirmed for him, "They are after you. After the elder refused despite the council's one-sided insistence to hand you over, those men. . .took drastic action. They are dangerous, and personally, there is no telling what they may do to you if they find you. . ."

Her steps slowed as the wind began to blow past her gently. The tree leaves rustled and detached themselves from their branches under the dim light of the moon. Shikuro shivered a bit due to the lack of clothing but soon noticed the reason why they stopped. Standing just feet away, a rather decently sized pod was built for the size to accommodate living necessities for a small family. As Shikuro awed at the ship, Nana walked over and opened the latch, the interior mirroring what she had remembered. A circular space with a control panel facing the window. A couple of accommodations looked to range from a stove, fridge, and sink while also having a however that held little to no privacy for anyone else aiming to live there. However, the most notable part was a small incubator with a red glass casing and a sign etched into its frame.

"What is this place. . .?" Shikuro wondered as Nana walked him over to the control panel and placed him down before punching in coordinates.

Her hands typed furiously as she struggled to work the machine she barely had time to figure out during her free time. Still, she answered his question truthfully, "This is where you were born. . .well, I think. We found you as a baby after there were sightings of an object falling from the sky. Fortunately, my father was the one who found you first and brought you in despite the village's protest." After some trial and error, she finally managed to get a good lock on the coordinates as Shikuro was processing what was said. However, she couldn't help but feel something approaching.

"This sickening aura. . ." Nana noted to herself in a cold sweat. She wasn't a warrior but like her father, who was a previous guard for the head elder, she too learned a thing or two from him. That's why the creeping murderous attempt was so noticeable to her.

She was beginning to panic but didn't want to break her composure. Whoever it was, it wasn't someone she knew. No one would dare to come here of all places without her being followed. Cursing to herself, she quickly improvised and knelt to the open cabinet connected to the control panel. The ship would have to soft-start after a long time of being unused. She needed to buy time. Her eyes shifted to the Saiyan child, who was oblivious to the situation at hand. Seeing him now made her heart twist and turn, but her resolve was enough to make her next set of actions with a level head.

"Shikuro, everything will be alright. . ." Nana smiled.

"Huh, what do you mean by—wait!" Shikuro began to ask before being shoved into the cabinet beneath the panel. Before he could escape, she closed it shut and muttered a few incantations. Unorthodox markings wrapped around the surface of the panel before glowing briefly and fading away.

Then, the panel violently shook from the constant banging against the cabinet door, yet it made no sound. Not even a hint. She knew that this was the sort of reaction she'd get, but this was her last bet. Whether she made it out of this or not, it didn't matter. At this moment, she had won. . .

*WHOOSH!*

A strong breeze filled the room with the sound of the door opening behind her being the point of entrance. She turned around slowly, her hands slightly shaking, yet her face remained firm at who she saw. A man in a similar cloak, yet his hood was down. His hair was sickly gray, and his dark purple eyes had bushy, feathered brows, with one having an X-marked scar over his right eye. His skin was tanned in color though his ears were pointed with two black earrings that looked like crystals swayed in with the wind. He didn't say a word but was stern with his first set of words.

"A ship in the middle of the forest? Such an obscure spot to hide someone. . ." He noted, his eyes darting left to right in search of something. But nothing stood out, and with that, they locked onto the woman who stood before him, "Where's the boy. . .?"

Nana shivered under the pressure, her breathing ceasing as he directed all of his malice toward her. But she couldn't help but mentally laugh in the face of it. All this just to take Shikuro? And for what? For someone who everyone on the planet had hated. . .this was the most amount of care someone other than herself had directed towards him. It was so ironic that she couldn't contain it. She chuckled, the reaction causing the man to raise an eyebrow, "This is ridiculous. You'd slaughtered so many for a single boy and would even come all the way out here." The man narrowed his eyes.

"It's because he's of great importance. You bugs don't know how valuable he is," The man remarked.

Nana's smirked, widened and shrugged, "Well, you're right about the majority of us. We don't know his value. However, for the few that do, we understand. That child endures so much every day and does so voluntarily. People forget he's not some 'thing' but someone with a life of their own. He can experience pain, he can feel sad, and he can even cry even if he doesn't." She thought back to his injured hands and how they shook. Her eyes narrowed before muttering lastly.

"And. . .he can be scared too," She remarked.

The man's patience was thinning, "You're blabbering sounds ludicrous. Just tell me where the boy is. . ." He raised a single finger that pointed straight at her. It didn't take a genius to figure out his intentions behind what looked to be a simple gesture. He was threatening to kill her.

"Typical. . ." Nana thought. Her eyes looked down at the cabinet behind her. Even though the spell she cast blocked out all noise made inside, it didn't block out any noise made outside of the object. Shikuro could hear everything, and she could only imagine what his face looked like at that moment. But time was ticking, and she needed to make her next move with courage. Smiling, she faced the man's threat and took a step forward with confidence, "You want me to tell you, huh?"

She looked out the window that reflected the fading crescent moon, "You know, perhaps it's time he gets away from all the things that weigh him down. Yeah. . just live for the sake of living. That way, he can find who he really is without anything hindering him. That way, he can smile in the end." The engine of the ship began to power on and initiate. The man's eyes widened in shock before turning into a scowl.

"That's where he is going. A place where people like us won't be able to catch up. Where he can make his own choices. . ." Nana answered, her head turning towards him with a smug smirk, "For that, I'll gladly play the role of 'decoy.' "

The man bellowed, "You damn witch. . .you intended to drag me to space with you so the boy can flee somewhere else on the real ship! Tell me. WHERE IS THAT SHIP!?" The dark energy shrouded him and transferred to the tip of his finger. This was her last warning.

"You got five seconds. . ." He growled.

However, Nana only laughed playfully, the wind whipping her hair across her face before settling little by little to a stop, the dim light of the fading black sky illuminating her face with her next few words, "Then, you're wasting your time counting. . ."

*BZZZZZ!*

A brief flash of darkness was all she saw before the pain in her chest made her gasp for air. Her eyes widened as a beam of energy shot across the room and pierced right through her heart before hitting the reinforced window. It dissipated shortly, her feet staggering a bit before she fell onto her back with the man still at the door's entrance. As the pool of blood began to form, the man scoffed with disdain.

"I'll admit, you had me fooled, but just know your efforts are futile. . ." He remarked as he turned away, "I will get what I want."

Wasting no further time, the man hopped out of the ship and flew off in search of what he sought. Automatically, the ship closed its doors as it prepared for lift-off, the engine heating itself up faster and faster. Then, in just a couple minutes, the ship took off and began rocketing itself to the atmosphere that shifted in color. The night was fading away for the planet as black turned to red and indigo.

With the dwindling life force of the caster approaching its end, the spell cast to contain what was inside faded away. Due to that, the sound of an opened cabinet door slamming against the panel echoed through the ship. Eyes dimmed in color and breathing slowed with each second, Nana cranked her neck to the direction of the sound. On their knees, Shikuro stared at her in disbelief, her blood staining the knee portion of his pants as the pool grew bigger. Despite the fact she was dying, she couldn't help but genuinely smile out of relief. She had won.

"Ku-Shiku. . ." She weakly spoke, her voice barely even matching the same volume as a whisper. She smiled, "He-. . .Hey. . ."

The young child was stunned as he crawled over despite the pool of red beneath him, his shaky hands hovering above her while his expression was going through changes. From shock to fear to sadness, to finally anger. Perhaps all at once, his teeth clenched tightly, "Don't give me that. 'Hey'? Really. . that's all you got to say! You dumbass!" He pressed his hands on where she got shot and tried to stop the bleeding.

"Stop damn it. . .!" He commanded the wound that kept gushing out blood, "STOP! STOP! STOP! JUST STOP! YOU CAN'T. . .YOU CAN'T DIE! NOT HERE! NOT LIKE THIS!"

He tried so hard to not let tears well up in his eyes, trying to wipe them away every time one slipped out. Blood smeared his face at that action, "It's not fair! This isn't fair at all! Why!? Why did this have to happen!?" He shouted as he tried to put pressure on her wound, but it wouldn't stop. Her breathing became more ragged, more unstable. It felt like he couldn't breathe with the rate things were going. At this rate. . .Nana was going to die, and he couldn't do a thing about it. He couldn't do a damn thing. . .

All that prejudice of being a Saiyan, a race born with natural combat talent and power, but what good was it when he couldn't protect the ones he cared about. He was weak, useless, pathetic, and everything he's endured up till now felt like it meant nothing. That the world was mocking him with thousands of unseen faces laughing at him like they knew this fate was going to happen. That no matter what. . he'll continue to suffer.

However, his thoughts snapped as soon as he felt a hand rest on his, his eyes shifting to Nana, who smiled with blood trickling down her lip, "It'll be fine. . .You'll be fine. . ."

Shikuro bit his tongue as his eyes narrowed in an attempt to hold back tears, but that proved fruitless as they fell onto her chest, "I don't care about me! I--"

"Can you listen. . .my little shit. . ." Nana whispered softly. The room of the ship grew darker as they approached the vacuum of space. His hands twitched, the desire to act there but his mind still thinking of methods. However, everything leads to the same outcome. Nana, his big sister, was going to die. He hated it. He hated it so much that his tears were already spilling out, and the will to not scream out of rage was becoming increasingly hard to hold back. However, to calm him, Nana weakly reached out to cup his cheek, the touch pulling him out of it. Her hands were cold, yet all he could do was think about how she was still calm, "I know. .it hurts so much, doesn't it? To lose someone--ngh! You cherish. I. . .don't want to die either. . .I. . .don't want to leave you. .on your own."

She hacked some more, "But you have to remember this. . .no matter how alone. . .how hard it gets. Please. . .don't change from who. . you really are. All I ask for you. . .to the one who blessed me with so much. . ."

Her hand slid off his cheek, the child's eyes widening as everything he perceived was as if the world was slowing everything down. Everything from her hand descending with her touch fading. Her lips opened and closed into a final smile while the words processed through his brain so clearly that it nearly shattered his mind.

"Shikuro. . .Li-live. . .please. . .I ~~~~ ~~~"

*Thump*

Slowly, her eyes closed, and the room became pitch black. The silence waited patiently to be filled, but it didn't wait long. Just moments later. . screams filled the ship in the void.

[- - - -]

(Returning Back To Planet Earth, Shikuro's Place Near Mount Paoz. . .)

The morning sun came shining through the windows of the dark room. The sounds of the birds pecking away at his window faded from his ears as the Saiyan high schooler was wide awake. Yes. . eyes wide with tears streaming down his face in a stupor.

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(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, Shikuro 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–?" Shikuro 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. . ." Shikuro 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," Shikuro remarked.

With her sharp mind still in work mode, 21 raised an eyebrow, "Is that so? Are your parents that busy?" Shikuro 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," Shikuro 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'–," Shikuro 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, Shikuro 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.

Shikuro 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.

Shikuro 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," Shikuro 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, Shikuro 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. . .," Shikuro 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, Shikuro 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. . .," Shikuro 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," Shikuro 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. . ." Shikuro 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," Shikuro 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, Shikuro placed a disclaimer.

"Oh, don't get it twisted. They can be both a natural saint and the craziest bunch you'd ever meet!" Shikuro 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.

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(The Following Morning After That Night, Inside The Bunker. . .)

"16, is it possible that there is something wrong with me. . ."

The red-haired giant turned his head towards the couch of the dimly lit room. It was early morning as far as he could tell and usually around this time, 21 would be at her desk, slaving away on formulas to deal with her own problems while trying to figure out a way to stop Project: Festival. But, today was different which wasn't much of a surprise compared to how she left on an "errand" and came back with nothing she said she was getting. Now, she was laying on the couch, ultimately sleep-deprived from having to make up for the lost time she had wasted on whatever she was doing outside the bunker. 16 averted his eyes and responded, "Depends, are you referring to that 'hunger' problem you have?" 21 flinched for a moment and shook her head as she ran a hand across his face.

"No. . .," She dismissed and pointed towards the object on the table. 16 peered over and only saw a cellular device with a pink phone case.

He raised an eyebrow, "O. . .kay? Did you need this device for your plans but it turned out to be defective?"

"No. . .," She repeated.

"Then what?" 16 asked, quickly giving up on trying to draw a conclusion himself.

"I. . .honestly don't understand it myself," 21 admitted, removing her hand to reveal a mixture of confusion and worry, "You and I both know my 'hunger' is a problem as great as Project: Festival. Because of that, I avoid as much contact with other life forms as possible, such as food and ordering parts. Thankfully, I can avoid working due to the funds left behind by my creator. . .but. . ."

16 noticed her eyes narrow. He could tell. She was reflecting on that time as an excuse again. He sighed as he already knew the whole story, "Yes. . .I understand. After something like that, it'd be hard to trust yourself again." 21 didn't refute that. She and he knew that at the moment, 16 was the only person she could talk to. He didn't have a Ki signature so he wouldn't cause her symptoms to activate from prolonged exposure.

"Yeah. . .," 21 acknowledged before continuing after taking a glance at the phone, "For the first time in a long time, I've met some human that I couldn't push away. When I realized that, I decided to run once my symptoms started yet somehow, he still managed to find me."

"So? It just sounds like a coincidence. Perhaps you're just overthinking things," 16 refuted.

21 nodded and turned to her side, her expression softening still, "Maybe, you're right. But last night. . .when my 'hunger' was being the devil on my shoulder and trying to get me to lose control, I. . .stayed. I didn't want to leave and ignored whispers. I even went out of my way to buy a phone and get his contact information." 16 raised an eyebrow at this.

"Contact? What did you use as your name?" He asked.

21 froze a bit and nervously answered, "Shoko. . . "

"Simple enough. But that's. . ." 16 noted.

"I know, I know! Everything happened without me realizing it so I just used the first thing that came to mind," 21 admitted before he could continue further, turning back to face the ceiling, "As I said, I'm feeling off today. . . It's like I can't focus lately like I used to."

"Perhaps you're worth ethic has finally reached its limit," 16 proposed, the phrasing catching her attention enough to dart her eyes to him.

"Huh?" She murmured as she sat up and stared at her fellow android in search of a better explanation.

Nevertheless, 16, unironically enough, looked back impassively yet spoke with what felt like a poor attempt to sound sincere, "I believe that you have reached your limit in terms of social interaction with other lifeforms such as yourself." 21 raised a confused eyebrow.

"Don't be silly, you're here talking with me right now," she argued.

However, despite her reassurance, the large android knew better and only knew to stick to the facts. From his memory bank, he was never able to truthfully keep a lie and when a situation arose, he had a knack for analyzing the situation and proceeding to the best course of action. From actions to words, he used his aspects and components to the best of his abilities to ensure the best possible future for the Earth. But right now, he was focused on his new objective. To ensure that his creator's well-being is positive, "I am no lifeform."

He watched her face morph into a perplexity before shifting into a worry. Oddly enough, even though he was nothing like his template, he felt a familiarity in that look and continued before she could offer a rebuttal.

"You understand it already yourself. You just don't want to acknowledge it," 16 said, his hand hovering where a heart would be if he were human or contained biological functions, "My thoughts are based on my programming and purpose of design. With that, I am currently only designated to act as your advisory support as well as materialistic emotional support due to my anterior template. Even then, that is only considered superficial under a time limit."

At this, 21 cast her head down in thought and her lack of an immediate response knew that what he was trying to say made sense. Between the two of them, she only remodeled him by a coincidence of seeing his scattered parts and data chip in that warzone all those years ago. The fact that his appearance and presence prove to keep her negative emotions and state of mind stable was only an added bonus that she ran with. However, deep down, they both knew that it wouldn't last. It was just a matter of time before she'd lose it and even he wouldn't be able to stop her anymore. Still. . .

"16, you are the only one I have as you have no ki signature of your own. Even if it's limited, I can't get too close to others," 21 reminded.

The giant android nodded as he already expected that answer, "Yes, I'm aware but. . .just like someone I knew before, all you are doing is running away from the issue and not confronting it. You were able to coexist before if I recall but now you are frightened to try again and you are using the front of your original purpose to uphold that." 16 rose up and walked over to the table to pick up the device. He took a moment to inspect it before handing it over to 21 who seemed more distracted than ever.

"I'm sure you already know from the data you examine, but there are people on this planet who are strong. Very strong. The fact that the Earth is still around means that they continue to live on even after all that they've been through. The trials you face will soon be the trials that they will face as well. With that, it's in our best interest to side and joins forces with them for optimal success but that comes with your willingness to overcome your 'hunger'." He emphasized, grabbing her hand and placing the phone in her palm, "That comes with the small steps first. Unlike me, you aren't a mechanical robot. You are an artificial life form with real feelings. At the very least, you have the right to choose the life you live if you so wish to and the way you look right now doesn't reflect the same feeling I see in all the other life in this world."

This was essential. Not just as a way to prepare for what was to come but also to ensure that his remaker's future was secured. If she could find a way to overcome those urges and feelings, she'll be able to move forward to find out what she wants instead of what she was dealt with. The stress of Project: Festival has only hindered her progress in doing that. Simply put: she was shouldering far too much on her shoulders. There had to be more hands to take the load off.

After some time, 21 tightened her grip on the phone and nodded, "I'll consider your advice. But for now, I'd like to get some more work done so I'll be on the computer—"

"Negative," 16 interrupted. At first, she thought he'd lecture her some more but, "You've been working too hard all this time. Machine or not, I suggest you try to distract yourself from working."

She tensed and looked up as if she was a child who dreaded doing chores, "I'm fine, 16. All I need. . ."

"Negotiation isn't an option," 16 interrupted.

There was a short yet tense silence between them that needed a word to be said. One side wasn't going to budge more than the other. Between what may be considered family, compromise, and integrity weren't always guaranteed. Such was the case here as all 21 could do under his gaze was sigh in defeat.

"Just this once. . ." 21 muttered, rolling herself off the couch and looking around the room, "Where's my coat?"

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, At Satan City's Orange Star High School. . .)

Monday was a universally dreaded day for most. Mainly because it was usually the day in which everyone is going back to their jobs or having to return back to school to deal with the otherworldly dread of procrastinating assignments. That can be said to be the same for the Saiyan though for him: Monday was a bad-omen whenever it was the middle of the month. School life was. . .tricky for him. Managing to conceal his strength and heritage from others was a task enough. That was the most complicated anxiety that he had to deal with which was ironic considering passing his classes were the least of his worries. The idea of someone finding out that he was an alien built to fight for a living and had destroyed millions of planets under the "employment" of a galactic dictator, worried him a little. Shikuro, being negligent as he was about overall appearances, was still self-conscious about what the citizens of Earth may think if they knew who he was.

Living on this planet for so long, he quickly realized that the absence of hostility, or rather, the lack of it, was both refreshing and uncomfortable at the same time. After some time, he noticed how the people of planet Earth were quick to dismiss and play totally ignorant to the reality they live in. From the stories he was told, he was shocked that citizens were quick to forget the wonder boy who defeated an ancient demon who annihilated an entire city in the past while plunging the world into turmoil via a purge of the law. Or the fact that Cell was dismissed as a phony or trickster and was disregarded for his prowess as some ordinary person hiding behind smokes and mirrors. Any logical person could put two and two together and come to the conclusion that those smokes and mirrors couldn't have decimated the entire military of one of the most powerful kings in the world. In the end, he could only conclude that it was a defense mechanism against things that they simply couldn't comprehend or handle.

Those terrors are still true, revived or not. All lifeforms fear death and that was something that the Z-fighters understood even with the knowledge of the wishing orbs. They won't know when those orbs will vanish or cease to work. Despite being called the Eternal Dragon, all it takes is the Earth being destroyed and every one of the Earth's defenders defeated for their lives to be over. A dystopia per se is like a certain future revealed in the past. They still feel the fear that when confronted by an unstoppable force out of their control, they'd label them as "monsters" without a second thought. It was a sickening way of thinking but Shikuro could understand that viewpoint as instinctual fear. His time posing as Sunkaiser showed him that firsthand through the faces of criminals that he'd soon apprehend.

As his thoughts began to slow down and return back to the world, Shikuro twirled his pencil as he faced forward with a palm against his face. He was trying to listen to the lecture for Orange Star High was closer to an actual college than a high school. This meant that classes were as long as nearly an hour though thanks to his schedule, certain classes were on other days. It's just unfortunate that he had to take Physics first thing in the morning while also having Advanced Calculus immediately after. To him, it was basically a subject of math with just word problems and the other was just plane numbers. He groaned, the severe inconvenience of his schedule causing him to question his choices. He could swear someone influenced his schedule and it had to be Bulma. She was plotting something and figuring out what was harder than whatever problem they were going over on the board.

Sighing, he pressed his cheeks even harder into his palm and barely heard the faint whisper next to him, "Wow, didn't think someone who could fly would be so bored. . ." It took him a moment to process it but as soon as he did, glass shattered in his head. He turned towards the owner of the voice, his eyes wide like saucers and face pale as ever.

A girl, shorter than most with bright red curly hair that draped over her shoulders and a few freckles on her face. Her emerald eyes faced forward though it was clear she was trying to avoid eye contact and was more focused on the lesson as she jotted down notes. She wore simple clothes such as a purple hoodie over a red shirt and blue jeans which her badge was stitched onto. Orange Star High was a private institution and certainly wasn't cheap for ordinary people. Most of the kids here come from wealthy families and are spoiled beyond belief. In fact, according to Gohan, he wouldn't have been able to attend if it weren't for his high grades. So seeing someone who seemed to be in a similar boat was refreshing enough if it was for the obvious fact that she knew something he'd wish he misheard.

The silence between them was awkward but more so nauseating as he pondered, "How'd she know!? Where did I slip up!? No, no, calm down. . .she doesn't have proof so maybe I can still salvage this. She seems like the non-aggressive type so maybe I may be alright." He turned to speak but before he could. . .

*Ding!*

"Oh my, the bell rang quite earlier than I expected," Professor Flask noted, "I suppose it can't be helped when having fun. That'll be all for today my students and due to the suddenness, I'll refrain from assigning homework until the next session as we still have quite a bit to review. However, if you want extra credit and to move on ahead, I advise you to perform a self-study and complete the worksheet on page 77 in your books. Have a wonderful morning!"

Gratefully for one less assignment, he had to worry about, he turned his attention back to the suspect who was already packing her things while students began walking out of the classroom. Gulping Shikuro trod carefully with his words and began with, "Hey, uh, lucky us right? Though, what you just said earlier, were you referring to me?"

*Slam*

Shikuro flinched at the sudden forceful closing of the book in her hands and stayed silent. She stood up from her seat and gave him the side eye, her words coming out as a warning, "Personally, playing dumb and beating the bush isn't going to cut it. I know what I saw that day after you left during P.E. But don't worry, as long as you keep your superhero business away from Ace then I will refrain from exposing you to the press. . .".

Before he knew it, the girl left him standing in a state of awe and a little bit of fear. He rustled through his pocket to double-check the time, his face churning away at what she said repeatedly in his head.

"Fantastic. . .way to start a fire. . ." Shikuro muttered to himself.

~~~~~~~~~~Hours Later: Orange Star Highschool~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the day could only have been described as a horror film. Not in a sense where one would be chased and eventually killed by some murderer or vengeful spirit. No, it was just the feeling that such a scenario would bring. Anxiety and fear in the form of being held at gunpoint. That's why Shikuro was currently feeling right now as he walked the halls to his locker to gather his things. The last class of the day came and went faster than Shikuro had expected though he understood why that was the case. An active mind is bound to lose its perception of time and he was still stuck on what had happened earlier that morning. He was caught, foiled, and now was at the mercy of another individual who he hardly knew anything about. How could he have let this happen? Why did he have to be so careless at times?

His internal frustrations made him frantically open his locker and pull out some of the textbooks he needed for his homework this week before closing it shut with a bit more force than usual. Luckily, no one really paid it much mind as these lockers were a pain to close for some students. He sighed before feeling a small tap on his shoulder. He flinched and turned only to see Ace standing behind him with a blank expression on his face in contrast to his own.

"Jeez, you've been so fidgeting lately. You good, dude?" Ace pointed out.

Shikuro opened and closed his mouth, the words struggling to come out. Soon enough, he exhaled a deep, "I'm alright, just some personal business involving school stuff. Anyways, what's up? You normally wait at the entrance instead of coming to my locker after school. If you're not going to wait, just be sure not to sneak up on me."

"Oh, about that. . .I wanted to—"

Before the young heir could finish, an arm swung over his shoulders in a manner that was all too familiar. Shikuro's eyes widened being that he was the first one to see who it was. Their trademark, blond hair, and toothy smile while his polar, orange hair opposite stood behind the two of them: looking completely uninterested. Regardless, emerald eyes locked onto Shikuro's obsidian with a smirk, "We wanted to invite you to a session with the boys!" Unsure of what was going on, the young Saiyan raised an eyebrow.

"A what. . .?" Shikuro asked.

Vincent sighed, "To hang out basically. We're heading off to the park to goof around and stuff. That and we're going to hit the local batting ring so we can finally settle who is the best batter in the group."

"It's clearly me!" Kize chimed in albeit aggressively.

Vincent glared at him for a moment, an unspoken beef that neither the Saiyan nor Ace knew anything about or cared to dive into, "Yeah, to settle things. Anyways, we're heading out right now, so better get your stuff quick." Still confused, Shikuro grabbed the rest of his stuff and packed it into his bag. However, he was still left with uncertainty and doubt that needed clearing.

"I understand why Ace wouldn't mind but I was under the impression his other friends wouldn't want someone they hardly know to join them. Especially if one of them is associated with Glade. . ." Shikuro noted.

A bit worried, Ace quickly tried to dismiss, "He-Hey, no need to worry about Vincent. He's–"

"I hardly care about whatever is going on between you and him. I never liked that guy and we only see eye to eye when we are trying to win games. Other than that, screw 'em," Vincent explained as Kize chuckled and added.

"Yeah, if anything, those who are friends with Ace are friends of ours as well. It's rare for this handsome guy to approach someone rather than being approached himself," the Yellow Blur commented which caused Ace to blush in embarrassment.

The Sojirou Heir brushed Kize off him and scolded, "Oi, you're making it sound like I have no social life." Given his circumstance and background, Ace Sojirou was regarded as the most popular, nice guy in the school. That was the front he had upheld in the school's social standings. However, even though he could likely gain a bunch of friends, his actual friend circle was smaller than most would expect. Far smaller. Aside from Shikuro, Vincent and Kize were the only two who truly knew the real him. The only ones who speak and treat him on equal terms. Rarely he'd let his real self slip outside of that in public.

Seeing his embarrassed face, Shikuro smirked and let out a short laugh as he joined in on the fun, "Hehe, no need to pretend Ace, we all know you secretly enjoy just having us around." Snorting at the look of disbelief on Ace's face, Shikuro and Kize both burst out laughing while Vincent was holding a chuckle.

"Oh man, I already like this guy! Come on, we gotta go before the batters ring is packed out," Kize insisted.

Without another bit of protest, Shikuro silently agreed and followed them out of the school. Although, the first thing he noticed when leaving was how clear and sunny the day was despite it being fall. He smirked, his eyes facing forward at the group of boys that he was meant to hang out with today. It was a warm feeling, to say the least. Being able to laugh with those your age. Among all the Z-Fighters, Gohan was the closest to his own age that he could relate to. Even then, he was now married and working for some University as an assistant professor for biological evolution studies. Fitting for someone who is part of a race that evolves infinitely in battle. Regardless, those times were when he felt at peace. Almost in a way that he could forget the day he had lost everything even if it was so tiny that he had. That day had plagued him for years, the images lingering like a creature in the dark waiting to pull off a jumpscare like a horror movie. Those scars never faded, and he believed they'll never go away. But facing forward now, Shikuro had to admit it: he was satisfied with what he was gained since then. An everyday, Earthling school life. A quiet and free life outside of that circle. A group that might as well be considered family to him, each member accepting or sharing the same traits as he had once been ridiculed for. Everything was more than he could ask for and if he gained more through his life then he'd be over-satisfied once those occasions arose. That's why. . . he couldn't help but wish to himself when watching the backs of those who he'd be hanging out with for the day. . .

"Even if I envy them, I don't wish for them to go through what I went through."

For what felt like the first time, Shikuro felt something foreign to him. But, if he more thought into it, he could have discerned what it was. Fear. . .Fear that knowing how their world works, their peace was never safe. Even if they had magical wishing orbs, the experience of the death of someone close was still devastating. Nothing was ever guaranteed and that fact alone was what became his drive. He had to become strong. Strong enough so that those he cared about can live a fulfilling life. But for now, he smirked and decided to enjoy the moments he had now while it lasted.

[- - - -]

(Currently Somewhere Else In Satan City, Near The Plaza. . .)

"Why did I allow myself to be convinced to do this?"

21 frowned deeply at herself as she walked the streets of Satan City, her brown jacket swaying behind her as it drenched over her black sweater. In contrast to her attire for the weather, she still opted for some ripped jeans to go with her matching boots. It was sunny out but it didn't mean that they weren't in the middle of fall going into winter. Needless to say, she didn't really feel uncomfortable with the temperature considering she quite literally lives in a cold cave as of right now. No, it was the fact that she kept getting looks from time to time. Very uncomfortable ones at that which oddly came from mostly guys.

Being out of the social norm for so long, the bio-android was clueless about her own appearance. For most in this day and age, she'd be receiving complaints left and right while also getting free food while she was added simply because she looked pretty. Though, whether she was aware of the fact or not, the fact of the matter was that she didn't like all of the attention. Especially since she left the lab without any real direction on what to do today. Fun or relaxation was the last thing on her mind for all the right reasons. The preparations for her mission to stop Project: Cell's main goal was almost complete and on top of that, she still had herself to deal with. Should she really be out here doing nothing?

She sighed, her feet acting on their own and guiding her to wherever they may take her as she took a turn towards the local park to which she thought back to what 16 had said earlier.

"---Unlike me, you aren't a mechanical robot. You are an artificial life form with real feelings. At the very least, you have the right to choose the life you live if you so wish to and the way you look right now doesn't reflect the same feeling I see in all the other life in this world."

She looked down at the palms of her right hand in deep thought, her mind continuing to dwell on his words, "To choose the life I want to live, huh? But, what is that life I want to live. . ." As if to answer that question, an image flashed through her mind of an elderly woman's hand reaching out to her. In the palm was an apple, ripped and red as she could see the wide smile on their face. Subconsciously, she felt a warm feeling well up inside her, a small smile forming as she recalled those precious times that she honestly held close to her heart. Deep down, she desperately wanted to go back to them. She wanted to be able to enjoy the grassy fields on a sunny day, her worries drowned by delicious foods and company. She wanted to be able to laugh and try many things she had heard from listening to the television. But most of all, she wanted back. . .

"Hey! Look out!" A voice shouted, snapping her out of her thoughts as she looked up. She hadn't realized it, but she had found herself inside Satan City's local park. Her eyes darted left and right before finally looking towards the sky to see a small, round object hurling down towards her. Judging from the short distance and time she had, she likely couldn't dodge it without looking like some freak. So she opted not to move and pretended that the hit wasn't as bad as it would have been to a normal person. Her durability and strength were above humans after all. Although, shockingly enough, as she expected the ball to hit her square in the face, a shadowy figure appeared in front of her.

Catching the ball, she soon grew some familiarity with the shape of their spiky hair, their attire being that of an open, dark red jacket over a white shirt. Long gray jeans that were held up by a white belt and some red sneakers that were laced with white laces. When he turned, while holding the object that was revealed to be a baseball, her eyes widened in surprise that mirrored their own. His. . .own...

"Shoko?" He said with surprise, his hand dropping the ball on the pavement. She looked around, now realizing that the mindless walking had landed her near a batting ring that was set up just near the entrance of the park. Ignoring what was in front of her, she couldn't help but question the locational choices made in this city. A bank near a gun store? A batting ring at the entrance of a park? Whoever was mayor or head of architecture seriously needs their licenses evaluated.

Quelling her inner frustrations, she turned her attention back to the High School student in front of her, responding, "Shikuro? I wasn't expecting you to be here."

"I could say the same about you. Though, you would have missed me if I hadn't been—" Shikuro began before being interrupted.

"BOOOYA! THAT'S A HOME RUN ON THE FASTEST SETTING, YET! YOU OWE ME SOME LUNCH!"

As if on cue, the two turned towards the group of boys that were inside the batting ring. From what 21 could see, the blond one was dancing like an Irish man with his nose reflecting his ego while the orange-haired student looked to be bitter as he dug through his pockets before whipping out some cash. She took a quick glance at the young Saiyan who slightly chuckled at the sight before putting two and two together.

"Out with some friends?" 21 guessed based on his previous sentence.

Shikuro nodded, "Guess you could say that. My friend invited me to tag along with some of his to the batting ring and so far, they seem to be very competitive when it comes to anything sports related." Despite the urges deep within her nagging at her again, she managed to ignore them after recalling what 16 again. She had to loosen up for her mental health. Dwelling on it all the time will make it worse. Those were the points he was trying to make.

"Yeah. . ., I can see that the orange hair one seems pretty ticked off," 21 noted with a small giggle.

Noticing the lightened tone in her voice, Shikuro smirked a bit and added, "Hehe, can't say he didn't have it coming. They wouldn't stop talking smack to each other the way here."

"Are you sure they are friends?" 21 asked with a raised eyebrow. Though, before Shikuro could answer, another voice inserted itself into the conversation.

"As sure as the sky is blue," Ace said as he walked up behind the young Saiyan. Shikuro was startled a bit and had to refrain from his tail popping out of his pants. As someone who could sense ki, he had to give credit where it was due. Ace was sneaky like a ninja sometimes even though he was purposely letting his guard down at the moment. Nevertheless, the Sojiro heir took a closer look at the woman before him and back at Shikuro: repeating the motion several times before continuing further, "You aren't true friends unless you can verbally assault or mess with each other no matter the time. Right, Shikuro. . .?"

Somewhat understanding that notation, Shikuro nodded as 21 was puzzled about what they were getting at, "Yeah, I guess there is some truth in that."

"Right, now who's your girlfriend?" Ace blatantly asked.

"Ah, yeah, she's. . .---!" Shikuro began before processing the question fully. He nearly walked himself into a trap and a blush formed on his face as he quickly stuttered, "She's not my girlfriend, what the hell! What made you assume that right off the bat!?"

"I dunno, the way you were just chatting up with her looked like flirting," Ace noted.

"And the way you eat cereal without milk looked like insanity," Shikuro retorted back.

Ace grinned slyly at 21 as he pointed at Shikuro, "See, friendship at its finest." Tilting her head as she tried to rationalize what was going on, she couldn't help but look at Shikuro in confusion. All those years cooped up in a cave with her only friend being 16 had dampened her perspective on things after all. In lame man terms: she was oblivious as a brick.

"I don't get it but aren't I a girlfriend then? Like, I am a girl and we are considered friends, right?" 21 inquired.

Shikuro couldn't believe what he just heard. As Ace snorted before bursting out laughing while the Saiyan was still processing everything. Did he really just get hit with that trope? Either he was getting played or fate was messing with him. Either way, he didn't like it and he didn't want to push his luck any further. So, he conceded and cleared his throat, "I'm not going to get into that right now but anyways, Ace, this is Shoko. We've been running into each other a few times over the past couple of weeks."

"Pfft, hehe I see, into older women my man," Ace nudged which earned him a threatening glare. Seeing that he was reaching Shikuro's breaking point, he receded for now and rubbed the tears from his eyes, "Well, nice to meet you, Shoko. I'm Ace."

"Nice to meet you too," 21 greeted back.

"Yeah, anyways, if you're free then do you wanna hang with us for a while? I'm sure some–I mean we'd enjoy your company. The more the merrier, right?" Ace offered.

21 thought for a moment, mind weighing the options on a scale. Right now, she was on an off day that was meant to take her mind off things. The problem was, she didn't like too many people to deal with, especially people she didn't know. Shikuro was about the only one she had really talked to other than 16 but she could only guess that was because the young Saiyan had a charisma about him that made it easy for her, "Well—!"

"GUYS, WE GOTTA RUN! WE REALLY SCREWED UP!"

Before she could respond, everyone turned to see both Kize and Vincent practically running for their lives. From what would make engineers for the military take notes in the future. For context, the batting ring wasn't just a simple design of a pitching machine stationed in one spot. As a collaboration with the Major Baseball League and Capsule Corporations, Bulma had helped quite a bit in designing a robot to provide "realism" to aspiring athletes. So, she did just that and her Pitch-Bot was published and sold to be placed in batting rings across the globe. The revenue she got was well worth the restless nights but one thing she didn't account for was. . . her Pitch-But turning rouge and hurling what was supposed to be moderately fast pitches to literal bullets.

With that said, it was understandable to see why Kize and Vincent were running away from the out-of-control robot that was hot on their tail. How they managed to get themselves into this situation, he didn't know. But, Shikuro wasn't one to find out and as far as he knew: he was the only one capable of taking one of those fastballs and surviving. The safety of those near him comes first. Taking 21's hand and signaling to Ace to get moving, Shikuro grinned nervously and said, "Well, looks like you don't get a choice. We gotta book it!"

Before she could say a word, 21 went from utter confusion to dashing away from a barrage of baseballs. Chaos was all around her but she couldn't help but feel she was already engaging in the wonders of teenage trouble and fun. As the wind whipped past her face based on how fast they were moving and the balls whipped past her face, she couldn't help but smile: her worries becoming nothing but an afterthought.

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, Planet Earth's 28th Region, West City: Capsule Corporations Homes. . .)

"Man, after a good sparring match comes an even better meal!"

Bulma sat in the middle of both Chi-Chi and Videl as she watched her childhood friend scoff down her expensive food as if it were fast food. Next to him was her own husband doing the exact same thing, the two covered in dirt and scratches that indicated the two had a pretty intense training session. Ill-mannered and with little regard for appearances. Saiyans were experts at doing such that and the only one who wasn't looking like they were hit by a running train was her nephew: Gohan. Then again, unlike his father and her husband, he was actually still running through papers and assignments even while eating. He was still trying to figure out his new job and it seemed it was more of a hassle than it was intended.

Sighing, Chi-Chi looked to Bulma apologetically, "Sorry about this Bulma, I wasn't really feeling well enough to cook and put the burden of feeding my man-child on you." Chuckling at the accurate description of the hero of Earth, Son Goku, Bulma waved dismissively.

"It's alright, nothing I can't handle. If anything, this is saving you a few hundred dollars on groceries, right?" Bulma noted.

"Actually, we hunt most of our food. . ." Gohan pointed out after flipping over a page of one of his many papers.

Hearing this, Bulma corrected, "Several hunts for groceries then. Anyways, you get the point."

"I guess so, anyways, I can't understand why our husbands can't take a break for once and slow down with their training," Chi-Chi noted loudly.

Hearing this, the strongest duo on Earth placed their bowls down as Goku answered, "I can't Chi. If I do, then I feel sluggish and I don't like feeling sluggish."

"And, I don't want this clown to leave me behind," Vegeta grumbled.

Exasperated, Chi-Chi threw up her hands and despite Videl being on call, exclaimed loudly, "Ugh, you two will never change. We're at peace! You should enjoy it with your family more. Do not gear up for your next life-or-death battle. I bet nothing will happen for a while now!"

"I get what you mean Chi, but—!" Goku began before nearly choking on his food. Something was off, and he wasn't alone on that. Vegeta and Gohan both perked up, not necessarily shocked but more so intrigued. Although, contrasting their impassive look to the lurking dangers, the three wives of each Saiyan watched in shock. It took a moment for them to process what was happening until finally, they took notice of a black mist surrounding them. Now alarmed, the only one who had gotten a word in couldn't have said a better follow-up to his better sentence, "Hey look! Something interesting is happening—!"

Goku didn't even get to finish his sentence as the world went completely black around him and the three Saiyans disappeared right before their wives' eyes. Silence filled the air as the wind blew against the tablecloth from being outside on the balcony of the Capsule Corp home. Though, breaking the silence, Bulma placed a hand on a shocked Chi-Chi's shoulder while Videl hung up the phone.

"Well, you got what you asked for. . .," Videl noted, a deep feeling that things were about to go wrong in conjunction with her mother-in-law's words suddenly becoming more of a premonition. She just hope it wouldn't be too bad this time. Yeah. . .

She Hopes Very Much So. . .

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Previously, On Dragon Ball Tenkai From The Last Chapter. . .)

"Man, an even better meal comes after a good sparring match!"

Bulma sat in the middle of Chi-Chi and Videl as she watched her childhood friend scoff her expensive food as if it were fast food. Next to him was her husband doing the same thing; the two were covered in dirt and scratches, indicating the two had a pretty intense training session. Ill-mannered and with little regard for appearances. Saiyans were experts at doing such that, and the only one who wasn't looking like they were hit by a running train was her nephew, Gohan. Then again, unlike his father and her husband, he still ran through papers and assignments while eating. He was still trying to figure out his new job, which seemed more hassle than intended.

Sighing, Chi-Chi looked to Bulma apologetically, "Sorry about this, Bulma. I wasn't feeling well enough to cook and put the burden of feeding my man-child on you." Chuckling at the accurate description of the hero of Earth, Son Goku, Bulma waved dismissively.

"It's alright, nothing I can't handle. This saves you a few hundred dollars on groceries, right?" Bulma noted.

"We hunt most of our food. . ." After flipping over a page of one of his many papers, Gohan pointed out.

Hearing this, Bulma corrected, "Several hunts for groceries then. Anyways, you get the point."

"I guess so, anyways, I can't understand why our husbands can't take a break for once and slow down with their training," Chi-Chi noted loudly.

Hearing this, the strongest duo on Earth placed their bowls down as Goku answered, "I can't, Chi. If I do, I feel sluggish and don't like feeling sluggish."

"And I don't want this clown to leave me behind," Vegeta grumbled.

Exasperated, Chi-Chi threw up her hands and, despite Videl being on call, exclaimed loudly, "Ugh, you two will never change. We're at peace! You should enjoy it with your family more. Do not gear up for your next life-or-death battle. I bet nothing will happen for a while now!"

"I get what you mean, Chi, but—!" Goku began before nearly choking on his food. Something was off, and he wasn't alone on that. Vegeta and Gohan both perked up, not necessarily shocked but intrigued. Although, contrasting their impassive look to the lurking dangers, the three wives of each Saiyan watched in shock. It took a moment for them to process what was happening until they finally noticed a black mist surrounding them. Now alarmed, the only one who had gotten a word in couldn't have said a better follow-up to his better sentence, "Hey, look! Something interesting is happening—!"

Goku didn't finish his sentence as the world went completely black around him, and the three Saiyans disappeared before their wives' eyes. Silence filled the air as the wind blew against the tablecloth from being outside on the balcony of the Capsule Corp home. Though, breaking the silence, Bulma placed a hand on a shocked Chi-Chi's shoulder while Videl hung up the phone.

"Well, you got what you asked for. .," Videl noted, a deep feeling that things were about to go wrong in conjunction with her mother-in-law's words suddenly becoming more of a premonition. She just hoped it wouldn't be too bad this time. Yeah. . .

[- - - -]

(Continuing From Where the Last Chapter Left Off, Around the same time. . .)

"Phew, looks like we managed to lose it! That's the police's problem now. . .,"

Sighing with gleeful relief, Kize stretched his arms as the group walked out of an alleyway they managed to slip into to avoid the onslaught from the robot. Luckily, the exit lead them to a part of town that wasn't going through chaos or, instead, was waiting for the circus to come to them until the police secured the "problem" that was wreaking havoc. Shikuro sighed and looked at Ace, who was exhausted compared to himself and the other two athletes. Due to being trained by the Earth's strongest and being a Saiyan, it was no surprise that he wasn't even the slightest bit winded. Normally, this would bring attention to himself, though, since the news of him breaking the school record by accident, he was sure he'd be getting some leeway to work with. Hence, his biggest concern was the robot itself rather than his appearance.

"I better devise an excuse to slip away to deal with their mess. Who would have thought that a normal day out would lead to being a superhero once more. . .," Shikuro internally groaned, wishing, "If only Krillin was still working in Satan City instead of West City. . ."

Sighing, he looked over to 21, who seemed pretty fine after running for what felt like five thousand meters. Noticing this, he could only assume that she must have had a pretty good athletic background for being a science major. Still, since he didn't expect to get her caught up in their teenage antics, Shikuro decided it'd be best to own up to it, "Sorry about the trouble, Shoko. I wasn't expecting us to get caught up in running away from a literal death bot."

Silently, Shikuro muttered inaudibly, "Thanks a lot, Bulma. . ." Ignoring the small scowl on his face, 21 turned her eyes to him and smiled reassuringly.

"No, it's fine. Honestly, it's the most fun I've had in a while," 21 admitted.

Inserting their comment, Ace raised an eyebrow, "Wouldn't call a near-death experience fun?" While some will disagree, Shikuro chuckled a bit while Vincent agreed with a nod.

Though, as they walked the streets, Kize stopped the group, considering he was directing them through the crowd, and turned to add before asking, "Well, near-death experiences are only fun if you survive, eh? Anyways, do you guys wanna hit the arcade and play duos in table hockey? We finally have more than 3 for once." Finally catching his breath, Ace smirked at the sound of the proposition.

"Sure, but I would have; you know, Shikuro and I are known as the greatest table hockey duo in town," Ace bragged. That made everyone look at Shikuro, who sheepishly scratched the back of his head. All things considered, he technically wasn't lying, though unless their opponents were one of the Z-fighters, then him even playing the game might as well be considered cheating.

"What he said, I guess. . .," Shikuro affirmed, knowing there was no way he was going to get out of this by denying it.

"Damn. . .even better than Me and you. . .*sniff*," Kize whined.

"Much better, bro," Ace reassured.

Now feeling determined and hurt, Kize turned to Vincent with fire in his eyes. Shikuro didn't know what was happening, but from the small details, he could observe that there was some. . .bromance in this activity? He took a mental note to ask Ace about this history later as Kize exclaimed, "Vincent, you and me gotta team up. If we win, then Ace has to admit that I'm his best table hockey buddy."

"Fine, but don't be even more overdramatic than you already are now if we lose," Vincent shrugged and pointed with his thumb, "Come on, we must satisfy gold hedgehog over here. Otherwise, he'll spam us or, more specifically, me in the group chat for weeks."

Nodding, Shikuro began plotting as they continued their walk to the place in question, "Alright, I'll use this as a chance. Once we make it to the arcade, I'll just say I must use the bathroom and slip through the window. That'll give me more than enough time to—huh?" Stopping in his footsteps and letting out a gasp, Shikuro's eyes widened while everyone took notice of his sudden behavior after hearing the audible shock. They all turned, confused about what may have happened, while the young Saiyan was perplexed.

Curious, Ace was the first to ask, "Shikuro? Are you good? You look like you've seen a ghost." Nothing, not even a response, was utter. Something was wrong, and none of them could figure out what while Shikuro's thoughts began firing on all cylinders.

"Am I losing it, or did Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan's energies just. . .no. We can't assume the worst-case scenario just yet. Perhaps they left the planet or something for—" Shikuro pondered before his train of thought was interrupted by a phone ringing. Quickly, he took out his phone and looked at the saved contact number. Bulma. . .Coincidence? Maybe, but the likelihood of something happening was much higher. Answering while disregarding the concern of his normal high school friends' faces and 21's curious expression, Shikuro spoke with a bit of urgency, "Hello? I'm figuring you aren't calling to check on how I'm doing?"

"Shikuro!? Where are you right now?" Bulma asked worryingly.

Curiously raising a concerned eyebrow, the young Saiyan answered calmly, "I'm out with some school friends. What's wrong? You seem to be bothered."

"Of course, I would be if my husband disappeared right before me," Bulma exclaimed.

"Wait, Vegeta disappeared? Does that mean Goku and Gohan were—?" Shikuro began to ask.

"Yeah, Goku and Gohan as well. All three of us were together, enjoying lunch, and then some weird black mist surrounded them. After it vanished, they completely disappeared. I was checking to see if you were also taken," Bulma explained.

"That explains that, but now to figure out why. . .," Shikuro thought, his lips pursed together. Crossing out possibility after possibility, Shikuro asked, "Do you think it's some special training they are doing?"

"No, they looked just as shocked as we were when it happened," Bulma answered.

There it was: a red flag. The only possibility was that someone must have deliberately taken them elsewhere. That meant they had a good gauge of their strength, seeing how two of them were the strongest mortals in the universe. As for Gohan, he was still unsure, but Shikuro knew for certain that something was about to happen. He just needed to be alert for it when it did. After taking it all in, he calmly began, "Okay, but I have a bad feeling about this. I'll—"

"Hey, Shikuro!"

The young Saiyan perked up, his phone nearly falling out of his hands out of surprise to see Kize, Ace, Vincent, and 21 staring at him. He blushed out of embarrassment for not realizing they were watching him this entire time and quickly brought the phone to his ear, "I'll catch up with you later, buy!"

"Wait! Don't you hang up, or I'll—!"

*Beep*

Well, he's dead the next time he runs into Bulma. He'll just have to deal with it later as he was in the midst of being the center of attention as he nervously smiled, "Sorry, urgent call about something I remembered. Don't worry, I patched things up." Smooth excuse and excellent execution.

"Riiiiight, anyways, let's get moving," Vincent said skeptically.

The looks of suspicion were no stranger to the young Saiyan, though luckily for them, most ignored his sudden behavior and continued walking. Sighing, he followed behind him, not even noticing 21, who seemed even more suspicious than the rest. It wasn't about Shikuro but a bubbly feeling that made her stomach churn. Her hunger. . . it was beginning to react and act up again. So far, she felt good at controlling it despite being around many people in Satan City. However, this was likely due to the low energy signatures that humans normally possess.

"What could it be? I was fine moments ago, and unless the population size is a lot bigger than I thought, then I shouldn't be feeling this way," She looked around, her eyes narrowing unbeknownst to those around her, "If numbers weren't a problem, then. . .no! It can't be! It's too early—!"

Her eyes widened in realization, "Project: Festival has been activated. . .---!"

*BOOM!*

Shocking and alerting the group to the point that they nearly jumped, the sound of a loud explosion caused them to turn. The three normal teenagers shivered in fear while Shikuro and 21 both found themselves tensing as flames engulfed the entire area behind them, the buildings that previously stood and housed likely hundreds reduced to ashes. Just like that, the young Saiyan sensed it. Energy signatures that represent the soul, countless in number yet disappearing in the blink of an eye while some were fading away in the flames. He was shivering all over, the memories of his past resurfacing as screams of fleeing and suffering people filled his ears.

He balled his fist and looked behind him. The people in front of him, the one that he grew and bonded with. The ones he was still developing a bond with. . . they weren't safe here. Not if he was still around in his guise as "Shikuro, the student." As if to push him, his brain played a sick joke of showing him what they would look like as corpses. It made him want to puke. However, he knew this wasn't the time or place for that. His priorities had shifted.

"Everyone, I need you all to run as far as you can to the nearest police station," Shikuro instructed. His choice of words may ignite suspicion but screw it. Prioritizing the safety of those close to him came first, brief or not. That, and the energy he began to sense, was far from average. It seemed. . fake? It was as if it were devoid of emotions and was only driven by one action. As far as he can see, that instinct they may have was just destruction.

But of course, knowing this and attempting to sway them away would earn some form of interjection in the form of Vincent asking, "What are you on about? Don't try to play hero; we all must get out of here fast!" Shikuro internally groaned, his brain running through numerous excuses he could use to get them away without him.

However, with a stroke of both luck and inconvenience, 21's figure had brushed past his peripherals, the action looking to be in slow motion while the rest of the world stopped. His eyes darted towards her moving form, eyes widening as she had a look of pain on her face, and the only question running through his head was, "Were her eyes always red?" He didn't have time to rationalize it.

Before they knew it, 21 had run straight into the chaos and smoke, causing Shikuro's face to grow pale as he screamed her name, "SHOKO! Tch, damn it! You guys go on without me!" He didn't waste any time and took off into the smoke after her, the sound of Ace yelling out to him becoming deaf to his ears.

Screams of terror resumed as he saw 21's shadow moving through the smoke. That and with the aid of energy sensing, he knew her location as well, even if she had gotten far. Knowing this, Shikuro decided to take a turn into one of the charred buildings that were left standing and popped out a capsule amid the Chaos. He wasn't sure how fast she could run and how much ground she could cover, but the quicker he could get her to safety, the better. The young Saiyan quickly stripped in the now empty store and swapped to his hero costume before finally leaving the store by taking to the skies for a better look. Most of the area was already cleared, which was good for him as it made it easier to scan streets for any signs of movement.

"Now, where could she have gone—!" Shikuro muttered, his sentence stopping short as he noticed an energy beam flying straight toward him from below. Narrowly, he drifted backward, avoiding the beam that made a hole through the clouds, "That was close! Huh!?"

Faintly catching a glimpse of a blur coming towards him, Shikuro ducked under a high, roundhouse kick aimed at his head. Knowing there would be an opening, he took it, his fist curving into a hook that landed in the foe's ribs before delivering a thunderous opposing punch across the face to send the enemy back. He frowned, looking up as his orange visored glistened with the sun, "You just had to pick today of all days to start your bull. . .crap. . .?"

Shikuro's voice deafened as he became more aware of his surroundings and the person before him. Behind his visor, his eyes widened as he checked to see if what he saw before him was real. Aside from the red eyes and black color scheme, everything was practically identical. A black and red gi with martial arts boots to match. Golden hair resembling that of their Super Saiyan form yet paler in color. Even their face. All of it was the same. The only striking difference was their ki. The person he remembered with the same appearance as the one he was now facing always had a warm and pure Ki full of positive emotions. But this. . again, was devoid of everything. So much that it frightened him a bit.

"Goku. . .no, you're not him. What are you—URK!" Shikuro groaned as his head began to throb. He clutched his head, his teeth grinding, and his eyes shut. Shortly, he opened one eyelid and noticed that the Goku lookalike was also in a similar boat as him. The only issue was, "What's causing this. . .it's just one thing after another today. . .,"

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, Elsewhere Among The Chaos That Was Occurring On The Streets. . .)

"*Huff*. . . *Huff*. . .I think I've gotten far away enough. . ."

In the back alley near some of the better-shaped buildings caused by the explosion, 21 leaned against the wall, her legs shaking and hands twitching while trying to control her breathing. She may not be able to sense Ki clearly, but the sudden emergence of above-average power levels across the globe was more than an indicator for her. Her hunger was beginning to show symptoms and would soon have gone haywire. She looked down at the remote in her hand, her thumb firmly pressing against the button that activated a bright red light indicating success. She was beginning to relax a bit; her mild headache was nothing compared to what she had to deal with daily.

"The suppression waves are doing their thing alright. Every lifeform on the planet with a high energy signature should be suppressed to bearable levels," 21 noted, her hand fumbling through her pockets as the dark, crackling-like lines that threatened to turn her sclera black were receding while her eyes were returning to her normal color, "On top of that, Project: Cell would also be affected by the effects of the waves thus slowing down his progress. That just leaves me. . .It may still be under development, but this prototype serum should at least. . .----!"

She paused momentarily, her hand fidgeting before frantically digging through her pockets. After triple-checking herself, her face went pale, eyes shaking out of fear and disbelief, "Where is it!? Don't tell me," She recalled when she left the lab. She knew she forgot something but didn't think it'd be one of the most important things on her "must-have list."

"How could I be so careless?" She muttered solemnly, her hands clenched tightly out of frustration. How many hours? How many days? How many years did she plan everything for the one day she dreaded? All just for her to screw up at the pivotal moment. Sure, it was out of nowhere, but she was secretly shouldering the world's burden. She knew this was coming, and. . .she screwed up. She screwed up, and now her chance to make amends and prove that her existence wasn't a mistake went up in flames. She was more than just another ticking time bomb waiting to be diffused. She hated it . Steeling her resolve and halting her quivering, she was determined to make things right, her eyes narrowing as she willed herself to move through the alley and out into the streets.

Picking up the pace, she took to the skies and began to think up a plan, "Project: Cell's main objective and to collect energy. From the files I managed to hack into, the clone's main purpose is both to serve as a distraction and a way to collect energy while hiding the real danger amongst them. This means the best course of action is to destroy the main cause of the problem while he's still low on strength. That only leaves two problems. . ." Without hesitation, she flared her energy and sped out of the city and towards the wilderness.

"Am I strong enough to do it without involving others, and Where would Project: Cell be hiding?" 21 questioned after passing by a mountain and into a nearby forest, "From the data, he shouldn't be that much stronger on the day of his destruction. Given how intelligent he is, he knows better than to try to leave any traces of his whereabouts to the likes of Goku, given how strong he could become in these years. With the clones gathering energy for him, the best place to hide would be. . ."

She steered herself down to the ground, her speed causing her to descend in a matter of seconds despite being initially at high altitudes. Landing on her feet, she found herself in front of the very cave where she had performed all her work. Unironically to her, it was also the same location she had in mind, as she muttered, "A cave. Being underground within the Earth would make it impossible to find him."

Coincidentally, a hatch opening was heard from within the cave. She knew only one person was inside, so she was unsurprised to hear footsteps running towards her as the hatch shutting behind them echoed within the chamber. Emerging from the darkness was 16, who was already ready for action. No words needed to be exchanged on what was going on. Only orders.

"16, I need you to ensure all the civilians are safe. At the same time, keep a lookout for the main target's whereabouts. Any clue will help," 21 instructed,

16 nodded, "Understood, but what about you?"

"In the meantime, I'll try to stay to lure him out somehow. But first, I need to retrieve the—" 21 tried to answer his question; however, things began to slow down like a force acting its will for the world to stop. Through this, she could see every detail. From 16, his face shifted from his usual stoic expression to one of surprise until settling into an urgency. The fact that as soon as she began to notice, the light beaming through the cracks of the tree's leaves became all the brighter before she was forcefully grabbed by the large giant. From there, she felt moved as the light had gotten so white that she couldn't determine what was happening. However, the sound was all she needed to understand. . .

*BOOM!*

The explosion itself was massive; definitely, one bent on making sure whoever was caught in the blast was as good as dead. The shockwaves ruptured the trees and caused what might as well be a min-hurricane to form. The two androids felt themselves skidding across the dirt, a body made of metal causing sparks, while the other more fleshed-out one had part of her clothes torn. Over time, the shockwaves began to dial down with all of the debris and dust. Smoldering wood and leaves of the stationary life that provides the planet life were scattered across the dirt and created a large clearing.

Coughing, 21 looked around, trying to figure out what had attacked them. Considering that only two culprits existed, it wasn't hard to deduce. She hoped it wasn't the first thing that came to her mind, and she didn't want to take any chances. She instinctively looked to the cave and waited for 16 to loosen his grip around her waist as she thought, "If I act now, I can retrieve the serum and at least fight with a bit less restraint. I just—Huh?" Her train of thought ended with a gasp.

Before her eyes, a figure stood at the entrance as she turned toward the cave. From the look of shock on her face, it was hard to tell if she was more surprised by the person she saw before her or that, amid the explosion, the cave that held her secret base had been decimated and covered with rubble. Nevertheless, her shock shifted to a mixture of fear and frustration, her teeth grinding alongside 16, who had finally loosened his grip.

A tall, humanoid figure, its body green in color while covered in black spots. His shoulders, shins, and stomach are metallic, while his face is completely white. Its purple eyes loomed over them, and even their black wings twitched at the sight of 16, who was somehow beginning to have PTSD from his mere presence. It was him. The infamous bio-android was born to seek evolution until perfection. An insect that had nearly killed everyone on Earth and made Mr.Satan a hero. A being that every citizen on Earth dreaded would return to wreck Havic once more as everyone could remember his smug smirk on live TV, much like the one he was giving 16 and 21 at this very moment: Cell.

"Well, isn't this pleasant? You made it easier for me to find you than I thought. I suppose she could replicate the same design yet couldn't instill the same experience to use that potential," Cell noted, elaborating further, "Ki sensing and concealing are pretty vital, you know."

21 frowned deeply from his mocking tone and retorted, "Why hide when I was the one looking for you? I've been preparing to destroy you as part of my mission for years if you didn't know." Chuckling a bit, Cell began walking in circles around them, though the two androids didn't dare to take their eyes off him.

"Oh, I know. I know everything about you. So much more that you aren't even aware of," Cell remarked, causing her to raise an eyebrow at that comment as he continued, "Though, those details aren't as important. I can feel whatever trick or ploy you used to defeat me. Whatever you do to suppress my strength works to your advantage at impeding defeating me while keeping yourself sane, right?"

16's eyes narrowed, "He knows about 21's hunger problem?"

"Regardless, it doesn't matter. I'll use your technology's fatal error to my advantage," Cell claimed.

"You're bluffing," 21 called out, "At this moment, it's two against one, and you aren't even close to your projected power. Even though I'm also being hindered, 16 is the only one on the planet who should be unaffected by the waves. Since I modified him, he's also stronger than ever, so he should be more than enough to defeat you."

However, Cell only laughed at this notation, stating, "Hahahahah, funny for you to assume that those mere metrics could measure my perfect power. Unless you allied yourself with those who faced me all those years ago, you may have just the slightest chance. Though, even if you have, you'd still lose."

"Are you saying you've gained enough power to defeat even Gohan?" 16 said, his eyes widening slightly.

Unexpectedly, though, Cell shook his head only to reveal something far worse, "On the contrary, I have gotten stronger, but you still fail to see the bigger picture." He closed his eyes, his feet stopping right in the same spot as before as he raised his head. His face darkened enough for his purple eyes to glow as the clouds covered the sun.

"As far as I'm concerned, the Earth's greatest defenders are temporarily removed from this battle." Cell unraveled

"What!?" 16 shouted with 21 eyes shrinking as a cold sweat rolled down her cheek.

"That's right, Goku. . ., Vegeta, and Gohan. All three of them are not even on Earth," Cell repeated, explaining, "You already know that since the information of Namek being discovered was only accessible by computer R.O.C: information that you never could gain access to unless you met with Bulma. Due to that, I was thankfully revived by the Dragon Balls. However, the dragon had two more wishes left for me to use."

The self-proclaimed perfect lifeform placed a hand on his chest, his tone filled with amusement, "The first wish was to create a pocket-dimension and have them transported there the moment I arrive on Earth. After experiencing firsthand and receiving the data from one of the clones, I made sure to remove the threats to my plans by having the dimension to have no exits. In short, instant transmission or teleportation is useless for getting in and out. However, there was one method to getting out of the dimension that had to be dealt with," The two androids raised a confused eyebrow before suddenly noticing something beginning to surface from his chest. 21, she was confused about what she was looking at, but for 16. . it was unbelievable. Exuding a dim, brown light was an orange ball containing a single star in the center.

"A Dragon Ball. . .?" 16 muttered in disbelief.

"Precisely," Cell affirmed, "The only thing that could likely undo the effects of a wish is another power that can grant wishes. Originally, I was aiming for immortality, but after some unfortunate circumstances and some thought, I scrapped that idea. In a sense, I am technically already immortal. The only threats to my life are those beyond the power of immortality. If so, I'd have to become an existence higher than them."

"So you merged yourself with this Dragon Ball to gain power?" 21 assumed.

Cell chuckled, "Not quite, my dear. To prevent any chance of the threats resurfacing, I've used my last wish to take one of the Earth's Dragon Balls hostage since I could simply destroy them. But, destroying them too quickly will give you all time to restore it or create new ones. So how do I ensure I kill you all while sealing the power of your wishes? I've tried multiple requests to the Namekian dragon and this was the only wish he could grant me to seal the power of the Earth's Dragon Balls. After which, I made sure the Namekian Dragon Balls were useless by assimilating all living lifeforms on Namek, thus bolstering my power to levels beyond estimates. All so I can ensure that the true mission of Project Festival could be achieved."

"True mission? Weren't the clones meant to—" 16 began before getting cut off.

"Gather more energy for me to feast upon? Haha, no, that's just a bonus distraction. Project Festival's real goal is. . ." Cell corrected, his hand raising a finger and pointing towards them. No. . .not them; her.

At that moment, a new wave of fear washed over 21, her face and eyes reflecting shock as she could feel Cell's gaze. One that almost felt like a serpent cornering a tiny mouse. It wasn't killing intent, but it was a close second. This being wanted to devour her. . .

21 pursed her lips and ignored her sweaty palms to muster up a reply, "M–Me. . .?" To confirm her horrors, Cell nodded.

"Yes, you. You have no idea what power you hold. After absorbing you, you will truly make me complete," The perfect android said with a short chuckle. Little by little, steam began to ooze from his body as he continued to speak, his feet making his way to her. Each time the sound of metal touching Earth resonated with the air was another chill down her spine. That, in combination with Cell's chilling voice, made her want to wake up from whatever nightmare this was, "Now you get it, it was all for this moment,"

*Step*

The steam oozing from his body grew more intense as he continued, "For you to be the perfect offering . . ."

*Step* *Step* *Step*

"Marinated. . .Seasoned. . .Tenderized"

He licked his lips at the sight of instinctual fear on her face while 16 came before her to shield the girl from his devilish gaze. The scene was lovely to him, and he wouldn't stop, "That is your purpose, Android 21... .this is. . ." He stopped, taking in a deep breath before exhaling calmly. He couldn't contain himself anymore. Excitement and anticipation washed over his. Was it the fact that he was going to experience even more perfect strength beyond his imagination? No. That wasn't it. He was going through something he hadn't experienced before: ideal nostalgia. The fear on his prey's faces before consumption. The exhilarating feeling is akin to an electric shock when his body changes due to accelerated evolution. He never voiced it, but he admitted to himself that such feelings were the best experiences in his life. It was euphoric in his eyes.

His lips spread wide, bearing his sadistic smile as his aura erupted so much that the explosion from before was nothing more than a spark in comparison. His neck stretched his face to the heavens as the dark clouds had nearly turned the day black as he shouted.

"DESTINY! HAHAHAHA!AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

The ensuing shockwaves sent 16 and 21 flying backward as they lost their footing. Trees from afar were seen flying into the sky, their roots ripped from the Earth by the ferocious energy storm that spiraled out of control. Grunting, 21 and 16 quickly found a stern bolder with the gentle giant grabbing onto his remodeler and using the bolder as leverage to keep them from being blown away. Groaning, 21 could still hear Cell's cackling as she struggled to open her eyes.

"How could someone like this exist. . .?" 21 thought to herself, her inner tone far from being surprised by his power. She deeply frowned upon the sight. Power. All this hardship and pain just to satisfy someone's fantasy of power. Cell was a being given form to be perfect. He was already genetically made up of the best genes from the universe's finest fighters. Even still, he desired more. She looked down at her hands as the branches and leaves flew past them in the raging storm. Despite the loud winds assaulting her ears, she couldn't hear a thing, "My destiny. . ."

Was it really her destiny to be food for this monster's pleasure? She closed her eyes and thought back to all the happiest moments of her life so far. In a sense, her creation was akin to the one before her. Both are genetically engineered and created to be lifeforms with immense power and potential. Even though she thought of herself as a monster, she didn't once want to live a life for the sake of being one, let alone aiding one. No, she wanted more. . she wanted. . .

"One day, you'll find that buds of life shine brighter together. When that day comes, that's when your gifts will bloom beautifully, Shoko dear. . ."

Her once wavering closed eyes opened slowly . The once-shaking hands became still as she looked up to face the grinning monster before her. She remained silent, both accessing the situation and steeling her resolve. Noticing her demeanor, 16 peered down at her, asking, "21, how shall I proceed? I fear his power is far greater than we had estimated. . ." Taking in a breath, 21 stood up and firmly stood her ground.

Struggling against what was premeditated? That's what she was preparing for her whole life. The ultimate testament to that was just right in front of her. She just had to break it before fate caught up to her. . .

"Proceed as normal. This may be our only chance to destroy him," 21 said as she stepped forward in the face of the storm. She balled her fist, the action causing crimson-pink flames to exude around her. Her head began to throb as she fought against the urges. She didn't need to look behind her to notice 16's worried expression, for he could guess what she was doing. Though, she was sure he wouldn't try to stop her. This was an eventuality that she'd had to face at some point. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to win. She clenched her teeth together, the flames growing hungrier by the minute as it caused whatever clothing was left to burn away slowly to the point it left only her sports bra. Strangely enough, her pants began to shift in appearance, going from her jeans to baggy white pants. Gold energy rings began to surround her ankles and neck before solidifying while her eyes flickered from red and blue. Like sparks grinding against metal, her hair exuded white energy, the brief flashes flickering the color from brown to white, "Araaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!"

She screamed to the skies, allowing her energy to erupt, to Cell's delight. Powerful shockwaves that challenged his own came from the bright pink light before him. When it dialed down, he couldn't help but grin madly, commenting, "That's right, I prefer it if you were to struggle. It'll make the meal just the more satisfying."

Veiled by smoke, a shadowy figure glared right at the perfect being before stepping out of the cover. Completely pink skin surrounded by an illuminating matching aura, eyes half blue and the other red with a black sclera, much to her endeavors at keeping herself at bay. A tail that of a certain frost demon swaying behind her. Her now blackened nails dug into her palms tightly as she clenched her fist while 16 stood behind her as the storm of energies began to simmer. If he wasn't self-aware of him being mostly mechanical, then he'd assume that sweat was trickling down his face. What was before both the perfect being and the giant android was the true form of Android 21: The Artificial Majin Lifeform.

Raising her fist into a traditional Karate stance, she narrowed her eyes; the image that haunted her in the past was the only motivation she needed. A girl in a similar form as she was now, only smaller and kneeling before a corpse surrounded by scattered clothing. Her face was stained and covered in crumbs as tears streamed. Determination flickered in her eyes, and she proclaimed to herself. . .

"I'll settle this and make amends for everything. I swear it. . .!"

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where the Last Chapter Left Off, Satan City. . .)

"Okay, the pounding in my head seemed to have died down. Still. . ., "

Shikuro slowed his breathing as he stared face-to-face with the Goku copy, who also seemed to be regaining his composure. It only had approximately five or so minutes of excruciating headaches. Still, for them, it felt like two hours of non-stop pain. Now that it had settled down, nothing was standing in their way. Shikuro, feeling the tension of the situation begin to rise, slowly took a stance and watched carefully. All of his training this month would be put to the test. Seizing the moment before action, he breathed and tried to rationalize what had happened so far, "The problem in front of me is still a thing. From what I can tell, it hasn't said a word this time. Could this Goku imposter be of someone else's creation? If that's the case, then. . .?"

At the near end of that thought, Goku displayed no emotion, yet Shikuro could tell it was ready to charge directly at him. At that moment, his muscles tensed, his latent instinctual intuition for battle firing impulses on his reactive nerves to be alert. His eyes narrowed. After taking time to think more about the situation, if the latter was true, then he had only come to one conclusion, "If there is one, there has to be more. . ."

*WHOOSH!*

From a full view of the landscape beyond to only seeing the pale skin of a folded knuckle, Shikuro quickly realized that the imposter's fist was already inches away from his face. In a blink of an eye, he reared his head to the right so much that his body leaned slightly in the same direction, the clear punch missing its target just before impact. Obsidian eyes locked onto impassive red, their strands of hair flowing with the wind caused by the sudden shift in movement. Regardless, now seeing an opening, Shikuro went straight in for a rib check, his fist curving into a sharp hook. However, just like him, the clone performed his own maneuver to dodge a blow, its body twirling around the surface of his fist, much to his surprise, and using the momentum to hurl a kick at Shikuro's face. Eyes wide, the young Saiyan halted his fist and, with inhuman reflexes, used the same arm he threw his punch with to block the kick.

On impact, he felt himself rattled to the bone as he flew across the azure. He groaned only to see the imposter stretch his hand out in a gesture that practically screamed his intentions. The Copy-Goku didn't waste time sending an energy wave at Shikuro, the light and size of the beam equaling in size and luminous as if it were from the world's brightest flashlight. Most would have been intimidated by the sight of such an attack, but Shikuro wasn't one to be easily moved. One thing he learned was that size was never the deciding factor: it was the constitution of Ki in the attack and from what he felt. . .

He could handle it.

Taking in a breath as he drifted slowly to a stop, the young Saiyan tensed his body just before the attack was about to connect before flinging his high in the same motion as an Axe Kick, the front of his foot bending the ray of light aimed at him and redirecting it to the sky in one action. The energy wave plummeted into the clouds before exploding into a thunderous flash that reflected the phenomenon of lightning. Tiny sparks began to decide as they were remnants of the prior attack, the specks twinkling between the clone and the Saiyan as they glared at each other. Through the brightened visor that he was wearing, Shikuro narrowed his eyes, "This will do. Judging from that attack, this imposter is not as strong as the original. Even though we both may be under the effects of whatever caused that headache, the output of that blast doesn't measure up to Goku's, even if he was holding back. If that's the case. . ."

Before he finished that thought, the Saiyan took a quick stance and lunged forward so fast that the thirty-meter distance between them was made irrelevant instantly. Despite this, the clone did not react to the speed feat before suddenly getting struck with a swift kick across the left temple. The clone's eyes flickered with images of Shikuro's focus eyes through the visor.

"Then I won't even need to transform and waste energy," Shikuro concluded, his body spinning in the opposite direction and raising his leg high through momentum. Looking down, the young Saiyan eyed the imposter, who was still stunned, his lack of mercy evident across his unempathetic expression, "I'll finish this quickly!"

*BAM!*

Like thunder shooting from the clouds, Shikuro's kick mimics such a scene as it collides with the top of the imposter's head and, at similar speeds, causes it to crash into the city streets. Abandoned cars, deserted buildings, and the once solid concrete were all ruptured and blown away from the shockwaves caused by the impact, and a large geyser above the buildings that were fortunate enough to still stand. As the smoke was blown away by the aftershock, Shikuro kept his eyes focused on signs of movement below. However, before anything came up in his line of sight, he quickly sensed something coming from his right. He immediately backed away, narrowly dodging the light beam that shot through one of the edges of a building's roof. He turned slowly, seemingly unbothered by the surprise attack, as if he knew it was coming. He had suspicions before, but now they were confirmed.

Roughly 30 or maybe 40 meters away was a familiar face he had known all too well recently. Hair protruded upwards like flames, except this time, it mimicked the color of a pale yellow, eyes red similar to the imposter Goku from before, and his clothing's color scheme the same.

"At least this confirms that there is more than one," Shikuro noted, his body turning towards the imposter Vegeta before him. Not too long after this action, the imposter Goku had also risen from the smoke. Its Gi was slightly torn, and no signs of pain or fatigue were present on its face. Taking in the situation, the young Saiyan began stretching his right arm across his body, his mouth formatting a serious frown, "It doesn't seem like these things are as strong by themselves so far, but perhaps they vary in strength. At first glance, this Vegeta imposter appears slightly stronger than the Goku one. Regardless. . .,"

The young Saiyan stopped stretching, allowed his shoulders to drop, and began to inhale a deep breath. Sparks of golden Ki began to emerge around him like fireworks. He could feel his body getting hotter, his teeth clenched as tightly as his fist. Blood began to rush, the adrenaline-like effect arising slightly like his hair. The mini gold fireworks gradually intensified before Shikuro released a moderate battle cry, simultaneously causing the sparks to erupt into a flaring golden aura. At the same time, his hair shifted from obsidian to yellow. It slightly spiked towards the back while his eyes reflected and glowed an emerald blue through his visor.

"Two-on-one is still a hassle even if they are considerably weaker than the original!" Shikuro noted out loud as the two imposters vanished from sight as soon as he completed his Super Saiyan transformation. His figure also vanished, and blurs were seen whipping above and around the city in seconds. Shockwaves echoed throughout the city like a railgun was somehow put on fully automatic, and the trigger was tapped and fired at five pulls a second. To those well-versed in martial arts, the fight would leave even the Earth's most seasoned fighters in a sweat. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise if an ordinary person would be terrified.

Thunder is constantly being unleashed with the occasional explosion or destruction of a nearby piece of rubble: the once-populated city named after a questionable figure both figuratively and literally. Amongst the chaos were two figures, terrified and hiding from the constant power clashes.

One is A girl with long, wavy blond hair, part of it tied into a ponytail and deep blue eyes. Her light blue blouse was completely covered in dirt, along with her white skirt.

The other, however, was a large, muscular jock who had a sharp jawline and scruffed spiky green hair, and emerald eyes. His sweater was slightly torn, along with bits of his pants. His brown boots were soiled in mud as he tried to keep the girl's head down from the ensuing shockwaves.

"This is crazy! What's happening. . .Glade, I'm scared." Ryusika whimpered.

Glade growled in annoyance as this was the fifth time she'd clung to him for comfort and was starting to get annoyed. He looked up at the sky and saw shockwave after shockwave, the sight of blurs rapidly moving around and explosions erupting from nowhere. The area around them had become a barren field of destroyed buildings, glass, and craters. It looked as though a bomb went off multiple times in this city, but nothing like this was on the news this morning. Glade huffed and shook his head before glancing at Ryusika, whose hands were covering her face with her eyes squeezed shut and crying.

"Freaking useless. . ." Glade thought, looking at his phone for service before sighing in defeat as it wouldn't turn on, "Freakin' cell phones don't work. Damn, we should have left while we could, but I just HAD to take my damn eyes off my girl for a second and look where it got me. Damn! And those freaks in the air, the hell are they!?"

As he expressed his frustrations, Shikuro was still trading blows with the imposter Goku and Vegeta in the air; only the three knew this conflict. To the untrained eye, this fight would be nothing more than blurs and shockwaves, but Shikuro, on the other hand, saw this differently. He was ducking and weaving his head from one side to the other as a flurry of attacks from the imposter Goku, who seemed to be moving a little slower than he and the imposter Vegeta, came his way. Noting this, he flew between the two and touched the ground, the first step of his plan working as the Imposter Vegeta was the first to go after him. He watched the clone approach before feeling another energy signature behind him, most likely the Goku imposter, as predicted. With patience, he was rewarded as he charged up past the Vegeta clone and towards the Goku one before swiftly. Delivering a kick to its neck and sending it crashing through a building.

He followed up with a hard right hook across Vegeta clone's cheek and finished with a left cross, the attack's impact sending him back into the same building. Shikuro slowly caught his breath as he stared at the smoke before a bright orange flash appeared, and the Vegeta clone rushed at him at full speed. Shikuro narrowed his eyes and dodged to his left but only stared at an afterimage. His eyes widened as the clone suddenly appeared from his right, a punch connecting into his chest and causing the Saiyan to grunt in pain before he was swiftly kicked across the face and hurled down towards the abandoned store where Ryusika and Glade resided.

Immediately Glade's eyes widened, and he took a quick glance at Ryusika before coming to an immediate conclusion to himself, "Fuck it. . .she's dead weight. . ."

He quickly ran away from Ryusika just as he heard her crying.

"W-what about you! You can't just leave me. . ." Ryusika stuttered as she looked around, terrified out of her mind. But it was too late; he bolted around the corner, and almost immediately, Shikuro crashed through the store's roof, the concrete falling like rain toward Ryusika, who could only watch in fear. As she prepared herself for her demise, she suddenly heard a voice.

"Not good!"

Before Ryusika could comprehend the words she heard, the voice suddenly lifted her into his arms, carrying her bridal style, and felt herself soar through the air. She was confused as she looked down at the constantly moving ground and up at the person carrying her, her eyes widening, "Wait. . .you're Sunkaiser!"

Shikuro didn't have time to respond to her as he constantly pursued the clones, his body maneuvering through the fire of Ki blasts.

He felt the weight in his arms shift a little and heard Ryusika cry out to him, "Watch out!"

Her warning had come just in time, and Shikuro swiftly evaded a Ki blast just as he maneuvered between buildings, the blast colliding into one of them and reducing it to nothing more than rubble. He glanced behind him to see the clones close in on his tail, so he used a Kiai to blow the falling rubble at the clones to distract them. It was working for a little before one of the clones, which appeared to be the Goku copy, teleported from the falling debris in front of him. Shikuro immediately halted his escape before narrowly dodging the punch aimed at him that grazed his cheek as he thought briefly, "Instant Transmission!? Of freaking course!"

Quickly, he kicked the clone in the chin, the blow stunning it long enough for him to zip behind it before spin-kicking it into a building, the structure collapsing from the impact and causing a large dust cloud to envelop the street. Taking this chance, Shikuro fled down an alley and hid in darkness to suppress his energy, his Super Saiyan form reverting back into base. He slowly descended and let Ryusika down gently, his hand still covering her mouth just in case.

After a moment, he whispered, "I need you to find someplace underground and fast. It's too dangerous to be out in the open with those two. Do you think you can handle it?"

She slowly nodded as she took in the information given to her before quickly fleeing to find a basement, the sound of her footsteps getting more distant as he tried to calm his senses. He turned back to the sky as the Vegeta and Goku imposters constantly searched for him, making him sigh heavily. He wiped the blood from the scratch on his cheek before clenching his fists.

"I'm wasting time. . .I'm ending this now!" Shikuro thought firmly as he flew up to the clones, "No more games."

He stopped right in front of them and stared them down. He clenched his fist tightly, Ki flaring back into Super Saiyan, but he didn't stop there. The golden blaze that surrounded him crackled with lightning that raged across his body, his emerald eyes glowing through the visor of his hero costume, and his hair that had spiked growing even more, spiker upwards. With a loud roar, his energy erupted out of him like a geyser. It shot straight to the clouds above, a thick ray of power that rose high and engulfed everything. He watched as the imposters flew back to avoid being swallowed in the energy before it slowly settled down to reveal Shikuro's bangs more spiked to the left as his golden aura was shrouded in electrifying static that sparkled.

The imposter Goku looked at the Saiyan momentarily and tilted its head as it could tell he was a bit different from before while Shikuro Super Saiyan 2 aura immediately dispersed, the action alone generating an immense shockwave that shook the buildings. Shikuro stared them down intensely as if he held them responsible for something they'd never done. However, this was different, as this was a long-awaited opportunity to test his skills on two worthy opponents despite the imposters' abilities.

"It's over, now brace yourselves. . ." Shikuro spoke darkly before his body flickered for a brief second. Then, in just a short instant, a Sonic Boom erupted from around him as his figure disappeared from sight before appearing right in between them, the shock evident on their faces as Shikuro's speed was far greater than their senses. A left hook came under Vegeta imposter's jaw and was sent flying backward through the air. At the same time, the Goku copy attempted to kick Shikuro away with his left foot. Still, Shikuro quickly ducked and countered with a reverse spinning heel to the temple of the copy, the blow instantly snapping his head to the right and discombobulating it briefly. The clone quickly backflipped into the air and rushed back in to unleash a barrage of punches, which was useless.

Shikuro was deflecting his punches with only one hand and a blank expression before his left fist connected right into his chest, making the Goku clone buckle over as a shockwave passed through it. The young Saiyan didn't falter or let up, his next blow to the imposter Goku being an uppercut to the chin before following up with two quick hooks across the face. Despite being dazed, the imposter Goku attempted to launch another kick at the young Saiyan. However, Shikuro intercepted with another uppercut before blitzing across his face, the sound of the attacks ringing around him at inhumane speeds.

His strikes were relentless, not stopping for a second before delivering one last blow across the imposter's cheek with a thunderous knee planted on it. With a cry, he spun around and slammed his shin into its neck, the impact causing it to rocket through multiple builds and slicing it like it was nothing before crashing into a large building with such impact that it left a crater on the exterior. The young Saiyan glared down in the direction he had sent them before casually dodging several energy blasts from behind him without even batting an eye. He slowly turned around to see the Vegeta clone flying towards him and smirked.

The imposter Vegeta threw his fist forward and shot another beam of Ki, the light being so bright that it enveloped the Saiyan, causing the buildings behind him to explode as they were destroyed by the impact of the blast. The smoke settled slowly, showing that Shikuro wasn't where he used to be, much to the imposter of the Saiyan prince's surprise until he felt his back crack as Shikuro dived his foot into its back and sent it plummeting downward at such incredible speeds that it went crashing on top of a building and bounced off its surface. However, Shikuro immediately appeared above it while the copy was still in mid-air and grabbed it by the back of the head. His fingers dug into its head as his hand clenched, and the imposter could only squirm to get him off as it couldn't pry the young Saiyan off with all its might. With ruthless aggression, Shikuro slammed its face into the ground, the impact shattering the surface of the building's top floor as cracks appeared below. The imposter Vegeta slowly pulled its face out of the ground before Shikuro gripped its head again, slamming it down so hard that the entire floor below them crumbled under the force of his hand. As they fell, Shikuro didn't let up and repeated the process over and over as his hair sparked with electricity as if it was getting a taste for more power, the energy increasing the impact of each strike, causing the building to completely collapse all around them and smoke to rise from the rubble as if an explosion had gone off.

There was a small silence until the imposter Vegeta's body flew out of the smoke, slammed into a car, and indented it. The clone of the Saiyan Prince grunted and slowly opened its eyes to see Shikuro walking towards it slowly, his eyes still filled with such hostility that the imposter felt that this was a completely different Saiyan altogether. As Shikuro approached him, the imposter of the Saiyan Prince quickly flew out of the indent before taking a battle stance. At the same time, the Goku copy joined him in midair as if nothing happened. The young Saiyan took note of their newfound vigor before his expression grew more menacing than before, as if he was ready to rip them apart limb from limb.

"Not done yet, huh. . .Too bad." Shikuro muttered as he got into a more relaxed stance, "That only means you two will suffer more."

Both copies vanished at that moment, and Shikuro simply stood there. His eyes darted left and right, and time seemed to move slower as the copies rushed him from both sides. As the clones came closer, he simply closed his eyes for a second until their fists almost landed. Then he ducked and flipped backward. From there, they broke out in an exchange of strikes as Shikuro was on the defensive and weaving under their punches. He deflected some attacks but kept dodging others, his footwork shifting into a counterattack as he fists the Goku clone long enough to trip his feet out from under him and send it spiraling out of control through the air before kicking him hard in the stomach the blow sending it crashing through several buildings in the city. He had no time to think as he flipped over a roundhouse kick from the Vegeta copy and quickly pushed the follow-up punch to the side. With a glint in his eye, he delivered two quick blows to the face, the set-up meant for the series of strikes that came after. A triple kick-started from the bottom. The first kick broke the imposter Vegeta's posture as it connected with its hamstrings.

The second succeeded in slamming into its ribs before the last went across its face, with the young Saiyan landing in a three-point stance. At the same time, the imposter was blown away to the right from the last attack. His left leg slid against the concrete as he straightened his posture, his body lowering itself as he leaned on his left foot for balance. He quickly sensed the Goku clone return. He shifted his pivot and began exchanging blows with the copy that was just as fast as he was. Shikuro started deflecting most of its punches and countered with his own with little success until the clone uppercut the Saiyan's chin. It stood there momentarily until Shikuro's eyes darted toward it with a glare as if it had no effect on him. In retaliation, his fist snapped at its face, the jab leaving the Goku clone stumbling backward until another punch crossed its face. It shook the impact off quickly as it prepared to throw another attack at him. The Saiyan saw this coming as he kicked up off his right leg, and Roundhouse kicked it in the side, the attack sending it flying.

Then, Shikuro's body flickered again, and another Sonic boom burst behind him as he zoomed past the discomposure clone. It could only see a zig-zagged bright trail. His speed increased to unimaginable heights, so the copy flew from one direction. It stopped as Shikuro's shin slammed directly into its backside so hard that it was as if he was floating there momentarily as a dome-like shockwave blew away a section of the city. He had sent the copy rocketing in the other direction until Shikuro appeared just ahead of it, the Saiyan's knee ramming itself into the clone's gut and knocking the breath out of its chest.

For a brief moment, Shikuro's eyes glowed as he grabbed the Goku copy by its Gi and slammed it into the ground over his head with the speed of a comet, creating a crater from the impact. The Goku clone tried to get up slowly but couldn't, as Shikuro held him firmly down. At the same time, his other fist began to glow a golden yellow, a sparking energy gathering in it.

"It's over." He declared with finality but detected an energy blast coming towards him. He leaped back, his hand glowing gold as the blast landed between him and the imposter Goku. He looked up to see the Imposter Vegeta standing at the Goku's side, both in a familiar pose. Two charged orbs of the signature Kamehameha are blue and yellow of the trademark Final Flash. Their eyes narrowed in preparation as the orbs grew more powerful by the second.

Shikuro stared at them as the power emitted from their charged attacks was evident enough, "Full power. .huh?"

With that said, his expression grew more determined than ever, a smirk curling at the side of his mouth, "If that's the case, then. . .it's time to end this." His glowing right hand shifted from yellow to blue while his other was shrouded by blue ki. His hands swirled together before he brought them to his waist as a blue orb formed between them.

"Kaaaaaa. . ." His hands moved in a clockwise position, causing the ball to grow larger before him, his eyes locking on his opponent as he charged the Kamehameha while the clones prepared to unleash their respective attack, "Meeeee. . . ."

His aura flared and doubled in size as electricity traveled through the ground beneath his feet and around the bluish-white orb in his hand, "Haaaaaaa. . . .Meeeeeee. . . .!"

A small explosion occurred within the orb, causing his hair to flow from the sudden force, his emerald eyes shining a golden blue with his smirk still present. A sudden silence ensued as Shikuro and the clones stared down one another before they spoke in unison: "HAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The Clones fired first as the blast closed in and in Shikuro's sights. But his expression remained steeled before he fired.

"HAAAAAAAAAAA!" A wave of blue energy was unleashed from the Saiyan's attack as it clashed with the combined Kamehameha and Final Flash of the clones, the collision creating a giant shockwave that caused buildings and glass around them to shatter, leaving the clones shocked at the display of power as their combined blast was pushed down completely by Shikuro's. They watched in horror as the large beam rushed at them like an unstoppable freight train. They could not move or escape as the blast was too large to dodge, and quickly engulfed by the wave. Their vision went from vibrant colors to pure white before the wave consumed them instantly.

The Kamehameha rocketed as a pure beam of light that vaporized the ground and multiple buildings as it was tilted towards the sky and reached high before detonating, causing another dome-like explosion and another shockwave larger than the last. Little by little, the explosion dissipated, and the Ki leaked from it and trickled down from the sky like snow. Shikuro panted slightly before he relaxed and began to revert to his base form. His visor cracked and shattered, completely exposing his face while his costume was slightly damaged, and his sleeves were half blown off by his attack. He couldn't feel the clone's energy anymore and sighed with relief.

"That does that; imposters will never match the original. .," he said with confidence in his statement.

"Whoa. . .Sunkaiser, did you do this?"

Shikuro's eyes widened at the sound of the voice, the tone familiar as he could feel Ryusika's Ki behind him and let her tap his shoulder. He flinched and jolted as he turned to her, a move he instantly regretted, seeing the way she stared at him, her mouth open with shock as she examined his face with instant recognition. He internally cursed at himself, "Shikuro, you goddamn idiot!? You should have flown away!? WHY DIDN'T YOU FLY AWAY!?"

His body started trembling as his mouth twitched with frustration at his dumb mistake as he tried to explain himself.

"Uh. . .shit! Umm. . .I can explain--" Shikuro stuttered, but Ryusika interrupted him.

"Shikuro!? You're Sunkaiser!? How is a nerd like you, Sunkaiser!?" Ryusika shouted in disbelief.

Shikuro groaned, "Look, since I saved your life, how about you keep this a secret? Fair?"

"Hmm. . .I'll have to think about that," she said slyly and stuck her tongue at him before getting closer, "Also. . .I know we bullied you for being a nerd. . but you were awesome. I saw the whole thing, well, bits of it. You were moving so fast and---"

"Alright, that's enough of that. . ." he cut in as he glanced around him at the devastation before glancing back at Ryusika, who seemed to have gotten over her initial shock as she smiled at him. The sight made Shikuro slightly blush before he turned away from her to try and sense whether there were more of those imposters. After a moment, he sighed, "I don't sense any Ki similar to the imposters."

"Imposters. . .?" Ryusika asked with a raised eyebrow.

Shikuro nodded as he turned back to her, "Yeah, I'd go into detail, but it's best to save time on that and get you somewhere safe. I don't sense any enemies nearby, but right now, there is a lot of fighting throughout the planet. My friends are probably dealing with those same clones."

She stared at him for a moment as she thought of her boyfriend's actions, and the thought of him made her look at her feet in disappointment, "Right. . ., thank you." Shikuro sighed and scratched his head before sensing someone coming from above. He didn't need to see who it was as the Ki was familiar to him as they touched right between them.

A small man wearing a police uniform typical of West City and a white helmet. Shikuro smirked and waved, "You're late, Krillin."

"Not by my standard. . .," the former member of the Dragon Team retorted before placing his hands on his hips, "Seems you took care of the problem in Satan City, but half of the city is destroyed. You've run into those clones?"

Shikuro nodded, "Yeah, I did. It was a Goku and Vegeta clone, right?"

"Yeah, and I just handle a Tien Clone and Yamcha clone along with the real Tien. Piccolo is currently taking out clones as well," Krillin explained before adding, "But the main concern is that Gohan, Goku, and Vegeta are missing."

Ryusika stood between them as they talked; the situation was confusing without much context on who they were talking about as Shikuro remarked, "Yeah, I can't feel their Ki either. Do you know what happened?" Krillin shook his head.

"As far as I know, they were having lunch with their wives until something black engulfed them. The next moment, they disappeared like they weren't there in the first place. I doubt they are dead: nothing that powerful would feel the need to target them specifically." Krillin explained before turning to Ryusika and raising an eyebrow, "Who's the girl? Friend of yours?"

Shikuro turned to Ryusika and rubbed the back of his head as he wasn't sure how to explain it, "Something like that. Could say, classmate." Krillin smirked and chuckled.

"Wow, got your secret expose? You really did learn from Gohan. He couldn't keep his Great Saiyaman secret for long either." Krillin noted

Ryusika crossed her arms, "Okay, could we back up on that last part?"

"Not now!" Shikuro remarked. Krillin simply waved a dismissive hand.

"Alright, alright, but anyway, Piccolo will handle the search for those clones and the rest of the Z-Fighters. For now, there is an immense energy East from here. Can you feel it?" Krillin pointed out.

Shikuro focused a bit before nodding, "Yeah, there's two. Both feel mixed between different types of Ki but are also slightly different. It's confusing." Krillin's eyes widened at that notation and focused a bit more until his eyes widened in fear.

"Ah. . .Ah! That's Cell! One of them is definitely Cell!" He shouted. Shikuro and Ryusika flinched in shock as he knew who that was. Krillin quickly turned to Shikuro, "I don't know what he's planning, but he's somehow back. I'm afraid I'd only get in the way if I go."

Shikuro quickly nodded and insisted, "Then I'll go. Just take Ryusika back to one of Capsule Corps' safe houses. Bulma must have had a few setups, according to her." Krillin sighed in relief as he took Ryusika by the arm and was about to fly off, but Ryusika seemed concerned.

"Wait! You're going on your own!? Aren't you afraid?" She asked in worry.

"Fear isn't the issue, just. . .just don't worry about it," Shikuro assured her as he turned to the direction of the large Ki that emitted towards the east. With a quick burst of energy, he took off, flying in that direction. In contrast, Krillin flew away in the other direction with Ryusika, his mind on one thought only: Cell.

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, With Android 21 and Android 16 Against Cell. . .)

The sky was darkening as the clouds obscured and blocked the light of the sun and cast a shadow across the entire forest as it covered them from the sun. In the distance, it was almost a mirage of green in the middle of the ocean with no signs of human activity nearby—activity except for battle. In the midst of the forest, where a huge part of it was reduced to nothing more than smoldering dirt and charred barks of trees, smoke rose into the sky while the embers burned.

A light breeze blew in the area, the debris shifting and scattering as if they were leaves on the ground. Two figures appeared locked arms and hands as they struggled to overpower the other, their auras flaring before separating with a burst of power. Their feet skid, one clearly exhausted and the other just smirking and watching their opponent's struggling breathing as he rested.

"What's the matter, Android 21? You seem to be having trouble?" Cell mocked as he placed a hand on his hip while dodging Android 16 from behind. The large android's eyes widened before he was struck with a backfist square in the face and sent hurling into the pile of rubble behind him. Cell shook his head as he watched the android crash and dig a path of debris into the pile he collided with before turning his attention back to Android 21.

Her breathing was a bit haggard, her long white hair now cut slightly, and her pants were torn, the lower half of her body scratched up and slightly bleeding from her legs. She slowly straightened up, her chest rising up and down slowly with each breath she took as she glanced up at Cell's form in front of her with narrowed eyes as she spat, "Save your pity, monster! It won't get you anywhere!"

Cell merely shook his head at her outburst, his hand clenching his chin as he eyed her, "So feisty. What do you have against me, 21? In a technical sense, we are siblings, you know? You're just as much a monster as I am."

"Shut your mouth. You don't know me," Android 21 shot back before gritting her teeth, "I was created just to kill you. Don't ever lump me with--"

"Why shouldn't I, hmm?" Cell interrupted and hummed, "We're both a clump of mashed-up DNA, beings comprised of some of the greatest fighters in the universe through data. Our bodies are bio-engineered, and our creators even have. . .Well, a history with one another. You and I are, in a sense, geared for perfection, and the only difference is that you hold Majin DNA extracted from a pod."

21 remained quiet as Cell continued, "You may not see it now, but deep down, you know it's the truth. All other machines and creatures are just inferior and fuel for our strive for perfection. But, I alone am designed solely to reach that state. To me, you're my opposition, the second apex predator that I need to conquer and devour so I can reach new heights. I accept my role fully, which is why I'm outclassing you in this little scuffle of ours."

"I HAVE accepted my role in this as well, Cell!" Android 21 finally shouted as she charged forward with a raised fist. Her eyes flickered from blue to red before fully changing. Her left eye turned red, and her sclera shifted from white to black as her aura flared with a dark power that resembled the devil's flames, the power sending debris and shockwaves in every direction that caused a whirlwind around them. She clenched her left fist and punched forward. A wave of red Ki, dark like blood, was shrouded in her fist while Cell just smirked.

He chuckled a bit, muttering, "Not enough. . ." With ease, he sidestepped the punch and delivered a thunderous knee to the stomach before she could pass by him, the blow stunning her as her aura suddenly weakened before the dark flames surrounding her vanished as she fell to her knees and clutched her stomach. She was coughing hard and began to feel sick before blood spewed out of her mouth.

"You were almost there, 21. You felt it. . that hunger, that need to devour everything around you to satisfy yourself. Why are you resisting it? You would be so much stronger, so much better!" Cell shouted at her.

She began to crawl away, but the monster wouldn't have it. She watched as Cell stepped over her before Cell crouched in front of her and stared her directly in her blue eyes, "It disgusts me that someone identical to my bio-structure is so pathetic. So much potential and so much wasted vigor. From what I see, no matter how much you talk about you being created to end me like some noble marionette, All I see is a scared little girl trying to be something she isn't."

"And what. . .is that?" 21 spat with a cough as she could feel herself growing weaker as she was still unable to feel her legs.

Cell grabbed her by the hair and lifted her up as he stood tall, "A savior and protector. You can't fight. You have no drive to engage in battle, let alone one that involves ending the life of another. You're scared to kill. To fight and take a life: something I've accepted since birth. To end another's life and add to your own strength. You have no hunger for anything, even for power, and it sickens me to see that."

"Shut up. . ." Android muttered with a low growl, her hair blocking the view of her expression.

Cell stared at her for a moment before letting go of her hair, dropping her before kicking her hard in the stomach with a kick so strong it sent her body flying into a tree and the blow causing it to timber over to the ground as if a tidal wave swept over it. Android 21 remained unmoving on the ground, but Cell wasn't done.

"If you want me to shut up, prove me wrong," Cell grinned.

16, who was struggling to see any opening to attack, knew what Cell was doing. He was trying to get 21 to snap. He immediately turned 21 and warned, "Don't listen to him, Android 2--!" Before he could finish her name, Cell Kiai'd him back into the rubble to silence him, the action provoking 21 even further.

"Tch, you don't know when to not bud in on other people's business. Just sit there and watch your useless scrap metal. The show's not over." Cell huffed as he turned to Android 21. "Besides. . .this is her fight and her problem."

Cell turned back to the white-haired Android as she was struggling to stand back up on her own two feet, her body still numb to previous blows, but growled, "How dare you. . ." Cell raised an eyebrow and smirked smugly.

"Are you mad? Angry? You have no one to blame but yourself for being so weak. Maybe it's because you are trying to be human, hmm? Useless. Just embrace that desire. Devour everything in sight, even those two. I promise you'll see what you really want," Cell taunted before walking a bit closer, his aura flaring, "That is the hunger and desire to survive and reach perfection. Absorbing you now would be easy, but I'd get no satisfaction from a prey as pathetic as you. So come at me. Try your best."

She growled, her hair covering her eyes before clenching her fists, the ground cracking under her feet as she muttered to herself. Cell stopped moving, his grin still present as he could tell 21 was getting angry as he hoped, "You want me to hunger? To bare my fangs? I'll give you just what you want!" She then screamed at the top of her lungs, her power level beginning to spike drastically. Blood red aura stained the sky and illuminated the area as Android 21's entire body shook in frustration. Her other eye finally shifted to red, and her sclera turned completely black. In contrast, her aura turned to that of a burning inferno as the surrounding trees and dirt were uprooted by the shockwave alone.

"You'll see just what kind of hunger I have in store for you." Android 21 snarled.

Cell grinned like a coyote, his mind already reveling in the taste of the future as his excitement for a potential fight was becoming all the more thrilling by the second. Android 16, however, could only stare with disbelief and concern at the risk of 21 unleashing her full power. It was like a double-edged sword. She'll gain tremendous strength, but her mind would. . .

"That's it! This is the type of power I'd expect! Now you're totally worth absorbing!" Cell cackled, the sound sending shivers up Android 16's spine as the monster's smile grew wide at the thought of fighting 21 in all her glory.

21 didn't respond and simply swung her tail forward, a pinkish-red slash wave of Ki erupting from it before it swept toward Cell at full force. The ground shook violently from the force of the slash, the shockwaves ripping through the earth as if a tidal wave was hitting the land and destroying everything in its path. Cell smirked and put his hand out and felt the attack with his palm as if the wave was nothing. However, the slash-wave was pushing him back as it tried to rip through him.

"That's more like it; this is true power," Cell remarked to himself until he saw a blur appear at his side. His eyes trailed down as he saw 21 glared up at him before she punched him square in the face and caused him to lose his grip. The slash wave exploded and engulfed the area, and out of the geyser that erupted was Cell, who was sent soaring out of the blast radius. His body crashed through multiple trees in the forest. From afar, it looked like a bombing run was carried out on a section of the forest before Cell's figure skidded through the dirt until he finally came to a stop.

He laid on his back, his light purple eyes staring impassively at the gray sky through the tree leaves. His face was stoic for a moment until it cracked slowly into a grin, "Good. . . ." He stood up and dusted himself off before immediately dodging an energy wave that shot past his face. He looked through the forest as 21 came rushing at him in the air with her hand stretched out. His grin only grew before he raised a single finger and fired an energy beam.

He saw 21 stop and evade the beam and countered by sending a Kiai, which pushed him backward slightly as 21 appeared just above him with a fist ready to send him straight into the dirt. He didn't bat an eye and only caught her fist by raising his hand above his head, the blow still sending viciously strong dome-like shockwaves that scattered trees and destroyed the ground under him. Taking the opportunity, Cell tightened his grip around 21's fist and swung his arm down in an attempt to slam her into the ground. However, she quickly twisted her arm to spin herself into a kick that struck him in the right temple; her red Ki engulfed her foot, making his vision turn black for a moment.

"Now's my chance!" She thought before swinging her other foot up toward Cell's chin and struck him hard enough for his grip to release her hand as his feet were now skidding in the dirt from the force.

Taking her opportunity, she kicked off the ground. She quickly rushed after him with another kick ready. Still, Cell recovered and blocked the incoming kick with his forearm, protecting his face. He felt his body shake slightly as if his body was in a slight vibration. Still, he shook it off before throwing a counter punch directly into the bottom of her chin. 21 flew back but flipped herself onto her feet graciously before the two bio-androids vanished. Their figures were just blurred across the forest, and wherever they previously were were replaced by a massive geyser consisting of dirt and leaves. The fight was almost invisible as they kept up their intense struggle in battle, their moves almost indistinguishable by the human eye.

Cell and 21 broke out of their flurry and clashed their hands together again, each trying to overpower the other before Cell was socked in the jaw and his back slammed into a tree. He then leaped to the side as 21 dived in with a kick that split the tree in two as she continued her barrage of attacks, her hand now surrounded by dark Ki as she swiped it towards Cell in a series of claw-like slashing attacks that cut trees in half as if they were paper and made a straight line of destruction. The Self-Proclaimed being of perfection was evading the attacks with a series of rapid, narrow movements before dodging the last one by taking to the skies. Still, it was kicked right back to where 16 was as 21 appeared right above him, expectedly.

He crashed with the force of a meteor into the ground and left a large crater. However, his face remained impassive, and he only stared up at 21, who hovered above him, her facial expression making him grin. She was smiling after landing a thunderous clean hit on him, and he even remarked, "See. . .You're having much more fun now. This is the real you. Does it feel good? The power to rip your opponent's limb from limb."

Android 21 just laughed and grinned evilly as her eyes remained locked on him as she thought, "He's right. I never felt this kind of thrill, this kind of fun! I could. . .devour them right now, and. . .and I'd gain their power. So much power that. . .I could feed even more! More. . .More. . .MORE! M. . .More!" Her laughter only grew manically and even became louder and more hysterical, her red aura burning the area around.

16 watched in complete silence as he couldn't sense his creator's rational mind anymore. It was the worst-case scenario. She's been infected with Cell's desire for power and strength,h which has clouded her sense of reason and purpose. He had to do something. . .

Meanwhile, 21 descended quickly and rushed towards Cell, who was getting up from the crater as she prepared another slash-wave from her tail before firing it. The monster barely had time to dodge, the blast blowing a part of his lower left cheek off as he barely escaped death. Still, the pain felt amazingly good, especially with her eyes locked on his with the desire to kill. The wound regenerated quickly, and he rushed forward as well before they locked into a clash again, the battle now shifting into close range with the two bio-androids trying to overpower the other in a grapple as the surrounding ground shook violently from their force.

"I..I will devour you. I'll turn you into a nice snack. Cream-Puff? No, donut? No. . .NO, NO, NO! I WILL TURN YOU INTO A NICE, BIG, SUGARY SWEET! YES! SUGARY AND SOFT, DELICIOUS. . ." She snarled and shouted as the two of them exchanged a series of punches, her madness clear in her expression and tone as her aura burned brightly.

16 clenched his teeth at the way she was speaking, his fist trembling as he thought to himself, "Android 21 is completely losing it! I have to do something! At this rate, she'll become a threat far worse than Cell!" As that thought passed, 21 and Cell broke their struggle as they exchanged two quick, unseen strikes to each other's jaw, causing them to stumble away.

They both rubbed their jaws before Cell smirked, "Splendid display, but I'm afraid we should end this. It's time for you to become a part of me."

"No. . .It's time for you to become a snack!" 21 grinned in her state of madness. She leaped off her right foot and charged forward as Cell patiently waited for her to approach. As he watched, 16 couldn't help but notice how calm Cell was despite her strength and speed, a thought that only made the android even more nervous as he could feel something wasn't right. He began to search the ground, the sky, and even the surrounding trees for signs of trickery. But the moment he saw Cell's hand twitch, that was when he realized. . .He was luring her in for the killing blow.

Cell grinned, and his thoughts were already sure of victory, "A little closer. Bring yourself to your demise." His left hand began to glow as his fingers shaped into a spear ready to pierce, much to 21's obliviousness. 16's eyes widened, his next action solely based on a reaction instead of a rational response as Cell raised his hand and thrust towards 21's chest. Her eyes widened as she was unable to slow her momentum down to dodge or block the incoming strike. Her face grew pale, and everything seemed to slow down.

She could see every detail as her eyes widened, her body being pushed back by 16 who appeared in between them. . .His face contorted into pain as Cell's hand punctured right through his chest. Cell's evil grin was wide as ever, the monster's eyes burning with such intense energy as it crackled across his hand before he pulled it out, and 16 body dropped to his knees. Oil and bolts fell to the ground as the hole in his chest sparked with electricity, but the android remained unmoving, and his eyes dulled before 16's head dropped. The silence of the forest made the sight of the fallen android all the more shocking to 21. Her eyes seemed to regain some sanity in them as she tried to speak.

"16. . ." She muttered quietly, her body beginning to tremble, "I. . .I. . ,"

Before she could finish her sentence, she was kicked square in the face. She sent skidding across the dirt while Cell stood behind Android 16, who was barely clinging on. Cell scoffed as he looked down at the back of 16's head in annoyance, "I told you to stop budding in your piece of scrap." Without hesitation, he palmed the back of 16's head and raised it so 21 and 16 could make eye-to-eye contact. The moment was silent between them, but. . .16 still smiled.

"Li-Live. . .Andro---" Then, without even finishing his sentence, Cell blew his head clean off with an energy wave as 21 watched in horror. There were no parts or bolts to scatter this time. Only ash and dust were left where his body once sat. His headless body remained unmoving before finally falling flat down. 21 couldn't breathe for a second, her entire body shaking.

Her red eyes and black sclera returned to normal as her thoughts ran rampant, "His memory chip was stored in his head. . .but, there is nothing left now. Cell vaporized it. . .which means. . .which means. . .he's. . .16 is gone." Her face was frozen with wide eyes of disbelief until the silence was interrupted. She couldn't feel the blowing wind and the falling ash that fell from the burning leaves. As she sat there in shellshock, Cell couldn't help but notice her sudden will to fight dying out. His face turned into one of disgust.

"No more fight left? All because of some useless lunk of metal? Unlike you and me, we both know he never had a soul." Cell scoffed as he began to walk over to the unresponsive android. She was too shocked to say anything. Seeing this, Cell sighed, "What a shame, you showed so much promise of going out in a perfect blaze of glory. No matter, you'll live on. Inside me. Just like 16 wanted in his final moments."

21 didn't move. She didn't show any signs of wanting to struggle. Only her thoughts spoke at this point, but not to Cell. . .But to herself, "I. . .16 protected me. He protected me all this time. In both sanity and in the end. What did I do to repay him? I led him to his death. . .I'm so pathetic. So damn pathetic. Shouldering all of the burden? Fulfilling my mission alone? If I had just listened to him and tried to seek more help then. . .he wouldn't have died." She looked up at Cell through the strands of her hair, her eyes defeated and tired.

She muttered to herself, "It's my fault. Maybe this is my punishment."

Cell grinned and didn't say anything as 21 closed her eyes to accept her fate. His tail sprung out from behind, and the suction part of it opened to begin absorbing her as she waited patiently. She pursed her lips tightly, fear taking over as her body shook again, this time in anticipation of the process. Her eyes widened as she saw Cell's tail close in. The appendage was so close she could feel it on her face, the suctioning part open and waiting for its prey to enter it, and her mind screamed as she felt a bit of it begin to suck her in. In just moments, she'll. . .

*BANG*

Her eyes shot open as the sound made her look ahead; her view of what happened was blocked by a figure standing in front of her while Cell was sent crashing into a crater. She looked up as the wind blew across her face, her eyes widening as she could see only a bit of the side of the newcomer's appearance. She was both confused but also shocked at the same time, so much so that she muttered his name, "Shikuro. . .?" Shikuro flinched a bit at the mention of his name and turned around to look down at her.

He took a moment, noting that her appearance had changed as she had pink skin instead of normal human skin, pointed ears, and even a lizard's tail that lay flat behind her. Even her hair changed from the normal reddish-brown to white. Still, despite all that, her face remained the same, and he immediately recognized her, "Shoko. . .?" The two stared at each other for a moment until Shikuro's eyes darted to the lifeless corpse of the machine once known as 21.

He quickly pieced things together before sighing.

"Sorry. . .," Shikuro said as she remained staring blankly at him. Nevertheless, he continued, "If I got here sooner. . .then this may have not happened. I have some questions, but we'll talk later. . ."

21 blinked at him before nodding, though she still felt confused at what he meant. What was he sorry for? Why did he seem to blame himself for what happened? She was the one who screwed up and let herself get lost in her hunger. If anything, she was the one at fault here. Before she could say anything, a flash of light and smoke erupted from the direction Cell landed. Shikuro quickly turned and watched Cell walk out of the rubble unscathed, and his eyes landed on Shikuro curiously.

"Hmm. . .? Wait a minute. . who are you?" Cell asked.

Shikuro's facial expression remained stern, and answered back, "The real question is, are you behind all the imposters that have been terrorizing the planet, Cell?" Cell raised an intrigued eyebrow.

"Oh? Do you know me? I must be infamous on this planet after what I did the last time. Mental scars never fade, Mhmahahahaha," Cell chuckled.

Shikuro shrugged, "Perhaps. Heard stories of how you lost to a 12-year-old throwing a tantrum because you pressed him too hard." Cell stopped chuckling and shot him a glare.

"So you know Son Gohan? Who are you?" Cell inquired.

Shikuro scratched the side of his head for a second and just stated threateningly, "Shikuro. I'm the one about to kick your ass." The two stared each other down as the wind continued to blow and thunder crackled between them. Almost as though. .it was trying to signify a storm that was about to befall the planet.

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Previously, On Dragon Ball Tenkai From The Last Chapter. . .)

Cell grinned, and his thoughts were already sure of victory, "A little closer. Bring yourself to your demise." His left hand began to glow as his fingers shaped into a spear ready to pierce, much to 21's obliviousness. 16's eyes widened, his next action solely based on a reaction instead of a rational response as Cell raised his hand and thrust towards 21's chest. Her eyes widened as she was unable to slow her momentum down to dodge or block the incoming strike. Her face grew pale, and everything seemed to slow down.

She could see every detail as her eyes widened, her body being pushed back by 16 who appeared in between them. . .His face contorted into pain as Cell's hand punctured right through his chest. Cell's evil grin was wide as ever, the monster's eyes burning with such intense energy as it crackled across his hand before he pulled it out, and 16 body dropped to his knees. Oil and bolts fell to the ground as the hole in his chest sparked with electricity, but the android remained unmoving, and his eyes dulled before 16's head dropped. The silence of the forest made the sight of the fallen android all the more shocking to 21. Her eyes seemed to regain some sanity in them as she tried to speak.

"16. . ." She muttered quietly, her body beginning to tremble, "I. . .I. . ,"

Before she could finish her sentence, she was kicked square in the face. She sent skidding across the dirt while Cell stood behind Android 16, who was barely clinging on. Cell scoffed as he looked down at the back of 16's head in annoyance, "I told you to stop budding in your piece of scrap." Without hesitation, he palmed the back of 16's head and raised it so 21 and 16 could make eye-to-eye contact. The moment was silent between them, but. . .16 still smiled.

"Li-Live. . .Andro---" Then, without even finishing his sentence, Cell blew his head clean off with an energy wave as 21 watched in horror. There were no parts or bolts to scatter this time. Only ash and dust were left where his body once sat. His headless body remained unmoving before finally falling flat down. 21 couldn't breathe for a second, her entire body shaking.

Her red eyes and black sclera returned to normal as her thoughts ran rampant, "His memory chip was stored in his head. . .but, there is nothing left now. Cell vaporized it. . .which means. . .which means. . .he's. . .16 is gone." Her face was frozen with wide eyes of disbelief until the silence was interrupted. She couldn't feel the blowing wind and the falling ash that fell from the burning leaves. As she sat there in shellshock, Cell couldn't help but notice her sudden will to fight dying out. His face turned into one of disgust.

"No more fight left? All because of some useless lunk of metal? Unlike you and me, we both know he never had a soul." Cell scoffed as he began to walk over to the unresponsive android. She was too shocked to say anything. Seeing this, Cell sighed, "What a shame, you showed so much promise of going out in a perfect blaze of glory. No matter, you'll live on. Inside me. Just like 16 wanted in his final moments."

21 didn't move. She didn't show any signs of wanting to struggle. Only her thoughts spoke at this point, but not to Cell. . .But to herself, "I. . .16 protected me. He protected me all this time. In both sanity and in the end. What did I do to repay him? I led him to his death. . .I'm so pathetic. So damn pathetic. Shouldering all of the burden? Fulfilling my mission alone? If I had just listened to him and tried to seek more help then. . .he wouldn't have died." She looked up at Cell through the strands of her hair, her eyes defeated and tired.

She muttered to herself, "It's my fault. Maybe this is my punishment."

Cell grinned and didn't say anything as 21 closed her eyes to accept her fate. His tail sprung out from behind, and the suction part of it opened to begin absorbing her as she waited patiently. She pursed her lips tightly, fear taking over as her body shook again, this time in anticipation of the process. Her eyes widened as she saw Cell's tail close in. The appendage was so close she could feel it on her face, the suctioning part open and waiting for its prey to enter it, and her mind screamed as she felt a bit of it begin to suck her in. In just moments, she'll. . .

*BANG*

Her eyes shot open as the sound made her look ahead; her view of what happened was blocked by a figure standing in front of her while Cell was sent crashing into a crater. She looked up as the wind blew across her face, her eyes widening as she could see only a bit of the side of the newcomer's appearance. She was both confused but also shocked at the same time, so much so that she muttered his name, "Shikuro. . .?" Shikuro flinched a bit at the mention of his name and turned around to look down at her.

He took a moment, noting that her appearance had changed as she had pink skin instead of normal human skin, pointed ears, and even a lizard's tail that lay flat behind her. Even her hair changed from the normal reddish-brown to white. Still, despite all that, her face remained the same, and he immediately recognized her, "Shoko. . .?" The two stared at each other for a moment until Shikuro's eyes darted to the lifeless corpse of the machine once known as 21.

He quickly pieced things together before sighing.

"Sorry. . .," Shikuro said as she remained staring blankly at him. Nevertheless, he continued, "If I got here sooner. . .then this may have not happened. I have some questions, but we'll talk later. . ."

21 blinked at him before nodding, though she still felt confused at what he meant. What was he sorry for? Why did he seem to blame himself for what happened? She was the one who screwed up and let herself get lost in her hunger. If anything, she was the one at fault here. Before she could say anything, a flash of light and smoke erupted from the direction Cell landed. Shikuro quickly turned and watched Cell walk out of the rubble unscathed, and his eyes landed on Shikuro curiously.

"Hmm. . .? Wait a minute. . who are you?" Cell asked.

Shikuro's facial expression remained stern, and answered back, "The real question is, are you behind all the imposters that have been terrorizing the planet, Cell?" Cell raised an intrigued eyebrow.

"Oh? Do you know me? I must be infamous on this planet after what I did the last time. Mental scars never fade, Mhmahahahaha," Cell chuckled.

Shikuro shrugged, "Perhaps. Heard stories of how you lost to a 12-year-old throwing a tantrum because you pressed him too hard." Cell stopped chuckling and shot him a glare.

"So you know Son Gohan? Who are you?" Cell inquired.

Shikuro scratched the side of his head for a second and just stated threateningly, "Shikuro. I'm the one about to kick your ass." The two stared each other down as the wind continued to blow and thunder crackled between them. Almost as though. .it was trying to signify a storm that was about to befall the planet.

[- - - -]

(Continuing From Where the Last Chapter Left Off. . .)

Thunder boomed, and signs of lightning crackled within the clouds. The branches of the trees within the forest blew back with the harsh winds of the approaching storm, their leaves being swept away from the trees and blown away like fallen petals in the wind. The sounds of rain pattering and thunder clapped loudly within the distance. However, it would still take some time for the storm to arrive on the land where Cell and Shikuro stood off against one another while 21 sat and watched them right from where she sat. Meanwhile, Cell seemed unamused and mostly uninterested in Shikuro's prior claim. That was until Shikuro began scratching his lower back uncomfortably and complained.

"Okay, this is starting to become uncomfortable. One sec. . ." Shikuro groaned before searing open a hole for his monkey tail to exit out of, his tail wiggling around once it was freed, "Ahh. Much better."

21 stared at him in confusion, while Cell seemed more interested in the young Saiyan now that he got a good look at him and saw his tail. He crossed his arms and smirked a bit, "Oh, you're a Saiyan? Halfling or Full-blood? If I were to guess, it'd be the latter, considering it's only been nearly 8 years since I was killed by Son Goku's brat. You seem too old to be an offspring of Vegeta or Goku." Shikuro scratched his head and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm a purebred. What of it?" Shikuro asked.

Cell smirked and began circling the young Saiyan, "I was under the impression that Goku and Vegeta were the only purebred Saiyans left. How come?" Shikuro nodded and began circling him as well, both of their feet moving as if they were dancing around in a ring. The tension rose, and the young Saiyan only glared as he began stretching his arms and shoulder while he took his leisurely strides.

"I don't know. But in the famous words of Vegeta: 'Frieza, in terms of genocide and race extinction, is second-rate at best'," Shikuro shrugged as the two circled each other.

Cell continued smirking as they continued to move about in their circle. 21, meanwhile, could only watch, and she remained silent. Her thoughts began to stir and become jumbled. She couldn't find the will to move as the two seemed to talk as though she were insignificant. Even though Cell had just fought her with her full power in use. .he still seems unbothered by Shikuro, who came in out of nowhere. It was clear that the monster had more interest in her as a specimen for his DNA rather than a rival to battle and test his limits. He wanted her dead and for his power to become even greater than it already was. Which meant he was holding back and just toying with her. She knew he could easily have killed her in a single strike. .and the fact that Shikuro was so nonchalant and confident made her even more confused and intrigued by this young man whom she knew.

On the other hand, Shikuro continued to think as he sized Cell up, his thoughts analyzing the situation, "He's definitely strong; that's evident enough. From his Ki alone, he's stocked up a massive amount of energy from likely beings he absorbed. There are even hints of absorbed energy from the clones as well. That said, if this is the same Cell I've heard from Gohan, then I shouldn't take him lightly." Shikuro stopped circling Cell at the same time Cell did for him. He squatted and began stretching his legs and continued with his train of thought.

"Cell is a biological android constructed by some scientist who wanted revenge on Goku. Though, he was a side project and was designed as a mash-up of genetic material and data based on all of the Z-fighters and their previous enemies. Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Tien, Yamcha, and even the likes of Frieza as well. He has all of their talents and potential stored in one body. It'd be foolish of me to assume I could beat him simply because I can transform into a Super Saiyan 2 like Gohan did back then. . .," Shikuro noted down before standing up to take a deep breath. The wind began to blow fiercer as Cell slowly got into his signature stance, his hands overlapping over each other and extended out toward Shikuro with a grin on his face. Seeing this, Shikuro immediately transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 and took his own stance by dropping his center of gravity and taking a deep breath as well.

"Here we go. . ," 21 whispered as her eyes were now glued to the spectacle unfolding before her.

Meanwhile, seeing Shikuro transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 made Cell comment with a smirk, "Oh, the horrifying memories that form brings makes me delighted to kill you. It'll just show how much stronger I am compared to before. But I am curious to see just how strong you really are, too. Surely, you'll be good entertainment."

"Curious, huh? Well, all I ask is for you to leave a like and review when you're dead," Shikuro snidely said, the wind causing his spiky bangs to flow upwards a bit and his blonde hair to dance like flames in the wind.

Cell chuckled, and his expression turned dark, "I'll admit, you're an interesting little monkey. . .But don't expect to survive the next ten minutes when I'm done with you." Shikuro raised an eyebrow as a leaf fell in front of him and blocked his vision. He blinked, and at that moment, Cell was gone from his sight, causing him to immediately go into guard as he felt Cell's Ki begin to spike behind him. Shikuro turned just in time to block the kick aimed to snap his neck like a toothpick, the sheer force of the kick causing his feet to sink into the ground, creating a large crack below him. His hair fell as the wind died down, and his hair began to slowly lose its blonde color. He glanced at Cell through his side vision, who glared at him with a toothy grin and chuckled.

The young Saiyan took this as a challenge. Much to Cell's surprise., he ducked to allow the kick to swing over his head before spinning into an elbow that struck the bio-android in the jaw and sent him crashing through a large tree with a small trail of blood from his mouth. Cell shook off the attack and laughed out loud before smirking at Shikuro as the wind picked back up, "Impressi---!?" He wasn't able to finish that sentence as Shikuro was already in front of him. His fist slammed directly into his chest downward, and he felt his ribs crack under the force.

Perfect or not, Cell felt that one as his back slammed into the ground hard, and a large crater was made around his body. His head shook a bit from the force. Still, it didn't faze him for long as he immediately grabbed Shikuro's wrist and twisted it to lift his feet out of the air long enough for him to kick the Saiyan in the abdomen. Shikuro's eyes widened from the blow before being kicked away with a backflip and skidding across the dirt, kicking up dust. He took this time to breathe in as he landed on his feet. However, Shikuro's eyes widened as he saw Cell was already on his feet and charging towards him, his eyes focusing in immediately as he dodged two quick punches, his head weaving first left and then right, his hair being ruffled up a bit as they whooshed passed him.

He blocked the next few by slapping them to the side in order to throw off the trajectory. Due to this, he saw an opening, but before he did, he noticed another punch beating him to his next action. He was forced to block, his arms crossing across his face, but through the gaps, he noticed it was a feint, and Cell took advantage of that. He clutched Shikuro's head and pulled him in for a knee strike that caught the Saiyan under the chin and caused his head to reel backward a bit as he stumbled, but used the momentum in order to spin into a lower center of gravity for a low sweep that knocked Cell off his feet.

Cell was surprised by the swift reaction and had little time to react before he was delivered several swift snapping roundhouse kicks across his front temple, chest, and even his sides before Shikuro spun around again into a spinning side kick to the abdomen that sent the bio-android flying into the side of the cliff where he broke right through it like it were paper. However, Cell walked through the hole, dusted himself off, and looked down as Shikuro was already on top of him. His body flickered as his expression was more serious before vanishing at the same time Shikuro did, the two becoming blurs as Cell opted to play more defensive while Shikuro continued with the assault, but despite his best effort, Cell seemed to have gotten a better handle on his movement after each hit Shikuro dealt to him. Their blows exchanged at rapid succession while their feet kept the dust rising around them.

The two were going back and forth with blows at a speed that caused the wind to blow heavily from their exchanges until Shikuro and Cell slammed fists into each other and were forced back from one another, skidding to a stop. Wasting no time, Shikuro dashed forward with a plan in mind and darted to the side to leave an afterimage that kept Cell distracted for a moment as the bio-android instinctively blocked. It was only for a second, but that was all that was needed as the young Saiyan leapt to the air at Cell's side a fired an orb of ki at him. At first, Cell aimed to counter with one of his own until he saw Shikuro's body fade, and his eyes were surprised again, "An afterimage after an initial fire? Not bad."

He felt Shikuro's energy to his right as the Saiyan fired another energy ball in order to pincer him. in place. Still, Cell crossed his arms into rising palm strikes on either side to unleash a force of air powerful enough to disperse the energy balls on both sides of him. However, as he faced forward and tried to raise his head, Shikuro came directly from above and punched him with a diving fist in the back of his head.

The blow made the bio-android stumble, but he immediately swung his arms out into a Kiai that made Shikuro brace himself so he wouldn't be blown away. However, it left him stunned long enough to receive a blow to the side that sent him stumbling before Shikuro pushed the following fist downward and countered with a punch to Cell's chest. However, it seemed Cell took the blow well, and the two both went in for a back fist strike that only ended in a clash of forearms. A shockwave rippled through the air and caused a whirlwind to occur.

"He's taking my blows a lot easier now, which means he's holding back more power. But that only means I have to keep on my toes and stay on the offensive. I'm moving well today, and my body is responding as I like. . .Don't let up. Focus. If you slip up, you'll die," Shikuro mentally told himself as he vanished around Cell and unleashed a flower of punches that Cell countered with his own. Another whirlwind swirled more intensely between them.

Cell dodged to the left, a punch grazing his cheek as he was in his own thoughts, "At first glance, he seemed so young and green. But his natural sense for combat is sharp and quick. He's learned how to read me quickly, and his reaction is on point with what I can throw at him. Not only that. . ." He was forced to dodge again and again; the punches were fast enough that Cell needed to focus on the current moment.

"His talent in this regard is nothing compared to the data on the Z-fighters. He may not be as experienced, but his potential as a fighter is astonishing. There is no data on him as well, so he's an unknown factor that I couldn't have predicted for my plans. If I were to let my guard down then. . .he'll be able to catch me. But this is no matter," He smirked, and his aura flared in response, the force causing Shikuro's hair to flow behind him as he dodged yet another attack.

Meanwhile, as they continued to exchange blows, 21 remained watching in awe as she couldn't help but be amazed at the young Saiyan, "He's. . amazing. Cell seems to be taking him more seriously than he did with me. . .Maybe. . ." She clenched her fist in a hint of regret, but regardless, the fight continued.

Their rapid clash of punches ended in a bright light before a shockwave caused the two to separate: one completely unfazed while the other visibly damaged. Cell smirked while Shikuro gasped for air before resuming back with new vigor, and he regained his foot on the ground before kicking off with speed. He was already on Cell, his feet squatted into a lunge and his fist ready to slam a hook into his ribs, but the bio-android hit him with a quick jab under his chin. It sent his body reeling upwards a bit, and Cell grabbed his wrist to pull him into a gut punch that connected hard enough that his body flew out of Cell's grasp and backflipped onto his feet.

He tried to catch his breath and rubbed his cheek as blood trickled down his lip towards his chin, "That hurt. . .Just how tough is this guy?" Shikuro was pondering for a moment as Cell seemed patient enough to watch him with a cocky grin. That was evidence enough that the bio-android knew the outcome of this fight before it began. He just had to play with his food a bit to pass the time. The gap in their power was likely huge enough for him to be still laid back and reserved with his strength. A predicament that Shikuro would have to solve if he wanted to make it out alive. He went through his arsenal in order as he began to think.

"Kamehameha, Ki blasts, Kiai, Afterimage, and Ryusoken. . .The Kamehameha would only work if my Ki output were closer to his, so that's out of the question. The other three are only good for distraction, and Ryusoken may be my best option, but it still won't be enough. . ." Shikuro analyzed before only coming to a single option left, "Kaioken. . that'd be my best bet to close the gap. But that's risky in just the normal Super Saiyan state, let alone Super Saiyan 2. I'd likely almost kill myself first like last time if I use it for too long---!"

Shikuro's eyes widened as he came to a realization, an idea forming from his desperation and thought. If he could utilize this strategy, then he'd have a chance, but it'd take timing. The bio-android began to talk again, interrupting his train of thought, "Tell me, are you done pondering and have finally given up?" Shikuro ignored him as he stood up off his knees and took in a breath.

"It's still risky and has way too many flaws. But this is my best option, so I have to try." Shikuro's aura began to spike and surge before charging forward.

Cell watched as he noticed him jump into a roundhouse kick, his move easily telegraphed. He went to go grab his leg until. . .his eyes widened in surprise as Shikuro mumbled, "Kaioken. . ." With a burst of red aura that overlapped with the gold of a Super Saiyan, the kick became a blur and struck Cell three times in an instant. One to his hamstring, another to his ribs before the last strike across his jaw, the impact making him spin and spit up a small bit of blood as the Saiyan continued forward with the assault; his foot touched the ground for a moment as the aura dissipated before taking advantage of Cell's state of discomposure and back fist him across the other side of his face. Cell skidded to a stop on the ground, the two being far enough for a few moments. He growled before rubbing the corner of his mouth and flicking his hand to get the blood off his fingers and onto the dirt below.

Annoyed, Cell dashed forward and went in for a chop until Shikuro's aura flared once more in red and gold to quickly vanish, thus causing Cell to swing at nothing but the wind. His eyes widened until he felt a gut punch that sent his body reeling backward. Shikuro came forward to begin landing several swift blows to the back of the bio- android's back, all while leaving sparks of red and gold. More infuriated, Cell quickly adjusted to Shikuro's speed and then turned into a spinning back fist, the result leading to the two exchanging blows to each other's cheek as blood spewed from their lips. The force sent both of their feet skidding back while they kept their eyes locked onto each other. Shikuro wiped the blood from his cheek, smearing it onto his palm. Cell merely wiped his cheek with his thumb, leaving a red streak.

Meanwhile, 21 was left confused by the sudden change in the young Saiyan, muttering, "What happened? What was that power?" Then, as if to answer that question, Cell frowned.

"Kaioken mixed with Super Saiyan 2. But that's not all. . .You're using it in short bursts to minimize the strain on your body, and to add to it, you're taking a short amount of time to turn off your Kaioken ability and then turn it on again." Cell muttered before glaring, "I'll admit, you surprised me a bit, but I'm no longer in awe of your talent anymore."

Shikuro glared back and clenched his fist into a stance, "Didn't ask you to be." He wasted no time and burst forward as his golden aura flared around him. Cell took the invitation as well and rushed in; the two locked into a grapple for a bit until Shikuro leaned back to pull him up as he activated Kaioken once more. The young Saiyan then took the chance to kick him in the chin, the blow sending him up into the sky before deactivating Kaioken while shortly chasing after Cell towards the sky.

However, as his linear pursuit of the bio-android was coming to a close, Cell fired a Death Beam straight at Shikuro, who could only cross his arms and activate Kaioken to strengthen his defense. However, even as his Ki flared as bright red as blood, it did nothing as the Death Beam blew off his right sleeve while pushing him to the ground at breakneck speed. He hit the ground and slid across the dirt for a bit before flipping himself onto his feet, his right arm damaged as blood trickled down from his forearm and to his hand. Shikuro glanced down and grimaced at the sight of the gash that had already formed in the shape of the Death Beam, the blood dripping into a small puddle. But there was no time for Shikuro to worry about that as Cell came from above him and went from a drop kick that he promptly blocked with his good arm, the impact causing Shikuro's feet to skid back for a bit. However, the bio-android was still able to maintain the same momentum.

As the two skid back, Shikuro took this as a chance to break free by grabbing his ankle in an attempt to slam Cell to the ground. However, it seemed the android saw the move coming as he pulled his foot free before delivering a hard roundhouse knee to the neck that sent Shikuro flying back for a moment. Still, in a split second, he activated Kaioken and vanished from what looked to be him, sent flying by the blow, only for him to appear behind Cell. He landed a palm strike to the cheek, sending Cell back a bit. Still, Cell immediately countered with a knee to the ribs, the two grunting at each other's blows. Still, Shikuro recovered much faster and slammed a foot down into the ground.

With aggression, Shikuro's ki burst to life as he countered with a kick across the skull that sent Cell twirling in the air for a moment. Still, the bio-android recovered quickly as he fired an energy wave from below. Shikuro's eyes widened, the deactivation of Kaioken only causing him to narrowly dodge it as it shot to the sky before taking the chance to pummel Cell into the ground. However, like a sixth sense in the heat of battle, he noticed Cell's palm closed as he muttered, "Death Shower."

The previous blast that was shot into the sky began to rain down like shards of sharpened crystals, and he only had a moment to leap back a bit, just enough not to sustain a mortal blow. However, two of the energy crystals impaled his feet, the pain causing him to grimace for a bit as he had little time to pull the shard of energy from his feet while Cell flipped onto his.

Wasting no time, Cell closed the distance with a single leap. It took advantage of the small amount of time Shikuro had to remove the energy crystals to begin another barrage of blows. However, with a moment to react, the Saiyan managed to dodge several of the punches but had to resort to blocking several of the remaining ones. However, that was quickly proven to be a distraction as Cell stopped onto the wounds in Shikuro's foot, causing him to shout as a knee was thrust into his gut and then an elbow into his nose. He stumbled only for Cell to appear behind him and shoot several energy blasts into his back, and with each explosion, the sound of his voice crying out echoed throughout the area.

Cell smirked, "There it is. Your moment of hesitation, just enough time for me to catch up to your pac---!" Shikuro interrupted him with a gritty roar and immediately turned to deliver a thunderous kick to the side of his neck. Cell's eyes flickered in and out of consciousness until another swift roundhouse kick struck him with a heel from the opposite side; the young Saiyan's body looked like a blur transition from one blow to the other. Then, the moment he landed his final kick to send Cell skidding away. Cell glared as Shikuro's aura flared and rushed towards him while he did the same with a roar of his own.

"You mongrel!" Cell growled.

However, Shikuro remained focused and determined, his mind racing at a million miles per hour. At that moment, he was thinking of using the Kaioken as time seemed too slow for him. A trance-like state akin to that of athletes during an event, the mind becoming numb from any distraction in the heat of competition. A state where he was in a flow of sorts, and he knew it. He could see it and telegraph Cell's punch perfectly as he dodged underneath by slipping under with his own fist clenched tightly. That was a given move, but what came after was. . .Shocking. With the mind of activating Kaioken and delivering a punch powerful enough to turn the tables, Shikuro's desire to do so gave birth to a phenomenon. Right before impact, where his Ki began to flare up, Kaioken was applied in the same instance of a span of a picosecond at that single point of the body: His fist. While Kaioken would normally double the user's power, speed, and other attributes for a brief time, the result of all these factors changes it to. . .

*Spark*

An Exponential Growth in power in but an instant. . .

Cell's eyes widened as Shikuro's fist collided and unleashed a surge of raw power that was greater than what a Super Saiyan 2 could muster. Crimson-colored flames erupted from the impact but, at the same time, crackled with lighter red lightning-like sparks that tore into the ground all around them. The moment the two were blown back from each other, the lightning ceased, but the flames persisted a bit before dialing down from Cell's gut and left a burn mark in the shape of an "X" over his torso.

The bio-android was stunned as Shikuro was a bit confused at what he did but took the chance he needed. He rushed forward, ready to deliver another blow with one thought in mind, "He's wide open! I can win this!"

Shikuro rushed forward while Cell was stunned in confusion by what happened and twirled into a kick across the face that sent the bio-android's feet skidding into a spiral, the dirt beneath kicking up the debris in the process. Clouds of smoke began to surround the two and obscure their view, but Shikuro could easily see Cell's figure through the smoke and charged forward. At that moment, the young Saiyan was sure of his victory, thus activating Kaioken once more for a finishing blow. But amidst the height of battle, Cell remained calm. In his own moment of being in his element, the bio-android had been calculating and thinking of ways to pierce through the young Saiyan's skin power. His thoughts retraced to an early instance of the fight where his Death Beam had failed. He needed something stronger but still just as fast.

Throughout the whole sequence, Cell had been focusing a bit of ki into his fingertips, patiently waiting for the right time to unleash the altered version of the Death Beam and at this moment. . .

*ZRRRRRT!*

A hole in the cloud of smoke as well in Shikuro's Yagi's hopes for victory, a spiraling thin beam of purple energy piercing his kidney. His eyes widened, his feet still planted as his body became heavy with pain before falling back and clutching the wound.

Cell sighed as he relaxed, blood trickling down his lip due to the previous kick, but still muttered, "Special Death Cannon."

21 watched from the sidelines with worry in her eyes. Still, she remained frozen in place, watching in silence. Meanwhile, Shikuro's breathing grew heavier, his heart beating louder than anything he had ever heard. With each pulse of his heart came an intensified wave of pain. He held in his agony for the time being as he kept his eyes focused on his opponent, trying his best not to faint or look away. But he felt his body begin to fall as his thoughts ran rampant.

"Shit. . .I got too sure of myself. It was too fast to tell where I was hit. It feels like it was my kidney. Damn it, damn it, damn it! What now? I'm passing out. . .I'll lose if I do, and then. . .He'll kill me. .I. . ." Shikuro's eyes began to dim in color as he could see his blood spilling from his wound. His vision began to blur. His Super Saiyan hair color was fading back to black as energy began to leave his body.

Time seemed to move at a still as his ability to think was failing him. The world was starting to spin, and his vision was fading to black until. . like a canvas, all the images from his past came rushing back in an instant until it landed right back onto the scene where he was staring at Nana's corpse. He gritted his teeth and. . .

*Stomp!*

Both 21's and Cell's eyes widened as Shikuro planted his foot into the ground to catch his fall. At the same time, he clenched his fists into a stance, his expression stern with steel resolve. His hair began to return from black to gold, as well as the color in his eyes before the aura of a Super Saiyan 2 began to return slowly. His eyes narrowed as he raised his fist, droplets of rain beginning to fall from above, "I must face reality. . .If I die, nothing is assured that everything will be okay after. I get that. Goku. . .Gohan. . .Vegeta. . .They aren't here, which means the responsibility of protecting everyone's lives falls on my shoulders. I won't let things repeat itself like it did before. I'll bear any pain not to let that happen again. . ."

Cell watched as the rain started to pour harder from above; his expression was stoic while wiping the blood off his lips. He looked down at the cross-shaped wound he received early from Shikuro's punch and began to analyze it.

"One hit. That was all it took for my body to receive that much damage, not counting all the other blows I've taken thus far. If he lands another one like that, he might actually kill me," Cell took in a breath as he looked at his hand, "Special Death Cannon was an attack combining Death Beam and the Special Beam Cannon. However, I only managed to pierce him because he let his guard down. He's taken a lot of damage and strain from the Kaioken while only using his left arm, mostly due to his right one being injured. However. . . he's strong. Not in talent or physical ability. Not even in the Saiyan's natural drive for battle. No. . this is a man prepared to die, a man with nothing to lose, but that also means he has everything to gain."

Cell then glanced at 21 before looking back at the young Saiyan. His body slowly got into a stance as well, his fist tightening in contrast to Shikuro relaxing a bit with a more open-palm stance. His eyes narrowed as Cell's purple aura began to shroud his body as he muttered, "Come."

Shikuro didn't say a word and walked over to him and retook his stance; their hands stretched out toward each other and only inches apart. In contrast to his fight against Android 21, Cell initially took the same approach as Shikuro at the start of the fight. This was simply because he only believed Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta as actual threats to his plans. Once they were removed, everything was guaranteed to go as planned. But after battling for quite some time, Cell had determined that Shikuro Yagi was a risk that must also be removed.

The rain continued to fall between them, the wind blowing and causing the tree leaves to sway while thunder cracked and lightning clapped throughout the sky. Shikuro's feet tread closer while Cell did the same, the anticipation making 21's breathing heavier the closer the two got. Two warriors, calm and stoic as Shikuro clenched and unclenched his hand before. . .

*Whoosh! Whoosh!*

Cell went in for a jab as Shikuro leaned back while using the momentum to flip backward into a kick aimed at the bio-android's chin. Still, Cell tilted him to the side as the young Saiyan's feet went flying back past him. As soon as Shikuro's foot touched the ground, Cell went in to trip him, but Shikuro leaped back before deflecting an array of punches with his left hand. He countered with his own jabs at a close distance, only for Cell to duck under his first jab. He blocked the second with a raised elbow before going into a kick aimed at slamming into the young Saiyan's skull. However, Shikuro countered with a kick of his own, the clash causing sparks of Ki to burst before Cell was pushed back.

As his feet skid for a bit, Cell crossed his arms to block the spinning sidekick that pushed him back for a moment and fell onto one knee do to the wet ground. Taking the chance, Shikuro dashed forward until Cell's hand that rested on the ground shot a beam of light at him. With little time to dodge, the young Saiyan crossed his arms with Kaioken in order to tank it, only for the attack to fade into nothing. He blinked as he was sure that it was supposed to be stronger than that until he saw a pebble fly from his peripherals. He gasped, "Huh---!?"

Before he could process it, Shikuro felt a punch slip through his guard and struck his square in the face hard enough to send him crashing into the side of the cliff. The dust cleared quickly as he groaned, only to see Cell fire several Death Beams at him.

"A feint!?" Shikuro grumbles mentally at the previous trick before flipping his feet onto the side of the wall to avoid the barrage of energy beams. He scaled the cliff high as beams rained upon him before leaping out of the smoke and diving into an axe kick at neck-breaking speeds. Cell's eyes widened, and he crossed his arms across his body, the kick causing the ground beneath his feet to break apart and cracks to spread out across the land.

However, even though he took the blow, Cell countered by grabbing his foot and twisting it before slamming him onto his back. Shikuro gagged for a moment but noticed Cell's hand sharpening with a purple aura ready to pierce his heart. Quickly, he caught the bio-android's wrist, and the two struggled with a surge of energy, each attempting to overpower the other before Shikuro arched his back up and wrapped his legs around Cell's neck. His eyes widened before Shikuro twisted his body to throw his center of balance, thus tossing the bio-android over to the side and onto his back as Shikuro pinned him down with a raised fist. However, Cell took notes and arched his back as well to do the same, only this time, he threw his legs downward, which resulted in Shikuro being thrown away.

They flipped to their feet and landed on their knees with a sliding stop on the dirt and glanced at each other with narrowed eyes. Seeing as Cell was still on his back, Shikuro ran forward, ready to pummel him into the ground; however, Cell stood up and met his punch with one of his own. The moment their fist connected, the shockwave was so strong it caused 21 to shield herself from it and blow away all of the debris from the earlier fight. However, Shikuro felt himself blown back and lost his balance, thus allowing Cell to extend an energy blade that Shikuro barely had time to dodge. He leaned over the side as it gashed his shoulder and left a scar on his cheek, the blood dripping down to the ground. His eyes glared at the bio-android, who held the energy blade to the side and went to cut his head off. However, Shikuro ducked under with a split, the droplets of rain still hitting his face while he was in a moment to counter.

With his low center of gravity, he immediately swept Cell off his feet with a kick. Still, he was immediately countered by a roundhouse kick that struck his face from the bio-android mid-fall. Shikuro grunted as he was sent flying back into the cliff, his back bouncing off it until his eyes reflected the tip of an energy blade coming towards him. With quick thinking, he dug his fingers into the surface of the cliff and pulled his body out of the way as Cell's blade tore a hole through the rock face.

Cell groaned in annoyance and dragged the blade horizontally towards the Saiyan. Still, Shikuro leveraged himself above it as his feet planted into the side of the cliff for a brief moment. Taking the chance, the young Saiyan leaped over behind Cell and kicked him in the back of the head hard enough that the bio-android's perfect face was indented into the rocky surface for a split moment. Shikuro took his chance and struck his neck with the side of his hand with Kaioken for the first time in this exchange, the rocky surface now having a crater that seemed to be a mold of Cell's face. However, Cell immediately turned around with a swing of his energy blade from his hand, which caused Shikuro to block, though he immediately dismissed the blade to slam a back fist that sent him crashing into a tree.

The young Saiyan gagged for a moment until he was struck with a hook across the face and another into the wound where his kidney was hit earlier. Cell wasted no time as he immediately struck his knee into Shikuro's ribs hard enough to feel one of them crack. Still, Shikuro was quick to retaliate by jabbing him repeatedly in the face with his left. Annoyed, Cell grabbed it and hoisted it above his head, but before he could slam him, Shikuro wrapped his tail around his neck in order to drag him down with him. Both of them fell and rolled in the mud for a bit until Shikuro slammed his palm into the ground and unleashed a Kiai that blew the debris around them for a bit.

Smoke clouded Cell's sight as Shikuro hid his Ki but still moved fast within the smokescreen. He clenched his right fist and took Cell's back as he ran towards him, "This is my chance! I need to land this attack here and now! I have only used my left this whole exchange, which means with this right focused with all of my power. . ."

Cell noticed him approach, and the smoke dispersed as Shikuro flared Kaioken one more time with his Super Saiyan 2, his eyes glaring at Cell, who initially raised his guard to block a left but noticed that Shikuro was using his right fist this time. His eyes widened as it was too late for him to block it. . .

*KLACK!*

The right hook connected, a shockwave of both wind and Ki erupting into a whirlwind all around them. In the eyes of both 21 and Cell, they saw it all: the side of Cell's ribs caving in a bit as Shikuro's fist remained firmly there. The bio-android coughed a bit as Shikuro was sure that he won until. . .

"You were so close too. . ."

*SLASH!*

Shikuro's eyes widened as he felt himself get cut from his left shoulder and down to his abdomen by Cell's resurfaced energy blade. His blood sprayed, the rain splashed over them, and the wound before the young Saiyan was sent flying back with a following punch to the stomach until his body stopped upon impact with a tree, the bark shattering. He coughed, his eyes turning completely white as his consciousness faded.

21 gasped in shock and terror as she ran toward the fallen Saiyan as his blood painted the rain-soaked grass crimson red. Meanwhile, Cell looked over him as he stood in his tracks before muttering, "A bit disappointing. His strategy was executed perfectly, but his final attack was nothing compared to the one that left a scar on my ribs. It's clear that the last attack was something born from sheer luck, and he simply couldn't replicate it. Still. . ."

Cell wobbled a bit, the last attack definitely affecting him despite not being the same as the one prior. He grunted before turning 21, who was petrified with fear as she only stared at Shikuro's limp body. Her mind was clouded, and she couldn't bring herself to say or do anything at that moment as Cell turned his attention to the young Saiyan. He noticed his chest heave a bit, which meant he was still alive, and he walked up to him to finish him off, "21 can wait. I'll remove this brat now before ----!?" He stopped mid-thought as he sensed two Ki signatures approaching. He growled in annoyance.

"Piccolo and the dwarf? They must have sensed me finally and are coming to this location as we speak. Krillin, I can handle, but the Namekian may be a problem for me with my injuries. . ." Cell noted mentally before turning back to the young Saiyan. His eyes narrowed as he knew he didn't have much time. He had to remove Shikuro immediately. However, 21 as he raised his hand, 21 bit her lip and jumped in between them, the two glaring at each other as Cell frowned at her defiant display.

"Move. . ." Cell ordered with a low growl, but 21 shook her head no. She clenched her fist to resist the fear she had for the bio-android before shaking her head once again. Cell stared at her firmly before sighing, "Fine, then count yourself lucky. I'll retreat for now, but all this has done was delay the inevitable."

He placed a finger on his forehead and used Instant Transmission to teleport himself away from the scene and into hiding. The moment Cell was gone, 21 rushed to Shikuro and looked at the wound, her face growing pale as to how much damage was done to him. His clothes were stained with blood as a long gash was across his body, the center of his feet had a slit hole in them, a hole where his kidney should be, and lastly, the right arm seemed to be broken, and the rest of his body had several cuts and bruises. She tried her best to resist crying, but a few tears slipped down her cheek, her eyes shut for a moment, "Was I that useless? 16 is gone, and Shikuro is just knocking on death's door. All I could do was sit on the side and watch. What am I good for? Was everything I did for nothing. . ."

Her mulling left her unaware of Piccolo and Krillin touching down from above. Their eyes instantly landed on Shikuro as they didn't know who she was. However, they could discern that she wasn't normal as Piccolo muttered, "A Majin. . .?" However, as intrigued as the Namekian was, Krillin rushed to Shikuro's side.

"Shikuro!" Krillin shouted as he skidded to his side and tried to feel his pulse, but the moment he touched him, the Saiyan groaned in pain. 21 turned her head to the small bald human who tried to examine him further until he saw her face and pointed in confusion, "Umm, who are you? You know what, there's no time to ask. He's still alive. We'll take it from here and take him back to Bulma's so he can get patched up. First. . ."

Krillin pulled out a bag of Senzu beans before taking one out and pressing it against Shikuro's lips, "Come on. . open up. They weren't fully grown out, so they won't have the same effect, but they'll at least keep you alive to get treatment." Krillin continued to mumble.

"Piccolo, give me a hand." Krillin asked for his friend, and Piccolo came up to the side, "Hold him steady for me."

The Namekian complied as Krillin pinched Shikuro's lips open to shove the bean in, however. . .

"Crap, he's not opening. Wait, he's breathing on his own, right?" Krillin muttered as he held Shikuro's head up with one arm to keep him from drowning while he used his other hand to pinch his nose shut and slowly exhale, "Okay, okay. . .He's breathing through his mouth."

Krillin exhaled and used both of his hands to pry Shikuro's mouth open before slipping in the Senzu bean. The bean was swallowed, and Krillin tried to see if anything else was needed as Shikuro's breathing became more stable. The major wounds were prioritized first, as the hole in his kidney was sealed. At the same time, the gash across his body became a scar, and all that remained were the bruises and cuts that needed to heal at their own rate. 21 breathed a sigh of relief until Piccolo turned to her.

"You're coming with us. We got some questioning for you," Piccolo said sternly, "You look like a majin, but your Ki feels similar to Cell. So tell me now, are you friend or foe?"

She glanced at him as Krillin helped carry Shikuro on his back before she walked to their side, "My name is Android 21. I'm not your enemy. I swear it. I'll. . explain everything once we make sure Shikuro is safe. . .Please believe me." Krillin and Piccolo took a glance at each other before nodding.

"Fine, we'll trust you. But you may want to wear a disguise or something. Your appearance might, uh, gain unwanted attention like my green friend here," Krillin noted as Piccolo shot him a glare.

21 didn't seem amused as well and just reverted back to her human form, much to their surprise, but ignored it. All that mattered now was to get out of the rain as they all took to the skies towards West City.

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, At One Of Capsule Corp's Safe House.)

Capsule Corp Safe House Beta was one of the few remaining Capsule Corp safe houses scattered all over Earth, each of which had its own unique location in remote, inaccessible places and was disguised as abandoned buildings in remote towns or the wilderness but were secretly accessible via a series of tunnels that led to an underground train station that ran through them all. These locations were only known to the Briefs. Their purpose was to act as an underground facility if ever there were another alien threat like the Saiyan and Androids, where they could wait out the danger in comfort, as they contained their own source of power and a high-tech communication system and security network to monitor the world outside, but that's not all these locations contained. Each safehouse had a large, reinforced vault of unique metal analyzed by Vegeta's Saiyan pod and armor that was reverse-engineered and improved by Capsule Corp technology.

Even so, despite its original purpose of only serving the Briefs and their family members, Bulma was convinced to make it more for public use to house survivors of any crazy attack that may come their way. With it happening so often, such as the time Frieza was revived and came back for revenge or the more infamous case, Majin Buu literally deleting the human population, it was only logical that Earth's greatest mind would learn from past mistakes.

Now, the great scientist and heir to the brief's name was stressed by taking on the responsibility of housing survivors in her facility closest to her actual home. West City police were just about as useless as ever, with their only competent officer being Krillin in charge. Granted, no ordinary human could possibly take on the threat unless they were a Z-fighter, so she understood why Krillin couldn't just leave his post to guard the shelter.

The current situation at the moment was that they were completely full to the brim of civilians, some even having to be escorted in as there wasn't any room for them. At the same time, some were relocated to the other safehouses, such as the one at South Island. Still, she knew the worst-case scenario would be to relocate to the last safe house that was stationed at the center of the earth. There were 36 Capsule Corps shelters, 6 of which were above ground while the rest were underground. This meant there were still 10 more locations to house likely 2500 more people per shelter. She was only hoping that it didn't get to that. Though it was only a short while for today, so many people came flooding in, and her assistants were starting to get overwhelmed by the crowd. And it was only a matter of time before the whole thing devolved into chaos.

She sighed as she sat on her couch in one of the lounging rooms of the shelter, with Tien sitting on another couch with a cup of tea and Panchy sitting in armchairs as the scientist mumbled, "This is why I said not to overdo it on the publicity. But noooo, I had to be the one who has to get swamped by people who won't leave me alone and act like the shelter was a hotel, and their family didn't die in the blast."

Tien looked out the window of the facility, "That's what happens when you have an ego." Bulma shot him a glare before pouting.

"Oh, shut it," she said before standing up with a sigh and walking to the door to head for the shelter's lobby, "Well, I'm off. I'm gonna try my best to not yell at everyone to just calm down for five minutes. Besides, aren't you supposed to be out there handling the clones? Why are you sitting here? Did they beat you all that badly?"

Tien rolled their eyes while Panchy simply chuckled at Bulma's usual banter.

"Simple, there aren't any more clones around. We can still sense them, but it's like they are gathering somewhere, which isn't a good thing." Tien said as he turned his gaze back to Bulma, "We decided that it's best to stick around here for the time being. They probably already know our location if they could sense Ki. That means it's best to wait until they pop up again rather than going after them only to run into an ambush."

Bulma sighed and rubbed her forward, "You and your guys, Ki, sense nonsense. Fine, whatever. I'll do my part then. So don't get lazy now, and don't bother me with the clones unless they are literally on my doorstep, or just kill them so you won't have to worry about them. Got it?" Bulma asked before going on to leave. However, as soon as the automotive door opened, she found herself staring in front of a group of teens. Three boys, exactly who, seemed to be staring back at her before their eyes shifted to her body.

"Yeah. . .I think she'll be more trouble than anything," One of the boys muttered, which caused Bulma to growl.

"You got a problem, bud?!" The woman snapped before grabbing the front of his jacket and yanked him forward until his head hit her. The boy gulped as Bulma growled. However, the second one of his friends coughed to get her attention, "Hey, look, we were just wondering if you could, uh, help us out."

Bulma's eyes turned to the other one until she immediately recognized him, "Wait. . .You're the son of the Sojiro family's business of automotive design." She blinked as her mind tried to recall who he was exactly as he laughed awkwardly.

"Y-Yeah! That's me!" he replied, "My name is Ace Sojiro. These are my buddies, Kize and Vincent."

Bulma looked at the three boys before letting go of Vincent's collar; the boy was surprised by the famous scientist's strength as he was a football player at his school. However, she crossed her arms, "I think you kids are lost. The shelter's main area for civilians is further down that way. If you follow me, I'll take you there, so just stick close by." However, Ace shook his head and gave Bulma a serious look.

"No, we're not. We. . .Well, I actually came to ask you for something," He replied before Bulma looked at him curiously.

"Ask me? Ask me what exactly? We're pretty limited with food and resources. I can't just give out rations for no good reason, you know." She noted in slight annoyance.

However, Ace assured her firmly, "It's not about food or resources. It's about my friend. We got separated in the chaos in Satan City, and we can't find him. Has he arrived yet? His name is Shikuro Yagi." Bulma's eyes widened a bit before muttering.

"Shikuro, huh? Well, I'm sure he's fine," Bulma said before shaking her head as Ace shot her a confused glance, "I've had some help with keeping a look out for him, but he hasn't come back yet, or rather, he hasn't made his way to West City at all."

The new information was conforming, to say the least, but the three boys looked at her with confusion until Kize spoke up, "Wait. . .Why did you say that like you know him?" Bulma looked back at them in thought until she decided to come clean.

"Well, I'm technically his guardian in a legal sense, but I've known Shikuro since he was 12. The details are secretive, though, so you'll have to ask him," Bulma shrugged as though this were something normal. Shikuro was adamant to keep his powers and heritage a secret. That much was a fact and understandable, considering she's married to Vegeta, and keeping his antics a secret was like trying to hide a tank in plain sight. She figured the fewer people knew, the better.

The boys stared at her until Vincent decided to ask, "Then why aren't you concerned? He's out there looking for one of our other friends as well while everything is exploding all around us. Shouldn't you be worried? He could be dead for all you know!" Bulma glanced at the boys for a moment as though his question was silly before waving him off with a huff.

"Of course, I am worried. That idiot is just reckless, is all. But trust me when I say this, he'll be fine. Just be patient. He'll show up here soon enough," Bulma groaned before they heard another pair of footsteps walk towards them from the left. They all turned, and the boys instantly recognized her, the popular girl of school and the daughter of the famous fashion design company. Ryusika Ogami.

She took one look at them, specifically at Kize, before sighing. Her hair was a mess, and her clothes were wrinkled, with the makeup on her face all but gone, which left the boys speechless. Though, for once, she didn't seem concerned about her appearance as she spoke, "Umm. . didn't expect you three to beat me here first. . ." Ace folded his arms and frowned.

"What do you want, Ryusika? Ms.Brief doesn't have enough rations to spare, and we are asking for something far more important, like finding our friend," He stated firmly. At the same time, Ryusika only shook her head in annoyance before scoffing at him.

"As if I'm gonna ask for something dumb like that! I actually have something more important on my mind. I was just checking to see if that bald officer came back with Shikuro." She explained as her eyes averted from the group.

However, Kize decided to ask .her, "Wait. . .you said Shikuro. You mean he's okay? You saw him?" He asked hopefully, but his excitement was met by the young heiress of the Ogami brand as she scoffed again.

"Of course he is, he's uh. . .'' Ryusika's voice trailed off to a whisper as she remembered that Shikuro being Sunkaiser was supposed to be a secret. Furthermore, she couldn't just outright say that he went off to fight Cell on his own, as that would just raise more suspicion about their situation. Bulma also shot her a knowing glance, which meant she probably knew the whole story of their predicament.

However, Vincent seemed to grow impatient with her trying to beat around the bust, "Come on, spit it. Where is Shikuro." Bulma watched the girl struggle from the three boy's stares, and the young scientist figured she had to say something to spare her the trouble. She placed her hands on her hips and stood between them with a stern expression on her face.

"Alright, that's enough. Look, I get all of you are worried about Shikuro in your own way, but I have pressing matters that need to be attended to. I'm sure Shikuro is fine, so you need not worry about him--" Bulma tried to say, only for a new voice to call out.

"Yo, Bulma. What's with all the kids?"

They all turned towards the direction of the voice as Bulma and the others noticed Krillin walking towards them alongside Piccolo and 21. However, the first person that their eyes tunnel visioned on was Shikuro, who was unconscious on Krillin's back, his wounds clearly evident, and he was barely breathing. Kize, Vincent, Ace, and Ryusika all rushed to Krillin. As they started to crowd around him as they tried to get a closer look at him.

"What happened to Shikuro?!" Ace growled in anger.

Piccolo crossed his arms and answered bluntly, "He lost is what happened. And badly, too, but I'll let him explain the details to you once he awakens. Right now, he needs rest, so let him rest."

Bulma walked over to Piccolo and asked, "Why do you guys have an extra with you? Who's she?" She pointed at 21, and everyone's eyes went to her. However, the boys instantly recognized her human form and were just as equally confused.

"Shoko?" Kize muttered.

The two boys also shared an expression, asking the same question before Piccolo answered, "I suppose you all know each other then. She was found at the scene where we found Shikuro." He then turned 21 and seemed a bit stoic before continuing.

"You're another Red-Ribbon experiment, aren't you?" Piccolo's eyes narrowed on her, and her own gaze was downcast before looking up at the Namekian.

She simply nodded and explained herself, "Technically, yes. . .My creator was part of the Red Ribbon army and knew Dr.Gero. I was created with the same schematics and data as Cell. An artificial lifeform of sorts designated as Android 21."

The teens were a bit shocked and confused while Bulma shook her head before gesturing them all into the room, "Come on, this seems like it'll be a long one. We'll rest Shikuro on the couch and have my mother attend to his injuries while you explain the rest. Sounds good?"

She received a nod of agreement from all of them as she led them to the room. It was spacious, with a coffee table and four couches all facing each other, and a flat screen mounted on the wall. Shikuro was laid out on a couch, his wounds tended to by Panchy, and the three boys all took to the couch next to his, 21. Bulma took the other while Ryusika sat alone, staring at 21 with suspicion. However, she was joined by Piccolo opted to guard the door instead of joining them. At the same time, Krillin decided to stay standing as he knew this was going to get complicated.

"Well then, where do I begin?" 21 muttered.

Bulma leaned back and crossed her arms, "Well, how about I start us off and you fill us in. The teens may not know, but we have a history with the Red Ribbon Army as well. The androids and Cell were a big part of that because they were created for the sole purpose of killing Goku. Well, the androids, at least. Cell was just driven by perfection, which led to him absorbing the androids and gaining incredible power. That led to the start of the Cell Games and the rest of the world believing Mr.Satan was the one who killed Cell."

"Wait, believing?" Ace asked, "If I remember, there were a bunch of other people during that tournament. Like four people who could turn blond and all that. Now that I think about it, that green guy was there too. In fact, all of you were there except Ms.Brief and her mother." Bulma nodded to him and sighed while Krillin explained in more detail.

"Yeah, that was us. Basically, we were fighting Cell and the Androids way before the Cell games. The guy wearing the orange Gi was Goku. You guys all must have seen him fight on T.V. Well, barely, since I doubt you could see them move anyway. Still, he was our best hope in defeating Cell," Krillin explained, "But he stopped the mid-fight and entrusted Gohan. His son, with the task of finishing Cell off. Gohan had a lot of potential, and whenever he gets angry, that potential is unleashed. When Gohan finally snapped, he was far stronger than Cell at just 10 years old."

He then paused as Piccolo took over the conversation, "However, Gohan has a bad habit of letting power get to his head. He got arrogant and cocky, which led to Goku's death. Granted, he may have deserved it for throwing his 12-year-old son in a fight against a monster far stronger than anything we encountered during the time, but at the same time, Goku believed in his son's power. Eventually, that belief did end up triumphantly, and Cell was definitely dead. So that begs the question. . ." He paused and glared at 21.

"Why is Cell alive now?" he finished while the others in the room looked to 21, who kept her eyes down.

She kept her hands together as she started to explain, "Project: Festival is why. . ." Bulma and the others shared a curious expression as the teens looked at one another. At the same time, Bulma leaned into 21 to continue.

"I know, it's a stupid name and sounds like it's about some food, but the meaning behind it is actually worse than you think. . ." 21 sighed, "Project: Festival was a contingency plan created by Dr.Gero in case Cell was somehow destroyed. Since he couldn't be there to know anything about the knowledge of Cell's destruction, he set up a Supercomputer on Mars in order to improvise a solution. After All, there was no guarantee if Cell was defeated, and Dr.Gero never knew how powerful he was going to get."

Krillin stared at her intently and asked, "Wait, then what about the clones? How could so many clones be created if the Supercomputer was on Mars? I understand that Dr.Gero was a genius, so space travel to the degree of accomplishing a secret lab on another planet would be a breeze for him. Still, he would never abandon the main Supercomputer that was on Earth for another. It doesn't make sense." However, Bulma quickly understood what could have possibly happened.

"Unless he created several Task-Bots to handle things for him, but it was on autopilot and never really had any of his intelligence behind it," She said. 21 nodded to her as Bulma sighed.

"You're right. . .The Supercomputer on Mars would only activate the task bots the moment Cell was destroyed in order to prepare for the contingency. That explains why Dr.Gero didn't deactivate the Task-Bots and even added the possibility of using Cell's body and programming in a clone as a basis. That's why they all look like copies of you all because Cell's design was based on the DNA of the strongest beings in the galaxy," 21 elaborated before adding, "However, that wasn't going to be enough as the clones only had a fraction of the power Cell had. So, they served another purpose. By combining the energy-absorption system from Android 19 with Cell's data, the clones gained the ability to collect energy from deceased human beings. However, they couldn't use this energy, so they only store it."

Piccolo understood immediately what she meant, "Which means that the clones have all gathered together for a sole purpose. . .Cell,"

"That's right. In order for Cell to be revived, the Supercomputer sent a clone strong enough to use the Dragon Balls on planet Namek. They gained this information through years of DNA search through Task-Bots that were scouting the regions of our Galaxy until they found a match of your DNA, Piccolo," 21 explained as she glanced up to the Namekian, who raised a brow at this information, "Once they've found Planet Namek, the clone was to force the use of the Dragon Balls on that planet in order to avoid suspicion. Those Dragon Balls would then revive Cell, and from there, Cell would return back to Earth with the clones. Once that happens, the clones will hunt down any lifeform they come across to collect their energy until all of them are collected."

The teens gasped while Bulma, Krillin, and Panchy just stared at the young woman before them. They all knew the clones had a goal in mind, but this was more sinister than they expected. The majin girl sighed before finishing, "Once they've gathered enough energy, they all converge into one place designated as 'Cell's Hibernation Zone,' where Cell will feast on the clones until his new evolution is complete."

Bulma scratched her head as she mulled over everything they'd learned, "But how were you brought into all this? We don't have the faintest clue as to where the 'Hibernation Zone' could be, so why is it you know so much about it?"

 "Because I was created for the purpose of stopping Project Festival if Cell was ever defeated. . ." 21 answered, before adding, "My bio-structure is different from his as you can see. . ."

"Really now? What about Cell? They seem pretty similar to me." Bulma crossed her arms.

21 looked at the other and answered, "They are, but I was developed shortly after Cell, but my development took longer than his. This was simply because my original creator stumbled upon something more intriguing than simply combining the genetics of all the strongest fighters. It was---"

"The majin cells?" Piccolo interrupted as he pieced things together. He knew something was off about her true appearance. Still, it made more sense now that he was getting more details, "Which means your original creator somehow came in contact with Majin Buu's cocoon and studied his DNA. From there, it must have been the start of your development."

21 nodded, "Yes, the Majin Cells became a core of my design, and the implementation of multiple other Cells from you all was just the added benefit to the end goal of my creator."

Krillin narrowed his eyes at the girl, "That means they also knew Cell was gonna get resurrected and sent you here to deal with the aftermath. Why are you? If they knew he was gonna be revived, then they could just send a robot like any of the others."

Bulma crossed her arms before explaining to her friend, "Think about it. Cell was far stronger than any of you during the Cell Games, and you guys only won because Gohan threw a tantrum. No simple robot would be capable of fighting him except for a being almost exactly the same as Cell. The question now is, is she going to be our trump card if Cell achieves his new evolution and if we have no one strong enough to beat him?" They all thought for a moment until 21 finally answered.

"I'm. . .incapable of beating him as I am now. I can't use my full power freely. . ." 21 admitted.

"How come?" Krillin shook his head.

21 sighed, "I just can't. . the majin cells within me are unstable. They cause me to act out and try to devour anything and everything I can get my hands on. To stop that, I must constantly restrain myself or else. . ."

"Or else, you'll go into a crazed state of insanity like Buu. We know that monster had a sick habit of turning people into candy, so it makes sense why his cells would cause you to do the same," Bulma nodded in agreement but frowned, "So that means your full power is dangerous?"

She nodded, "I'll go into a frenzy, yes. That is the most accurate way of describing it."

Ace finally decided to speak up, "Okay, so I'm not sure what's going on or what these so-called 'Majin' Cells are, so someone's gotta fill in that detail." Krillin nodded before offering to explain.

"Well, let's just say you all won't remember this because we used the Dragon Balls on Earth to erase everyone's memories of Majin Buu. Buu was a powerful monster who was sealed on Earth by some space wizard called Babidi. Long story short, he was way stronger than Cell, and eventually, uh. . let's say, everyone died." Bulma, Panchy, and Piccolo shot him a glare since some details were missing from the explanation before the teens blinked in surprise.

"Wait, you guys died too?!" Ace, Vincent, and Kize shouted.

Bulma groaned while Piccolo nodded, "Yeah, we did. But the Namekian Dragon balls were used to bring everyone back during Goku and Vegeta's fight against Kid Buu. We barely won that one as well, but this wasn't the first time Earth was destroyed. The last time it happened was last year, but time was rewound by an angel. Look, the details will only confuse you and might break your brain since you'll never know that it was you who actually experienced this. Just accept it as a fact." The teens frowned, not really getting what was going on as the scientist turned back to 21.

"So, if you knew all this and were designed to stop it, then why didn't you prevent Cell from reviving from the start?" Bulma asked.

"I tried, but there was no way to pinpoint where the Supercomputer was located on Mars without just blowing up the planet. That and Dr.Gero's Supercomputer hacked into the Supercomputer that made me to interfere with my creation. If I got near the planet, my neurons would be rigged to transmit excruciating pain that could even kill me. I even tried using suppression waves to limit the amount of energy Cell could absorb, but that still wasn't enough," 21 replied.

Bulma then realized the severity of the situation and started to piece together some possible options, "Okay, I get that. So he made sure you can't interfere directly. I could already guess you tried hacking into Dr.Gero's Supercomputer, but that's impossible since it's on Mars. The connection could be lost if you went any further into it." She paused before she stood up and started to pace as the others in the room watched.

"I suppose our only option would be to find where this 'Cell's Hibernation Zone' is so we can send someone to deal with it. But that's risky since we need someone strong enough to do the job. We're going to need Vegeta or Goku. They would have easily taken care of this, but they are still missing, and we don't know why," Bulma bit her finger a bit.

21 nodded before adding, "Yes, I know. . .Cell used the other two wishes of the Namekian Dragon Balls to transport those two, along with Goku's son, to another dimension. It apparently is capable of keeping them there, and to make matters worse, Cell took one of the Earth's Dragon Balls hostage with the third wish." Piccolo grunted in annoyance.

"Crafty bastard, he had everything planned out perfectly," Piccolo remarked before turning to Krillin and Bulma, "Any news on Fat Buu? What's he doing, and why hasn't he shown up?"

Krillin shrugged while Bulma held her head, "Apparently, Mr.Satan is having trouble waking him up. You know how Buu gets when he naps, and it's probably worse since his belly is probably full of cake."

"Buu's sleeping. . ." The teens muttered in confusion but decided not to ask anything about it since the story of the events leading up to now was too complicated.

Piccolo sighed and felt like punching something, "Damn it! No Goku! No Vegeta! No Gohan! And not even Majin Buu, who can probably defeat Cell, is asleep with a full stomach. The only ones left with enough firepower are probably Goten and Trunks. Still, they are too young and immature to fight something this serious. Cell is likely stronger than how he was before." They all pondered what they should do as Shikuro groaned.

Everyone looked at the injured teen as he slowly opened his eyes and groaned, his bandage body leaning up while his monkey tail scratched the top of his head, "Damn. . .I'm alive? Live to see another day then."

Ace jumped up from his seat, as did Vincent and Kize before all three rushed to his side while Ace exclaimed, "Shikuro! Dude, are you okay?!" Shikuro stared at them quizzically.

"Ace. . .? Vincent and Kize too. .why are you---" Shikuro stopped mid-sentence as he noticed his tail was still out in the open, and he quickly tucked it behind him nervously, "Shit! Uh. . ., look, I can explain!"

Bulma cut in with a huff as the boys stared at him in confusion, "Don't worry about that. They already saw it. At this point, you being a Saiyan is nothing."

"Saiyan?" Ryusika inquired, "What's that?"

"Alien warrior race from a distant planet that got destroyed with almost all of the survivors. Nothing special," Krillin briefly answered, "Though Shikuro, Vegeta, and Goku are the only pure-breed Saiyans left as far as we know. Goku and Vegeta's kids are half-breeds. They all look similar to humans, but all Saiyans are born with a tail that allows them to transform into a great ape during a full moon. Though, Shikuro's the only one who kept his tail since he didn't want to cut it off."

Krillin gave Shikuro a playful smile as Shikuro frowned with a small blush. The boys didn't say a word, too lost and confused by everything they'd learned, before Vincent pointed to his friend's tail and asked, "Wait, is that it? So that's why you kept hiding in the back of the locker room when changing?" Shikuro sighed.

"Yeah, that's why. Looks like I can't keep this much of a secret anymore. I'm not human," Shikuro scratched his cheek as they stared at him blankly, "Look, I'll explain later, but it's best not to go into detail on how I got to Earth. Right now, Cell's the main issue. Without our best fighters, there's likely no way we can beat him."

They all went quiet as he was right. There were no options left other than just waiting until the clones collected enough energy. Even so, it was risky to fight with that in mind as one misstep could result in being eaten and losing their energy to Cell. However, Piccolo then spoke up, "Then that only leaves one option. We must prepare. How long would it take for Cell to gather all the energy from the clones?"

21 replied, "With his absorption, it'll take a matter of days to complete, but that depends on how much energy the clones are gathering. Since they were given an ultimatum of time to collect their energy, there's no doubt in my mind they are probably attacking large cities across the globe. By now, that time may have been shortened by down to 48 hours." Piccolo nodded before turning to Shikuro.

"That's more than enough time. Shikuro, since you have a lot of untapped potential but have been slacking, it's about time you made up for that time," Piccolo remarked.

"Piccolo, I'm not sure if you forgot how long 48 hours is, but that's not enough time to make me strong enough to face off against Cell," Shikuro said.

However, Piccolo still was sure of himself and noted, "I know that. But there is a place that can give you the time you need." Instantly, Krillin and Bulma knew what he was talking about.

"You mean the Room of Spirit and Time!?" Krillin asked while the teens blinked at them in confusion, "Piccolo, that's crazy. No way are you suggesting Shikuro train for one whole year by himself like Vegeta did! That guy nearly went insane, and he didn't come out any much stronger than he did before!"

Piccolo shook his head and walked over to Shikuro before turning to the others, "I'm not saying he'll go in alone. That's stupid and a waste of time. The Room of Spirit and Time will give Shikuro enough time he needs. One Year in there is equal to one day out here. Since Shikuro's a Saiyan, he'll progress much faster as long as he has someone to spar with since Saiyans get stronger the longer they fight through their Zenkai ability."

"Then who will go in there with him? From what we know now, the only one we have that could push Shikuro is Majin Buu," Krillin pointed out until Piccolo turned to Android 21, who blinked confusingly under his gaze.

The Namekian pointed at her and answered Krillin's question, "She will do. Shikuro has already surpassed me in strength, so no one here other than her is currently strong enough to help him train. Besides, it'll be beneficial for her to gain some training of her own, and who better than with her equal. Granted, I doubt she'll be able to beat him, but I'm confident that they will be able to somewhat grow together. In that time, the rest of the Z-fighters will destroy as many clones as we can to buy some time."

The plan itself sounded insane, but it was all they got. Everyone seemed content with the idea except for 21, who was still doubtful, "That sounds like a good plan, Piccolo. However, I'm not sure if I would be the right person to go with him. Remember, I can't use my full power; otherwise, my Majin cells would go berserk. I've tried everything and experimented on myself to try and fix the issue. Still, whenever I'm near a strong enough energy, they seem to activate without control, and the moment they do. . ." She stopped and clenched her fist as the others in the room stared at her. Bulma sighed and decided to speak up.

"Then how about I help with that?" Bulma insisted as 21 raised a brow to her.

"What? You're going to try and cure me? No. I've tried, but the best I could do was just suppress them to a controllable extent." She argued.

Bulma smirked and pridefully noted, "Do you understand who you are talking to? I'm Bulma Brief, the daughter of the greatest scientific mind on the planet. Even another version of me from a different timeline invented time travel, you know, and found a cure to an unknown virus all by herself with little equipment. If she can do it, then curing some out-of-control Majin cells will be a piece of cake."

She winked at her while Krillin assured her, "If anyone could help with 21, then it'll be Bulma Brief, for sure."

21 was speechless at the newfound support from the Z-fighters. However, she had her doubts about her. However, the heiress to the Briefs family crossed her arms and took the lead in the conversation, "Alright, I'll just need a few blood samples, and a quick all-nighter is all I need. If all goes well, those Majin Cells should be under control in two days or so if you don't overdo it. You can trust me since I likely have the better equipment than you had." 21 thought for a moment but finally nodded, understanding that Bulma was her only option.

With everything that was said, Shikuro sighed and leaned back on the couch he was resting on, "Then I guess it's settled. 21, and I will head to Kami's Lookout and enter the room. You guys can do what you want while we're away."

"Wait, seriously? You didn't even rest," Ace stated before looking at his friends, who looked just as worried, "How could you even think about going in there like this?! You're covered in bandages, and you don't look well. You're supposed to rest for as long as you need until you recover, not immediately go off and try to die again."

Krillin chuckled a bit before assuring, "No worries, Dende should be able to heal him back to full strength once he gets there. Besides, Saiyans can survive much more life-threatening injuries than we can. Like, I remember Goku got shot through the heart, and he just recovered as if nothing happened. Crazy, huh?" The boys stared at him and the others with worry and concern, but they just couldn't bring themselves to protest this situation.

Piccolo took that as the group was finally done, "Well, I suppose there's not much more to be said. Once the time comes, we will be doing our part in buying time while those two train. The rest of you just need to sit tight and try not to die. If you do, then we'll just wish you all back with the Dragon Balls after we deal with Cell. As for now, Shikuro and 21 should start preparing to bring things into the room, such as a change of clothes. Food and other essentials are provided, so you don't need to worry about that. Just enough clothing to last a year."

"Wait. . .What about entertainment?" Shikuro asked.

Krillin answered, "Well, you can't access the internet since it's a separate dimension, and your phones are useless. Electricity also isn't available, and there are no outlets on the lookout anyways. What did you expect anyway? That room is only for serious training purposes and nothing more. Plus, the conditions are harsh and constantly changing there. One moment, it can be scorching like you're in hell, or it'll be freezing like you're in the Arctic. Even the air and gravity constantly change, which can affect the strength of your blows. It's meant to train your mind as well as your body."

The others listened but didn't say a word as Shikuro seemed more intrigued, "Why didn't you guys throw me in there when I was 14 or something?"

"Because you would have most certainly died," Piccolo answered bluntly, "You were still like a newborn in terms of controlling your Ki and power. Throwing you in that environment would've definitely killed you."

Shikuro looked at them blankly for a moment before chuckling a bit and leaning back on the couch, "Fair enough. It's not like it doesn't matter now. It's basically up to me and Shoko now, so every minute counts in there."

As everything was set in stone and their plan was clear, Krillin sighed and stretched his arms a bit. He figured this would be a long fight for the rest of them while Shikuro and 21 would be doing most of the training, "Well then. We got two days and a whole lot of clones to deal with. I guess it's time to put our best foot forward for now. Hopefully, we can buy them the time they need." Everyone nodded and, thus, decided to relax for the rest of the day while Bulma attended to her side of things. 21 sighed and looked at her hands before a single thought came to mind.

"I should have listened to you. .16,"

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, At The Supposed Cell's Hibernation Zone. . .)

Cell's Hibernation Zone was only a fancy name in terms of the location being called such. Still, in reality, it was just an underground chamber within the planet Mars. A massive chamber of about a couple million cubic feet that had enough space to keep Cell, the clones, and all of them with enough breathing space for each one to rest. For Cell, it was where he could absorb the clones without being disturbed, and the only realistic way to get to him was either through ship or teleportation. Both are options that the current defenders of Earth didn't have. Mainly because Goku was sealed, and they didn't know the location of the chamber itself.

Still, Cell was cautious and playing his cards slowly as he sat down on the ground, one leg used to prop his arm up while the other lay flat. He looked down as he clutched the cross-shape scar given to him by his last fight, the wound itself intriguing him. His mind wandered to the previous attack that Shikuro landed, "That boy. . .That attack he did was clearly on a new level. To think it'd have that kind of effect. His power, even while using Kaioken, was still lower than my own. Still, that single instance in that single attack was able to deal some real damage to me." Cell scoffed as he rubbed the scar as he thought.

"No matter. . .It doesn't matter what power you may have. Once I gain my new evolution, I'll be more than prepared to kill you with my own bare hands," The insectoid remarked. Cell smirked as another clone came back, and without hesitation, his tail stabbed into it before sucking the collected life force. His smirk grew as the clone shriveled and withered away, its power already gone in the blink of an eye, "Oh yes, that's what I like to feel. Just you wait. . ."

He began to chuckle darkly as more clones appeared, each one being transported by a Goku clone as they surrounded the bio-android. He stared at the mass of clones around him, each one just as weak as the other, with the sole purpose of serving the perfection known as himself. He stood up, and his expression darkened as though it were to make his eyes glow.

"I'll make sure you die first, Shikuro, and then, I'll claim the final piece."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, West City CC Safe House. . .)

By now, it was already into the night in West City, though most civilians couldn't tell due to them all being moved underground. For once, the chaotic panic and anxiety had died down amongst the survivors who took refuge underground, which allowed Bulma to work on the medicine for 21. As far as Shikuro was concerned, he was still awake as they all decided to huddle up in the living room, with everyone sleeping in a circle. The girls had taken the couches while the boys opted to sleep on the floor. Then again, there were only five of them present due to Piccolo, Tien, and Krillin opting to stand on guard. Though, as everyone else slept, Shikuro was about the only one who was up and still sitting against the couch with the blanket over him, just looking down as his mind raced. He looked to see the others, with Ryusika being closest to him.

He didn't mind it, but he noticed her earlier being rather adamant about taking that specific couch, but he ignored it. Rather, his mind wandered for a bit before sighing. So many things were happening, and the pressure of carrying the weight of lives on his shoulders fell upon him. Normally, this was something Goku or Vegeta would deal with, but neither of them was present at the moment. Now, they needed to be strong in a way they had never been before. He knew this, but even with everything they had, it wasn't guaranteed that they'd be able to pull this off. No, not they, but mainly. . .him. Everyone's hopes fell on his shoulders mainly, a feeling that since he was a kid had perhaps longed for, but at the same time. . .it terrified him.

He sighed for a bit until he heard a voice whisper to him.

"Can't sleep?"

Shikuro jumped and turned his head to see a familiar face looking at him as she leaned her head out to look at him. 21 was looking at him, sitting upright on the couch. Shikuro didn't realize that she was the one sleeping there until now and had to blink a few times to clear his thoughts. The teen looked back at his friends before whispering back, "Yeah, and you too, huh?" 21 nodded.

"Yes. . .so much is at stake, and everyone is counting on us. I just can't help but be anxious and doubt myself if I am up to the task of helping you," 21 admitted while sighing.

Shikuro raised a brow at her words before replying, "I can understand that, I guess. I'm not really one to have that much confidence in situations like this. I just never had to think of being a leader since that was more Vegeta or Goku's thing. Now that I have to step up to the plate and fight with the hopes of my world on my back, it just seems. . intimidating."

The two remained in silence before 21 spoke up in response to that, "I can understand that. . .it's terrifying." Shikuro looked at her with a raised eyebrow until she continued.

"Having to live up to expectations that I have set for myself, as well as everyone around me, has been stressful and suffocating, to be honest." Her words took him aback by a bit as she sighed, "I thought I could handle things on my own. .that I could stop Cell without the need to ask for any further help. I wanted to prove myself to everyone that I wasn't some monster, that I could do things right and for the better of the world. Now, I realize I'm only delaying the inevitable by not being truthful about what's wrong with me. I've only put others in danger as well. Now I feel I don't even deserve the support and friendship I have with all of you, let alone a second chance to live. . ."

Shikuro remained quiet before he finally sighed as he looked back at her, "Well, I can understand what you feel like to a certain extent. . and honestly, I can't really blame you. You didn't ask for all of this to happen, but I'm glad you have come to your senses before it was too late. Granted, a little too late if you ask me since if you know your issue before all of this, then Goku and Vegeta would have taken care of it easily. Then again, if you really want a second chance, you just gotta keep your chin up and try to be positive."

21 blinked as he continued and placed a fist over his chest, "Besides, if you are looking for the support of the people here, then you've got it. I don't care if you are some crazy candy-loving bio-monster. I know who the real you are, and that's all that matters, Shoko. Sure, you messed up big time, and we'll all get mad at you, but in the end, that's the past. As long as we focus on the future, we'll be just fine, and you can make up for everything. You still have a chance."

Her expression softened at his words, and even smiled a bit, "You're so naive and cheesy. . ." He rolled his eyes in response while chuckling a bit at her. The two went quiet as he laid back down and sighed while looking at the ceiling.

"Well, I'm just saying what's on my mind. Right now, the future of this planet relies solely on us to make the most of the training in the Room of Spirit and Time," Shikuro stated as his thoughts returned to the room.

However, 21 interrupted them with a question, "Are you nervous about going in there. .it sounds rather frightening, and we'll be alone. What if we go insane like your friend Krillin suggested." Shikuro didn't reply, not because he was afraid of answering, but because he didn't know what to say. All he could do was speak with his emotions and in the moment.

"Well, I'd be lying if I didn't feel excited. Maybe that's the Saiyan in me talking. But I have to do it because. . .well. . ." He looked back up at her with a smirk, "You'll just have to trust me just as much as I'm putting my trust in you. It's either go in and come out with results, or the whole world is doomed."

21 tilted her head towards him and asked with slight disbelief, "How could you trust me so easily. .? We've barely known each other for long." Shikuro gave her a quick glance before looking back up at the ceiling.

"Well. . .It's as I said before, I know who the real Shoko is. Your actions and words only indicate that you truly are a good person. You were just born with unfortunate circumstances. Why would I judge you for that? At that point. . .," Shikuro trailed off into an inaudible whisper. . ., "I'd be a hypocrite."

21 tilted her head in confusion, "Huh. . .I didn't hear that last part."

"Nothing," Shikuro quickly dismissed before continuing, "Just know, I see you as Shoko and not as some android who is just going to eat us up. As far as I see it, we are in this together now, and you and I, along with all of my friends, share the same goal. We don't want to see anyone get hurt. Isn't that why you did all that you did in the first place?"

21's eyes widened before they softened to his question before nodding in agreement with a small smile, "You're right. I do want to help everyone. That's all I ever wanted. . ."

Shikuro smirked and sat back up, "Then trust in us, trust in me, and just go with the flow. Whatever wishes you have will come true. As for now, get some rest. We'll need it for tomorrow."

"Alright then. . good night," She replied with a yawn, and Shikuro nodded to her as she finally fell back asleep. Shikuro then took a final deep breath before sighing and leaning against the couch again. He looked over at his friends once more before closing his eyes. The blanket covered him up, and his body felt like it was shutting down from fatigue.

He had a new life to protect. That was his motivation. He won't let something like what happened back then happen again. Saving others, helping people, and enjoying the thrill of being who he naturally was in a fight. All those things paled in comparison to what he truly wanted in this moment. . .He simply didn't want someone precious to him to die right in front of him. .. without him being able to do anything about it. . again.

Nana's death hit him the hardest, even to this day. It was something he tried to forget, but the images, the blood, the guilt. . .It haunted him for the rest of his life. He was Saiyan, a race that birthed the strongest warriors in the universe. Unrivaled in might and power when it comes to combat. Their growth in power was limitless as well, a trait he possessed, and he had improved. But what was the point of that if it didn't show up when it really mattered? He was young, but he felt he couldn't excuse himself for such a thing. Goku was freaking 12 and defeated an army. At the same time, Vegeta was younger before Goku was born, and he was destroying planet busters as an infant.

And what did he do? Well, he just wallowed and took the prejudice of the planet he was raised on, allowing them to beat him down with degradations and mockery to the point that he became desperate. He wanted to prove them wrong, that Saiyans were capable of feeling things that other races had to experience, that they too could feel fear. That they weren't just a race of barbarians. That. . .his heritage didn't define him. When he came to Earth, that was the part that intrigued him the most. Despite how different Goku and Vegeta were compared to their family and friends, they accepted them for who they were.

That's how Shikuro wished things were with him and his old home. Mortals treating other Mortals the same or, in Earth's terms, human decency. However, it just didn't go that way in the end, but he still couldn't hate them because, at the end of the day, the sole reason for what happened that fateful day Nana died was all because of him in the first place. To this day, he had no idea why the mercenaries were after a Saiyan kid. It was in the deepest parts of his mind, but he always chalked it up to either wanting to make a quick buck or use him as a weapon. Whatever it was, he didn't care. All it did was lead his older sister figure to an early grave and an eternal mental scar.

He closed his eyes before whispering out the name of a friend he hadn't thought about in a while, "I'm sorry, Nana. I swear. . .I won't allow something like that to happen again. . .Never."

[- - - -]

(The Next Morning At Kami's Lookout. . .)

"So. . .um? Is this really the place?"

21 muttered as she was standing on the tile of the Lookout and looked around at her surroundings. It was her first time up here on the floating platform in the sky above Earth, and she couldn't help but stare in wonder. Everything seemed so mystical but also very isolated compared to the rest of the world. The only thing initially noticeable was the castle in the center of the circular platform that overlooked the horizon. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of person could have lived there but put that on the back burner of her mind for a bit as Shikuro stood next to her and yawned loudly.

"Yeah, this is Kami's Lookout and home to the current guardian of Earth. Though, the title of the creator of the Dragon Balls is more accurate nowadays," Shikuro stated as 21's eyes lit up to this newfound information. However, Shikuro ignored her for a moment and looked around, "Though, it seems Dende isn't around for some reason? Odd."

21 raised a brow in confusion but then decided to shrug it off as she followed Shikuro and walked closer to the edge. However, before she could take a single step forward, the two heard someone shout at them from behind.

"Shikuro!? What brings you here this early in the morning?"

21 blinked a bit in surprise before looking in the direction of the voice to see a rather very black man and a green Namekian coming towards them from the palace. She was confused about who they were, but Shikuro seemed to know them as he smiled and waved.

"Morning, Dende, Mr.Popo. Didn't Piccolo already tell you?" Shikuro greeted them but then asked as he and 21 walked up to them. Dende shook his head as he raised a brow at the sight of his fellow Saiyan.

"No, tell me what?" Dende answered.

Shikuro frowned and sighed, "You're joking, right? You're the guardian of Earth and should be overseeing the entire world down below. You both don't know anything about what's going on? Cells have been revived. Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan on missing. And Cell has an army of energy-absorbing clones terrorizing the planet. It's literal chaos."

Dende and Mr.Popo blinked for a second before Dende laughed in response.

"Okay, very funny, Shikuro. . ." He stopped as he noticed his serious face, "Wait, you're not joking. . ."

Shikuro rolled his eyes, "Of course not, why would I be joking? This is like another Tuesday on Planet Earth at this point." Dende nodded as he finally turned serious.

"So, then why are you here, and who's she?" Dende inquired.

"Well, Cell's too strong at the moment, so Piccolo sent me here to train. The woman next to me is my training partner, to say the least. She's a bio-android like a Cell, but I just call her Shoko. Don't worry, she's on our side, I promise. You can trust her." The young Saiyan introduced her while she gave a nervous and unsure smile and waved to Dende.

With a slight nod, Dende just rolled with it since Piccolo was willing enough to trust her before turning back to Shikuro, "So that means you both will be entering the Room of Spirit and Time, correct?"

Shikuro nodded and scratched his head, "Yeah. So if you can heal me real quick, then we'll be on our way in there. I already stopped by Korin to pick up some fresh Senzu beans. Funny because Krillin could have waited just a day until the beans were ripe, but whatever. . ."

"Hold up, Korin's the one who made these beans, right? So they should have healing abilities to an extent?" 21 suddenly interjected into the conversation. The other three turned their attention to her as she quickly explained, "That means we could just go in right now if you just take a bean?"

Shikuro shook his head, "No, these are too valuable and are only meant to help continuously train without much rest. Every bean counts in there, and we need to get in there now before Cell completes his new evolution."

21's eyes widened as Dende just gave a simple nod as he raised a hand and closed his eyes in concentration. Before she could argue, the teen was engulfed in a flash of green energy. After a few seconds, his wounds had finally vanished, leaving him with a clear, bright mind and his full strength restored. He gave a big smirk to Dende.

"Thanks, I needed that!" Shikuro gave a thumbs up, "That's our little--"

"Shikuro, if you finish that sentence, I'll reverse the healing effects and leave you broken and bloody," Dende deadpanned.

Without hesitation, Shikuro retracted that statement and continued, "That's our reliable guardian of Earth for you. Anyways, we better not waste time. Every second counts from here. Thanks again, Dende!"

Shikuro walked away towards the Time Room while 21 stared at his back in wonder before finally sighing and following him into the Lookout's Palace while Dende waved them goodbye. As the two traversed the hallway, Shikuro finally found the door of the room and stood in front of it. 21 took this time to observe the area around them before looking back at Shikuro.

"So this is it?" 21 asked as she carried a duffle bag along with Shikuro. It mostly consisted of clothing, a couple of pictures, some essentials, and even some personal snacks. The young Saiyan looked back at her.

"Yeah, from here will be nothing but training for a whole year. You ready?" Shikuro asked.

21 gave a serious nod, "I am; let's go."

Then. . without much hesitation or doubt, Shikuro opened the door, and the two entered before. . .

*Klack!*

The door closed, thus signaling the beginning of the one-year training.

~~~~~Scenery Change: Inside The Room of Spirit and Time~~~~~

As the two walked through the door, it closed, and 21 couldn't help but notice immediately the distinct change in pressure that was weighing down on her. It was also noticeably more difficult to breathe as well, but it seemed like nothing Shikuro could care less. 21 followed as he led the way, his expression unchanged by the pressure.

"Are you okay? You're not feeling this at all, huh?" 21 asked as they looked around what looked to be the living area of the chamber's inner house.

Shikuro didn't look back at her but nodded, "I am, but it doesn't feel much different than my gravity training with Vegeta. Other than the air, this is nothing to me."

"Wait, what did you just say about Vegeta?"

"Huh? Didn't I mention that before?" Shikuro stopped in place while raising a brow before sighing, "I thought I mentioned this already. But I did train with the Z-fighters individually. Vegeta was one of the Z-fighters I trained with the most, next to Gohan, and we trained in Bulma's Gravity Room the whole time. If I remember correctly, I've endured 100 times Earth's Gravity when I was 14."

21's jaw dropped a bit at the news before he continued, "Still, that's not what's important. We are here for a year to train to take on Cell when he completes his evolution. But so far, I only see a house. I wonder where the training area is?" As they looked around, they noticed a white light emitting what looked to be the exit of the Chamber's central building.

They walked towards it, and after they took a few steps, all they could do was stare blankly. What they saw was breathtaking, but at the same time. . it was intimidating. Nothing was there other than an endless void of an iridescent white aurora and a reflective floor. Other than the white light behind them and the endless space in front of them, there was nothing else but themselves and the central building.

"Holy. . .shit. . ." Shikuro muttered in complete surprise and shock at the endless space. 21 was even surprised by the sight before her, even having a bit of fear creeping in at the idea of entering what was essentially the vast and endless abyss of space. Meanwhile, Shikuro stepped down from the ledge of the central building and immediately felt the gravity get heavier as it weighed him down. Even then, he still seemed unaffected as he turned his back towards 21 and looked up at her.

"We best not wander too far out there; otherwise, we'll get lost. But it seems the deeper we go, the more intense the gravity is, so that's a bonus, at least. It'll help us with our strength training, for sure," He advised her.

However, 21 wasn't keen on this idea in the slightest, "This is a little crazy. I'm not sure how useful I'll be here. . ." Shikuro raised an eyebrow and folded his arms.

"What do you mean? Bulma gave you the pills to suppress your majin cells, right?" He inquired while she shook her head in response.

"Yes, but I don't have much experience in. . .well fighting. What if I become overwhelmed by the gravity or my Majin cells decide to go berserk again?" She noted

Shikuro sighed and began to explain, "Well, I think that the reason you get overwhelmed is because you are consciously trying to keep your powers down and fight against it. You're letting your mind dwell on solely that instead of controlling your actions, you just act. Besides, I'm confident Bulma's medicine worked, and if you do go out of control, I'll just stop you." 21 raised her eyebrow in surprise and worry before sighing and closing her eyes to compose herself.

"If you say so, then. . all right. I'll do my best to get stronger then," 21 relented.

Shikuro smirked and gave her a thumbs ups, "That's the spirit. Now. . ." He turned back to the void before sitting down cross-legged, his Saiyan tail scratching the top of his head.

"What would be the best way to go about this training? We both need to get as strong as possible, which means we have to optimize this time," He inquired himself as 21 also looked at the void.

"What about basic strength and endurance training? Just training in high gravity and building up our basic stats would probably be our best bet." 21 suggested, though Shikuro shook his head.

He rested his cheek on the palm of his hand before explaining, "That's the basic way, and while we'll see improvement, it won't be enough. Everything across the board would need to level up, such as technique, Ki control, stamina, strength, our hand-to-hand combat, and more. We won't make any real improvement unless we can improve these significantly and fast." The majin-android sat down next to him as he continued.

"For me, it'd likely be good to attempt a transformation beyond Super Saiyan 2 like Super Saiyan 3. But that may be too difficult to achieve in a year's worth of training. According to Goku, he only manages to achieve that form because the Otherworld's laws of physics and time operate differently, thus allowing him to train without worry or care. That, and since I don't have any God Ki or whatever, Super Saiyan God and Blue aren't even worth mentioning," Shikuro sighed and scratched the side of his head, "Man, normally, Piccolo would be the one to come up with the crafty training regime's that would actually be effective in terms of strength gains. . ."

21 blinked and tilted her head towards him before asking, "Then why don't you focus on your current self?"

"Pardon?" Shikuror raised an eyebrow.

21 nodded and explained further, "Like, you keep mentioning transformations, but do you really need to acquire a new form to get stronger? They are only multipliers to your power, right? If that's the case, why not increase the current level of the power you have to begin with? The basics of your power instead of rushing for an alternative way."

Shikuro listened intently and cupped her chin in thought before smirking, "Maybe you're on to something. . ." He stood up and clenched his fist for a moment before transforming into a Super Saiyan quickly, his hair glowing with a golden color as he felt the power increase from his basic state.

"Super Saiyan initially granted us Saiyans an incredible power boost but perhaps over the years. . .we allowed that to be our main objective when obtaining new power. Pushing the current transformations I have to the limit in order to achieve a new form is simply too taxing and inefficient. If I want to make the most of this time, then the more optimal increase in power would be my base state. That way. . ." Shikuro paused as he decided to conclude his analysis, "Once I transform again, my maximum would be much higher than it would be if I tried achieving a new transformation. But still, to control and utilize all that power while transforming would require me to train in Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2. So I'll divide the training. For 6 months, I'll train intensively on my base form, and 3 months will be dedicated to allowing my body to recover while focusing on my transformations. I'll master my new level of power, then focus on my techniques and combat style for the last 3 months.

Mainly because, he was quick to come to an alternative so quickly from a mere suggestion. From the data she had known about the Saiyans, Son Goku, and their powers; Saiyans were a warrior race almost perfectly made for battle. They grow stronger the longer they fight, but in recent years, they've grown immensely more powerful through achieving multiple transformations that bolster their power. However, based on what Shikuro had said, their current power could have been optimized to its maximum potential because they were always focused on finding an alternative to their base power.

So, to him, the idea that he needed a new transformation was less necessary. As long as he trained intensively, his current power level should rise immensely. Thus, when he reaches his new form, his max power level should be much higher than it would've been originally. In simple terms, she muttered, "The stronger your base power, the stronger you are when transformed."

"Yeah, it's that simple, and it was thanks to your suggestion. Suppose all goes as I think it is. In that case, my rate of growth will be faster than it would be than just trying to achieve a new transformation," Shikuro chuckled as he looked down at his hand, "There simply isn't enough time for that, and pulling a new form out of my ass isn't ideal either. This is the best option."

21 nodded before pointing to herself, "Then what about me? I'm not Saiyan and don't really have the same abilities as you, but I think the same training would be effective. What do you think?" Shikuro looked at her and tapped his chin before shaking his head.

"I'm actually not sure about your case. When you turn into your true form, isn't that just reverting back to your natural state for you?" Shikuro inquired while 21 thought about it and finally nodded.

She placed her hands on the ground to help her sit up before answering, "You are correct. If anything, both of them are comfortable. Still, when using my abilities, it's easier to use them when I revert back to my true form."

"Hmmm. . ." Shikuro hummed while placing a finger over his lips and thinking. He turned his head towards her and finally came to a decision, "Then how about this. Since both states don't seem to strain your body when training, gaining more experience in fighting should be your main goal. Since you mentioned before that you lack that and aren't comfortable with it, you can help me with my training by just being my sparring partner. I won't use any Super Saiyan transformations in our spars, and all you need to do is not hold back. Sound good, Shoko?" 21 stared at him with a look of shock but also with some admiration as well.

He had only just arrived in this room and already planned out the training regimes for them. Despite their only known difference was her needing more fighting experience, he had already made a solution for it, as well. Even when they didn't know each other for that long, it felt like they could read each other's minds without much issue. Perhaps this is what having a close friend is like? Though, without a word, Shikuro stood up and began walking back into the central building.

"Then it's settled. No time like the present; we'll get started with the warm-ups after we change. We came in the same clothes as yesterday. They have torn up a bit," Shikuro noted while walking, and 21 followed right behind him before the young Saiyan turned to ask, "Wait. . .you have spare clothes, right?"

21 nodded and held up her duffle bag, "Bulma gave me some. I didn't have any other clothes since my underground lab was destroyed by Cell. She was kind enough to give me some after I explained that to her.

Shikuro nodded and gave an appreciative smile to the blue haired genius. With her help, he would know how 21 would be dressed for this intense training. That said, as they found the bedroom, one dilemma came into mind; it was just one room with a row of 10 beds with only one dresser, and Shikuro already claimed the 2 beds on the right side. He blinked once, then twice as the awkward situation hit him as 21 closed the door behind them and sat down her bag next to the left side. Shikuro sighed and offered, "You can use the bathroom to change if you want. I can change here."

21 nodded while Shikuro proceeded to remove his torn Sunkaiser suit as the door closed behind 21. While the Saiyan tossed it in the nearby trash and proceeded to dress up, 21 looked down at the clothing Bulma gave her: A simple sports bra, a tanktop, and some loose black jogging pants. It seemed simple and basic for workout attire. She quickly changed before leaving the room to see that Shikuro had already fully changed as well.

A simple black baggy shirt, black gi pants that were held up by a red sashed knotted at his right, and red leather boots laced all the way up to the collar along with an orange tongue. Furthermore, Shikuro wore long, black, fingerless gloves that went up to his forearm and a red scarf around his neck. His Saiyan tail was let loose to wave in the air as Shikuro looked up to notice her coming out.

"Huh? Already done?" Shikuro stated with some confusion until he noticed how simple her outfit was. His gaze wandered on her until she sat down and blushed slightly before looking at his tail and pointing.

"How come you have your tail out and not hidden in your clothes?" She inquired, to which Shikuro rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

He quickly answered, "I prefer it like that because it gets cramped and uncomfortable. That and it feels natural to let it move on its own. Anyways, let's get started on training. Kind of feels like we are treating this like a vacation rather than a training montage. . ." He began walking while 21 quickly stood up and followed.

Shortly, they found themselves only a hundred meters away from the central building and began stretching on the impossibly clear flooring.

"So I figured we start with basic body conditioning," Shikuro informed while they did simple stretching on his shoulders before moving to his hamstrings before elaborating, "Well. . .I say basic, but for this to work, we'd have to train up until exhaustion. This training is about making sure our bodies can take the abuse we're going to be giving it in the following days, but also building muscle as well."

21 tilted her head a bit at his words and finally inquired, "What do you mean?" Shikuro stopped, stretched, and his expression turned serious.

"We'll be taking advantage of the Saiyan biology, is what I mean," Shikuro answered as he stood up, "You're a bio-android similar to Cell, right? Meaning you have Saiyan DNA in you as well."

"Well, I would assume so. Why does it matter, though? Does your Saiyan biology allow you to train faster?"

Shikuro nodded, "Sort of. It's true that the more we fight, the stronger we become during battle, but that type of growth is slow. However, from what I've been taught by Vegeta, Saiyan Zenkai are most potent when we recover from either complete exhaustion or at death's door. It's not consistent in terms of how much we'll grow with each recovery, but with this combined with the strides we'll get in training, then the leaps we'll get in strength should be enormous."

"I see. . .Which means we'll be training to break our bodies? Wouldn't that cause us to be incapable of doing further training if we push it too much?" She inquired while he shook his head.

"Normally, that would be an issue, but we have a good chunk of Senzu beans fresh and ripe for eating. It's a full bag, and since we'll be training at this intensity for only 6 months, we'll have enough to split it for half a year," Shikuro smirked before pulling something out of his pocket and revealing two bracelets, "Plus, to help up the intensity, I snagged these from Bulma before I left. They're Gravity Bracelets that act the same way as her Gravity Room. Though, I only have one pair. Technically, these are still prototypes."

21 nodded, and he tossed one to her, which she quickly put on and turned on. A weight of 50G appeared as she suddenly fell on one knee at the weight that was added onto her. However, the young Saiyan remained unaffected and sighed, "Bulma made me test it when I was still in training to get to the point of being used to the weight so I can help her improve it for Vegeta to use. Something about his training being too loud. She mentioned she had this new model but wanted it to be tested."

"I. . .understand," 21 managed to respond as she managed to stand up the pressure made her fall into a hunch position, "Won't. . .we be exerting our body to its limits by using these. .?"

Shikuro nodded before confirming, "That's the point. From here on out, you have to be willing to break yourself. No hesitation, no second guessing. If we hold back, then there won't be any progress made. If it makes it easier, I'll use both Gravity Bracelets first until you get used to the gravity in this room. Once you're comfortable, I'll split it so we can both train at the same intensity."

She nodded in response, though still unsure but decided to keep a straight face and followed Shikuro's lead in training. She handed him back the second bracelet, which he put on. Then, Shikuro raised the gravity to 100 G's, which immediately pushed him to the ground to kneel. Though, the young Saiyan just sat on the floor, and waited until he gave out a whistle as he got comfortable in the pressure and tried to stand, his knees shaking a bit, "Figured as much. Because of the gravity in here being heavier than Earth's on its own, 100 G's in here is likely heavier. I can barely move."

He got into a stance before beginning to start doing lunges in a straight path. At the same time, 21 felt the effects of the Gravity Bracelet loosen now that she wasn't wearing it while Shikuro was using both. She watched before proceeding to do the same, the void's gravity pushing her down as she had to force herself to stand. 21 began with simple lunges as well to mimic the young Saiyan, the two keeping stride with gritty determination.

"How long will you be doing this?" 21 groaned.

"About 1,000 reps. Then, I'll move on to sit-ups with the same amount of reps and then handstand pushups. All that in three reps. If I'm not crawling, then I'll do more until I am," He answered with a strained groan before finishing 50 lunges.

21 nodded as the objective was pretty clear, "Then I'll do the same and try to catch up quickly. That way, I'll equal out our strength levels as best as I can."

Shikuro smiled, "Glad to hear, Shoko; now, let's begin the warm-up."

"Right," She nodded before continuing the exercises, her body screaming out for relief and a chance to stop, but the android persevered as best as she could, knowing the payoff for it would be immense. The two continued, ignoring their screaming bodies to complete the training for Day 1 within the Room of Spirit and Time or, in short, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

~~~~~Time Skip: Hours Later Into The Training~~~~~

After a whole day of constant training and exercises, Shikuro finally collapsed onto the bed after taking a hot bath and changing into some simple clothing he had packed into his bag. His muscles were still tense despite the warm-up, which made him wince every time he attempted to stretch. However, it was expected and even desired, given the conditions of the dimension they were in. He felt he could get used to this despite how intense the room was, but as for 21. She was knocked out, asleep on the floor without any blanket, and completely exhausted from the training.

Noticing this, he crawled over to the edge of the bed and pointed out, "Hey, it's not good to sleep on the floor, you know?" 21 opened an eye and muttered an answer.

"But, I can't. . ."

"Come on," He beckoned and offered her a hand to help her up, which she weakly took before he pulled her up onto her feet and walked her over to her bed. Once she fell on it, the android finally sighed and muttered a small 'thanks' as she felt her consciousness drift away.

"No problem, but if you really can't, then it's best you don't force yourself to go through this much," Shikuro said as she lay flat on her stomach, her hair all over her pillow.

She closed her eyes and replied, "I will. .it'll take me. . .a few minutes to recuperate. ." Shikuro nodded as he walked back over to lay on his bed as well.

"Right, granted, maybe we should save the Senzu beans for after we finish and not in the middle of training. Though I'd like to continue training non-stop, this is just to test the waters," Shikuro sighed while he lay in the bed. He felt like his body was already crying out in relief from the pain. However, that relief was quickly squashed by his pride as he couldn't help but chuckle to himself, "Kind of reminds me of this one story Goku said. When he was traveling to Namek, he trained non-stop and just kept eating Senzu Beans in order to push himself. Crazy but also cool to imagine what that'd be like. . ."

His thoughts drifted back to 21 for a moment as she shifted on the bed to find a comfortable spot, "We've been doing this for 8 hours non-stop now, and it's only our first day in here. This is going to be one long year for us."

"Mhm, but it'll be worth it, right?" 21 inquired in response, but her tone sounded sleepy, to which Shikuro simply smiled and agreed.

"It will," he muttered to her while 21 smiled slightly before she finally went silent and began to drift asleep.

Shikuro sighed as he looked at the alarm clock he set for himself. Right now, it was only going to be a nap since they came in the morning, so in 8 hours, it should be in the afternoon in the chamber. This means there was still a good portion of the first day in this place, and thus, it was best they continued training when they woke. However, that could wait until a little bit as Shikuro decided to take a small break for himself.

He was pushing himself, mostly strengthening his body in order to get accustomed to the environment. As of right now, his body was sore, and he had already had a long day, but that was okay.

As long as he did what was right, even if his body screamed and begged for rest, he had to keep going; otherwise, everything he cared about would be destroyed. He clenched his fist, thinking about what Goku would do against an opponent who had beaten him. Thinking about it, he'd probably laugh in excitement and train harder. So. . if Goku can do that, then he should too.

"That's right. . .he wouldn't stop to take a rest. Instead of worrying about the outcome. . .Goku always accepts the challenge and relishes in it," Shikuro thought to himself. He looked over at 21, who was passed out on the bed across from him, before smirking, "Sorry, I'll be working a little longer."

He stood up and rummaged through the bags of Senzu before popping another into his mouth, the pain quickly fading as he felt the tension in his body lessened as his body regenerated. Shikuro smirked at his accomplishment as he headed towards the door and left back out into the open void of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

This will be a long training regime for the next 6 months, but that didn't stop the young Saiyan from trying, for if he didn't, then the consequences for doing nothing will be his worst nightmare. Without another word, he got onto all fours. He took in a breath as one hand held him up while he began to start the one-handed pushups again, his voice ringing through the empty space in the void as he kept himself focused, "1, 2, 3, 4. . ."

Thus, his training resumed. . .

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From the Last Chapter, 1 Month Later Within The Hyperbolic Time Chamber. . .)

One month had passed in the white void known as the Hyperbolic Time Chamber or the Room of Spirit and Time, and during that time, the training only grew more intense as each day went on. 30 days of progress had shown the void filled with constant explosions from the latest training exercise. The young Saiyan ran, his feet picking up the pace as rays of reddish-pink Ki rained from above him, each one coming dangerously close to hitting him as they fell to the floor of the chamber. He maneuvered around each blast until they crashed against the white surface below them.

At the same time, 21 continued to launch a barrage of attacks while the young Saiyan dodged in a zig-zag motion from below. As she shot more and more at him, 21 realized her attack pattern and focused the blasts into a singular one to finish this round-off. With that thought, her eyes began to glow pink as she created a larger and more dangerous ball of pink ki with her hands before firing it down. Unlike the others, the speed on this one was far more intense as it cut through the air, leaving a pink streak as it rocketed down towards Shikuro.

However, instead of trying to dodge the attack, the young Saiyan gritted his teeth and tensed his muscles before opening his hands wide to tank the blow. He winced, the pink ray hitting his chest before exploding upon contact with him. A gust of pink and white rushed in all directions, with a cloud of smoke concealing him from sight, and 21 had thought the attack had done him in. However, she had forgotten that his goal was to make his body stronger, and so, if he couldn't dodge that attack, he would instead block it to show he could handle it. She lowered her hand before descending, her feet touching the ground lightly as the smoke cleared and revealed the young Saiyan still standing with his arms in an 'x' form, as the energy dissipated and left only a large burn mark on his shirt and chest.

The android stood still, watching him with awe as his chest was burned and heavily damaged by the attack, but was otherwise still standing for a moment before collapsing onto the ground due to exhaustion. He gasped for air and groaned, "Damn it, how long did I last this time?" He coughed out blood as he turned onto his back while 21 answered his question.

"About 4 minutes. A 30-second improvement from last time, too. Not to mention, I'm surprised you survived the blast this time. Normally, you get caught off guard by its speed," 21 smiled with a proud expression, but that soon faded as she quickly rushed to his aid, "Though, we should treat you now. Here. . ."

She pulled out the bag of Senzu's. She handed one to him before he sat up and ate one quickly, the young Saiyan groaning with relief as he felt the effects of the beans quickly repair any damage he had.

"Thanks. . .time for round 5 then. We should start working on Ki now, yeah?" He grinned before standing up again, to which the android shook her head.

"Shikuro, it's time for us to eat," 21 replied, her expression was stern and almost scolding.

Though, Shikuro shook his head and flipped onto his feet with renewed energy, "No need, the Senzu beans also fill us with nutrients, so I should push myself while I still have this energy to spare." Much to 21's surprise, he slipped on the gravity bracelets around his wrist and turned them on to 150 G's. The combined heavy gravity of the chamber and the bracelets weighed him down as he began to wobble while gritting his teeth and struggling to remain standing.

He was panting heavily as he finally said, "Right, I'll train on the sideline for a few hours while you take your break." 21 couldn't even get a word in as he began firing a barrage of Ki blasts to hover all around him before commanding them to close in and track him. Without a word, he took off sprinting, dodging and maneuvering the rays while keeping the bracelets on.

The majin experiment couldn't fathom how he could possibly keep going at such intensity as he began punching and kicking the balls of energy he made away. It was a sort of training she hadn't seen him do before, but it looked like he was doing this in secret. As for the purpose, only Shikuro knew as he landed on the ground before his hands and arms deflected the ki blasts in rapid succession.

Though, normally the energy would disappear but they only circled back around like flys after a bug zapper. In a way, they were more akin to a style of Vegeta's training as he remembered watching him once. Using one's own energy to strengthen themselves by constantly countering and dodging the ricocheting balls of Ki. He decided to implement it into his speed training today with a small twist. Since he didn't have the same training equipment in the room to ricochet his Ki blasts, he opted to turn it into a hybrid style of training.

Ki Control, Speed, and Reflex with a little bit of strength.

After some trial and error, Shikuro found that this style was effective for just that. Controlling the energy of the orbs he created so that they don't dissipate on contact, having the balls of ki swarm him constantly. At the same time, he defends from multiple angles, and lastly, the gravity bracelets combined with the already heightened gravity within the room. It was all coming together and made his body scream, but Shikuro didn't stop. He was improving rapidly despite getting hit in the back by a small explosion that sent him flipping across the ground before getting right back up to leap out of the way.

All the while, 21 watched him in complete befuddlement and astonishment, his movements being fast but precise. However, as he got better, the intensity increased as well. He was training like a man possessed and at such an intensity that she felt like. . she was being left behind. She, too, had a resolve, but watching him throughout this month showed the difference between them. Did she truly have the resolve to fight or was she just there to be his guide and be an anchor for him to improve? She knew the answer but was too scared to accept it, so in turn, she sat down with her back turned to him. She hugged her legs while resting her head against her knees and just listened to him train while thinking about things to herself.

She didn't like fighting, but that's what she was created to do. She said she'd try and catch up, but she felt naive and ignorant for not knowing what it actually meant to fight in this reality of theirs. The enemies that lurk and the constant threats the Z-Fighters had faced. . .it warranted this level of intensity. This was how they trained: to the brink of death and back until they were strong enough. Like everything was on the line for the Earth, for their families, their friends, their lovers. She clenched her fists and muttered out to herself.

"I'm being stupid. . ." she muttered.

It wasn't that she didn't care about those things. She just had no idea. She was born with power in her hands and barely needed to train to fight someone like Cell. Granted, she lost, but. . that was the reason why she did. Strength is different from experience. The difference between Cell and her was clear from a standpoint. She had far more potential with the integration of majin cells and the same amount of genetic DNA as Cell. But she was born without the experience to use that potential. Cell, on the other hand, was. He was born with that experience right out of the gate. That's why she wanted to train here to experience it firsthand so she can be as strong as the others. No. . more than that. She wanted to avenge 16 with her own hands.

But could she if she's like this? That she's been delegated to be his anchor to progress. She wanted to do the same for her and surpass Shikuro's strength in these six months, but as she continued to watch him, she felt more and more out of reach of him. What was holding her back? Drive? No. . she was prepared to die if it meant killing Cell. If not that, it only left another answer.

Fear

Fear that she could lose control again if she let herself become too loose and allowed herself to become too strong, then she'd be much more of a hazard if she lost control again. That'd she'd. . .

"Hey, Shoko!?"

She snapped out of her thoughts and turned as Shikuro leaned down while tapping her shoulder. The young Saiyan had his training equipment off before asking, "You done taking a break yet?"

"Umm, not really, why?" 21 tilted her head curiously, though she was lying a bit as she was thinking about the past.

Shikuro smirked before leaning back up to extend his fist, "Come on, let's spar."

Her eyes widen slightly before shaking her head, "Shikuro, you can't be serious. . .you look exhausted."

"Yeah, and you're looking a little distracted, too. Besides, it's been a month. It's about time we have our first spar," Shikuro offered while lowering his arm as a means for 21 to take. The young Saiyan added, "So, you in?"

The Android sighed while standing up before brushing herself off. She gave a nod, and he raised his fist in excitement, "Alright. . let's go then."

21 followed in response, to which he smiled before leading her far enough so they wouldn't damage the central building. 21 didn't really get why he wanted to spar her all of a sudden, nor why he seemed so excited that his Saiyan tail was wagging from side to side. She guessed it might've been the fact that it was time for their first fight with one another, so she guessed it made sense. It was to help each other improve and train. But she didn't really see the point. He's improved likely much more than she had these last couple of months, and that made her worry that he'd already be far ahead of her in terms of power. She was so focused on her thoughts that she was completely unaware of Shikuro already getting into a fighting stance in front of her.

"Ready?" Shikuro smiled, "No holding back."

21 looked confused but then took in a deep breath and exhaled as she readied herself before taking her position. She spread her feet a bit as she raised her arms up to block, "No holding back. . ."

He smirked, "Then let's start." With a snap, he vanished. 21 stood there, confused, before a blurry after-image of Shikuro appeared from behind with a punch ready in tow. She was surprised by his speed as she turned to block the punch only to find out it was a feint as the punch stopped only an inch from her face. She realized this just in time for her to guard in time to catch Shikuro's actual fist that aimed to land right into her cheek. However, the force produced by his fist still sent her flying through her guard, her feet skidding back while 21 gasped with surprise. She realized that her strength wasn't on the same level as she thought it'd be, which led her to assume he was just toying with her.

She shook off the hit and charged forward in order to not give him the chance to continue on the offensive. Shikuro smirked and crossed his arms in front of him before 21 threw a punch towards him with a scream, her fist coming at him fast and hard. The young Saiyan expected it, however, as he watched it come closer. He simply vanished again, much to 21's surprise, until she felt a kick plant itself underneath her chin and launched her up in the air. As she was sent flying up, she noticed he had used his hands as a platform to leap up and meet her halfway with another kick aimed at her stomach. She quickly maneuvered to the side and watched him fly past her for a moment until he flipped his body mid-air into an overhead kick toward her. She crossed her arms in order to guard against the blow, only to be forced out of the air and towards the ground.

She winced in pain from the force that he used, which felt heavy enough to cause her back to bounce off the surprisingly hard surface of the ground, before realizing Shikuro had fired several energy blasts at her; their numbers were about 30 if she had to count, as they all closed in around her. With that, she had little time to recover as the balls of energy bombarded her all at once, causing explosions of white to erupt within the air. At the same time, he watched from above with a stern expression. White smoke rose up into the sky while Shikuro waited for the smoke to clear.

He floated in the air and waited patiently as he stared down below until he noticed a small twinkle inside the smoke. Intuitively, he dodged both left and right, two rays of light whooshing past him, and went out into the horizon of the endless white void of the room.

He raised a brow and smirked as the smoke cleared, revealing 21, who looked as good as new from the small pink light surrounding her. However, he knew she could do more, so he dove down with a fist ready in the air aimed towards her. She took a step back and readied herself to block, only for Shikuro to change directions to take her left, the feat of agility catching her by surprise as a fist decked her across the face and sent her feet skidding against the ground before another punch connected in the same spot to send her flying across the open space. She grunted before flipping herself onto her feet before skidding to a stop with Shikuro seemingly waiting for her to approach.

Her tail wagged against the ground while she was breathing heavily as she thought, "He's too fast. . .and his punches are way heavier than before. Is he using all his Ki or something. . ." 21 gritted her teeth and charged again as she rushed in while throwing a punch of her own towards Shikuro. However, Shikuro effortlessly dodged to the side as her barrage of punches only struck air while he avoided them with ease.

This led to her swinging her legs into a front kick, but that was just another dodge from the young Saiyan before Shikuro trapped her leg between his knee and elbow. Before she could retaliate, he twisted and pushed the leg while applying pressure to it, causing 21 to groan out in pain and lose balance before he slammed his elbow onto her chest, the attack launching her across the ground. She coughed out as she lay on the ground before turning on her stomach and attempting to push herself back up.

However, Shikuro looked down at her in serious disappointment and sighed, "Are you even taking this seriously?" She turned her head in response to him with a raised brow, almost insulted by his words.

"What. . .? I am!" 21 huffed

Shikuro crossed his arms, "No, you're not. Why are you holding back?"

The android shook her head in confusion before explaining, "But I'm not. I'm really pushing myself. You are just stronger than me, is all." However, Shikuro seemed unconvinced and pointed.

"Maybe, but you're clearly restraining yourself on purpose. Your current power is nothing compared to that time I sensed you fight Cell," Shikuro noted, "What, are you scared?"

"What?" She responded with an irritated tone as her face grew a frown and her expression stern.

He leaned back up, his arms at his side, as he looked up and stared down at the Android with a glare of his own, "Don't play dumb. You're clearly still restraining yourself because you're afraid of losing control of that hunger. Bulma told you the pills she gave you should stabilize the Majin cells in you, but you still haven't learned how to use your Ki to your fullest."

"It's not that simple! How could you possibly understand? There were times I thought my hunger was gone, but it always came back!" 21 snapped, "Every time I push myself beyond my own power that hunger starts to come back, and I have to restrain myself again. What if I go crazy? I'm already a monster!"

She huffed out heavily as she turned to face him while clenching her fists tightly, "You have it so easy being Saiyan. Fighting is in your blood, so you can't relate to my fears."

21 could tell she had hurt Shikuro by that comment. He noticed he turned away for a second before his expression softened. He stared at his open palms, his voice becoming calmer and more serious than before, "Maybe you're right. To fight is in my blood. But. . ." He turned to face her with steeled resolve.

"That doesn't mean I haven't had my own problems. People's lives are resting on my shoulders. . .OUR shoulders. There's no time to think and worry about the 'what-ifs.' Only the problem at hand. If you hold yourself back from this point forward. .it'll mean nothing."

"It will be nothing more than a hindrance," he closed his palms together to make a fist as he continued, "This isn't about what you were created for or to be or what your power does to you. It's about what YOU want to do with your gifts and do everything in your power to make sure it never happens again. If you can't beat it with your science, then all that is left is to beat it with your will."

21 expression softened a bit, her frustrations dialing down as Shikuro placed a fist over his heart, "You won't improve if you let that fear hold you back from being a better you. Overcoming fear leads to growth. That's something that the Piccolo had taught me in our meditation session. If we fear, we falter; if we falter, we'll be stopped before we can change anything. And I know you can get over that fear. All you have to do is put your trust in me and the rest of us and, more importantly, yourself. Trust in yourself and have confidence."

He spread his feet and took his fist away from his chest to extend it forward.

"I saw the headless body of that android you were probably with. You want to avenge him, right? Then dedicate yourself fully to these next 11 months to getting stronger," Shikuro exclaimed, his aura flaring, "Let's go, Shoko!"

21 stared at him, completely stunned at his words. Being afraid. . .wallowing in self-hatred. That was going to get her nowhere towards being ready for the upcoming battle. If she was truly willing to put everything on the line, then she must not only risk her life but also her mind as well. If she was to walk the path, she would need to face and defeat herself.

Her aura flared, the feeling of her majin cells tingling in the process as her expression shifted with resolve, her fist extending to meet Shikuro's fist; the young Saiyan grinned as they nodded, the two knowing what was coming next.

With that, they parted and charged; the young Saiyan and Android's eyes were trained on each other's movements, with 21 being more focused than ever before. With one last push of her feet, she leaped forward with her fist, aiming right towards Shikuro, and with a punch, she roared out with her willpower as she threw it, her fist clashed with his hand that blocked it. But, this time, Shikuro felt the force push him back in order to make him back away as a smile crept on his lips.

"Now you're getting it!" Shikuro smirked.

She then rushed with a kick toward the Saiyan's cheek, only for Shikuro to swiftly dodge, her foot missing his cheek by mere centimeters before countering with a fist of his own. She turned and saw it, so she moved to counter his fist, only for the young Saiyan to use his free arm to grab onto 21's fist and throw her into the ground with all his strength. She coughed, her back hitting the floor of the room, only for 21 to push herself up with her arms as the Saiyan continued to barrage her with punches. Each one that made it passed her defenses would dent the ground she was in with great force that caused 21's feet to dig in. However, she endured and noticed an opening where she slipped in an uppercut that made a small cut on Shikuro's lip and launched him up into the air.

Though, before 21 could follow up, the young Saiyan disappeared out of sight. 21 stood on alert until a familiar voice called from behind, "Over here." She turned but in the wrong direction.

*WHACK!*

Then, out of nowhere, she felt Shikuro's heel whip across her face and send her twirling, but in between her spinning, a blur from her tail could be seen. Shikuro then felt several blows strike his face. He staggered while she hit the ground for a bit before regaining his footing. He rubbed his chin as he watched her stand back up before retaking his stance with a grin, "Not bad. . she slipped in a few hits even after taking a blow like that? Is she learning as we go?"

"That was just a cheap shot," 21 rubbed her cheek with her free hand.

"Cheap? I dodged and countered with my speed," Shikuro countered while placing a hand on his hip, "If anything, I just outmaneuvered you."

21 pouted and stomped her feet like a child before crossing her arms with a huff. He snickered at this.

"Don't give me that, Shoko. . or do you want me to start calling you 21 now? Not sure exactly what to call you," Shikuro rubbed his head before noting, "I didn't think you could be this child--"

*Whoosh!*

Before he could finish, 21 shot a Ki blast at him, which he casually evaded as they stared at each other. 21 huffed with a blush of embarrassment before crossing her arms. It turned her back to Shikuro before smirking amusingly, "Alright, not childish. We still have some time before the days out. Let's keep going, shall we?"

She nodded with a determined expression, and the two launched forward at each other to resume the spar. From there, the room was filled with nothing but sounds of combat between the two fighters as explosions echoed throughout the room from their attacks, clashing and striking at one another with intense force and power. Shockwaves shook the space, and that continued on for hours on end. . .

~~~~~Time Skip: Later Into The Afternoon In The Time Chamber~~~~~

"Man, I'm beat! But we got to make sure we're up early tomorrow."

Shikuro let out a groan as he stretched his limbs on the bed, a fresh towel wrapped around his neck as he leaned back against the bed. He wore a black tank top with gray shorts while his tail was laid against the bed.

"Yeah. . .it was pretty intense today." 21 spoke; the sound of a hairbrush could be heard from across the room where the majin Android was currently brushing her hair before noticing a large bruise on her cheek and winced, "You hit hard though, and you weren't even transformed the whole time. You sure made use of that one month."

Shikuro laughed a bit, "Yeah, I've been doing some late-night training during the middle of each week. I'm glad it's paying off because I don't think I'd be able to fight your majin form without Super Saiyan 2 if it were a month ago." 21 nodded as she continued to brush her hair, something that Shikuro had noticed.

"Does it matter that much to you? Your hair, I mean," He asked while pointing to her.

She stopped for a moment, thinking for a moment before continuing to brush her hair. She explained, "Yeah, well, I want to keep it looking nice. Don't you brush your hair?" Shikuro shook his head.

"Not really. I only wash it. Apparently, Saiyans don't really need that much of a haircut, let alone brushing it. It's just naturally that way for me." Shikuro shrugged.

21 stopped brushing for a moment to raise a brow at him before turning towards him, "Really? That's not fair. Why don't I have the same treatment? My hair gets matted easily. . is it because I'm an android?" Shikuro shrugged and leaned back on the bedframe.

"How'd I know? I'm not some biological-engineering expert," Shikuro said.

21 pouted at this. Out of all the things she had inherited from Saiyan genes, she couldn't even get the same haircare treatment that he had. Her tail flicked with frustration before Shikuro caught notice, his own tail swishing left and right behind him as he tried to stifle his laughter. 21 could tell what was going through his mind and glared. He was making fun of her; she could feel it, but she ignored it. She sighed and turned to grab some clothing before heading to the bathroom to change.

It didn't take long for her to return, though, her form switching from majin to the human guise she held in public. She swapped into some pajamas Bulma lent her, the design something Bulma thought would look rather cute on her. A light orange and yellow shirt that had the words 'Sunshine Girl' on it, and a pair of pajama shorts that was a lighter yellow in color. She tossed her original attire onto the side before hopping onto her bed, the android getting under the sheets and pulling the blankets over him before pulling out a book on "Machinery" Bulma had given her. Shikuro glanced over at the book for a second before returning to stare up at the ceiling of their room.

"So uh. . feeling better?" Shikuro asked.

21 tilted her head up as she glanced over her book at him, "Hm?"

He shifted and explained, "Well, you seemed so distracted lately that you couldn't give it your all. I was wondering if you're over that fear about losing control yet?" She gave him a stern glare and turned her attention back to her book.

"Yeah, I am. Thank you," 21 answered.

The silence was deafening between them, and the room was dark despite the Hyperbolic Time Chamber having perpetual light outside of the central building. Mainly because there were no windows and the only source of light they had was a candle they had to use whenever they closed the door of the room. That candle was mostly on 21's side of the room, while Shikuro seemed comfortable being shrouded by darkness. Regardless, he broke the silence and asked.

"Is there a reason why you're so afraid of losing control to that uh. . .hunger of yours?" Shikuro said, trying to make conversation as he wasn't sleepy yet.

21 raised an eyebrow and closed her book as it didn't seem Shikuro was willing to remain quiet, "Does there have to be? Who would want to willingly lose control and devour someone?" She didn't really want to talk about it, but something about the young Saiyan seemed to see past her lie.

"That may be true. . ." Shikuro muttered softly before pointing out, "But you seem more desperate for that not to happen for someone who just thinks it's a natural response. It's like you have a personal take in this, more so than you want us to know. If you really do want to get over that fear of yours then maybe you should at least tell me so I can understand. Maybe it'll bring you some clarity."

21 gave him a hard stare before sighing, "There's no point in being secretive, huh?" Shikuro didn't say a word but nodded. The majin android folded her hands together as she recalled the memories and took in a breath before speaking.

"It happened, I'd say, 8 years ago? I think. . it was certainly closer to a decade. It was the day when I was released from the tube and allowed to leave the underground lab. That same day, I learned about my mission. . ." 21 paused before sighing, "I didn't have much of a clue on how to approach it, and I didn't want to really perform my duty. No, I was much more interested in the outside world. That same day, I left that cave, and I met an old woman named Alama. She was the sweetest lady you could possibly meet. . ."

21 smiled at that memory as she looked up at the ceiling, "She taught me many things, from how humans live to how the world is shaped by their own culture. She taught me that the outside world was so much different, and I couldn't help but want to live the life of a human. So, I studied hard with the knowledge I already had programmed into me. I learned how to walk, run, cook, write and eat. But that's not all."

"What's that?" Shikuro said with interest.

The majin android turned over and looked at him, her expression serious, "I wanted to understand what family was. Silly right. . someone who was born in some test tube as a mass clump of cells and DNA can have a family."

She placed a hand on her heart as she sat up and continued, "But, I guess I did in Alama. She took care of me for about a year and a half. .and during that time, I couldn't help but be happy and have fun. She made me feel so at home and wanted in this world that I could've stayed like that for the rest of my days. Alama was also the one to give me a proper name, Shoko. . she said it meant I was some auspicious child. Though, that happiness wasn't going to last forever." She clenched her fists, her expression becoming grim as she continued.

"It was during the night close to my 2nd year of living with her. Some bandits raided our home and threatened to give up everything. Alama had told me to hide, but I refused, not wanting her to get hurt, and instead came to help. The leader of those bandits held Alama as a hostage to make me surrender after they saw my strength. I was so naive. . .I thought because I was stronger than any human, there was no reason to fear the human mind."

"So you didn't back down, huh. . .?" Shikuro muttered as 21 nodded.

"Yes, I didn't, and because of that. . those men got scared and shot Alama right through the skull out of panic. I didn't get it, not even for a second, why they had killed her. As a young girl, you could imagine how I snapped. . .I always had that inkling feeling of turning people into candy, but around Alama, it was bearable. But, as that bullet pierced her skull and her life slowly faded away. . ." 21 explained before Shikuro interjected.

"I guess. you lost control then and there." Shikuro answered for her.

21 sighed, "I did; I turned them all into candy and devoured them all without hesitation. That was the first time I had tasted human-turned-candy. I didn't stop there either, as I went to the village and devoured everyone else there, too. .including those that hid from me. . ."

She buried her head into her hands while Shikuro sat in silence as 21 continued on, "It took me an hour to realize what I did, and I felt like a monster because of it. No. . .I was a monster. I panicked and I was contemplating on how I could make amends. So I returned to the lab in the cave and began preparing against Project Festival like I had intended. Hoping that if I succeed, then it would mean that I would make up for the sin of my creation."

"But it didn't, didn't it? You still feel like shit about it," Shikuro muttered.

21 nodded before heaving out a sigh, "I never forgot, and my hunger was becoming more of an issue with each passing day. I concluded emotional support was needed, so when I came across the remains of Android 16's memory chip, I rebuilt it for that purpose. To help me overcome this curse that is my majin hunger and to give me an anchor for emotional support. Because his appearance seemed to bring me some solace to keep going with the project."

"But then he got destroyed by Cell. I saw his head blown clean off, and likely the memory chip was in there, correct?" the young Saiyan guessed before 21 nodded again.

"That's correct," she muttered softly.

Shikuro leaned back into his bed, "So basically, you're last emotional support went up in smoke, literally."

21 glanced back over to the Saiyan for a second before looking back up at the ceiling with a soft huff, "That's about the long and short of it. The main reason why I've been holding back in training is because I feared that I'd lose control. Even with Bulma's pills, it feels like that fear was engrained deep into my subconscious."

She hugged her legs to her chest before looking out to the darkness beyond the room with a forlorn expression. She whispered, "I guess I. . .can't forgive myself for that day. And that I don't know what I can possibly do to make up for that." Shikuro sighed before stating bluntly.

"I doubt you can. That sin will likely follow you for the rest of your life," Shikuro answered, the statement itself causing her to wince as if a knife had gone through her chest. Regardless, Shikuro continued, "Not like that means your life is over, and it's the end of the world. Do you have any idea what some of the Z-Fighters had done before they joined?"

21 turned over to Shikuro with a curious expression. The Saiyan smirked before leaning back in his bed while counting, "If I remember the stories, Yamcha was a whole bandit himself, Tien was part of a school designed for killing and mercenary work, Piccolo is the literal incarnation of his father who overthrew the world government and killed city's worth of people. Oh, and don't get me started on Vegeta. He likely has more bodies on his conscience out of all of us with how many planets he's destroyed working under that Frieza guy."

"The point is. . .they weren't perfect and didn't start that way either, so what? What matters is how you deal with your problems. What matters is how you overcome that hurdle to make yourself a better you," Shikuro explained as 21 took note of everything he had said. She understood what he was getting at. She looked back towards him with a soft expression of determination.

"Yeah, but they probably don't feel guilty about that." 21 remarked.

Though, Shikuro shook his head, "Maybe but maybe not. They may not show it because they either didn't want to admit that fact or have accepted that that was who they are in the past and want to improve to make amends." 21 could only stare at Shikuro in awe of his wisdom.

"You. . really have a way with words, huh," she commented.

"Not really," Shikuro sighed flatly, "It was mostly stuff Gohan and Goku told me. I've been taking it in stride."

21 nodded but noticed something about that statement, "He's had this discussion with you before?"

He gave a small smile while resting his hands behind his head, "Yeah, back during the early days I landed here on Earth. . .I was lost, you could say. Not in a literal sense, but more of a mindset. Though, everyone kind of aided me in that." Then, as to take a page out of the young Saiyan's book.

"Mind talking about it?" 21 asked.

Shikuro froze for a moment before letting out a solemn chuckle at the irony, "I guess that's fair. . .Though, now that I think about it, it's no different from yours, I guess." He closed his eyes with a sigh as he began his story.

"Unlike Goku and Vegeta, I wasn't born on Planet Vegeta. That much was evident because I'm way younger than they are which means I had Saiyan parents that likely escaped the destruction of Planet Vegeta and landed elsewhere. But, even then, I don't know the circumstances that caused them to send me away to a separate planet years later," Shikuro explained before going even further, "The planet I landed and spent most of my childhood on was a planet called Codia. It was every bit of a medieval society with the inclusion of some technology. But, it was probably the worst planet I could have been sent to as a baby."

"How so?" 21 asked.

He laughed at this, but the laugh wasn't one of amusement but one of dread, "Well, let's just say Saiyans and Codians didn't have a good history. Because my people raided and destroyed the planet decades before my birth, Codia saw Saiyan as evil and demonic monsters. The inhabitants there lived in constant paranoia and fear, knowing full well that their race had suffered countless atrocities in the past by us. So, when they saw a Saiyan baby landing on their planet in some crummy spaceship. . ."

"I think I can see where this is going," 21 interjected with a sympathetic gaze, "So, it was really bad huh."

The young Saiyan nodded, "Yeah, I could have died right there, but. . .one person intervened. The village elder, Koshu. . if it weren't for him, I'd be dead. I remember seeing a bright light that saved me and took me into their home, nursing me and taking care of me as if I were their own. However, he only did part of raising me since he was the village elder, after all. He was always busy, so he couldn't keep me for long. So, I was placed into an orphanage under the care of his granddaughter. . .Nana. She was like an elder sister to me in a way. Though, she was a pain in the ass. She was called the "Lavender Witch" because she was every kid's worst nightmare. A naggy, bossy, overprotective older sister who always stuck her nose into my business."

21 laughed and asked, "And yet she still took care of you."

He shook his head with a huff, "Don't get me wrong, she did a good job at it, too, but I never appreciated the fact she strapped me to a chair with metal chains to force me to learn basic math and reading." Saying this, Shikuro propped one knee up before resting his arm over it.

"Though, she was the one who tried to make my childhood fun, at least. Again, I was a Saiyan at the end of the day so even though I lived in that village, the people there still had a deep hatred of me. So much that the kids outside the orphanage used to play make-believe about killing Saiyans like they were some hero," Shikuro sighed and continued, "Even during the time I was in the orphanage, I was forced to watch the same kids that I grew a bond with grow distant from me the second they were adopted by different families."

21 listened on silently as the Saiyan explained with a frown, "Not like I blame them. If they so much came close to me, then they'd get their ass beat by other kids in the village and be called a freak. Or worse, they'd be disowned again because their new family didn't like the idea of even being associated with a Saiyan like me. But I didn't care. For as long as I lived on that planet, I always thought that all I needed was Nana and Koshu. . so I kept my distance. I continued to live there with the same daily routine until that day happened." Shikuro's expression darkened.

"I still don't know why, but there was a sighting of a strange ship entering the planet. It happened in the middle of the night so no one really batted an eye and passed it off as some tourist landing on the planet again. But, I woke up to the entire village. . .a city-sized village has gone up into smoke and flames," Shikuro continued as 21 watched with a somber gaze, "I remember screaming. . .the only people I thought to call for help were Koshu and Nana. They weren't at home, and the fires were too high and large. So, I had to take charge and lead the remaining kids out of the orphanage to the emerging exit passage behind the orphanage.

"You got everyone to safety?" 21 asked.

He nodded and continued, "Yeah, but. . .Nana wasn't there at the monastery, so I went into the burning city to look for her. Eventually, we found each other, but Nana was adamant to take me into the forest. From there, the details as to why all that happened was unclear to both of us, but one thing was for certain. . .Those people who were responsible for the city going up in flames were after me." He took in a deep breath before finishing with the last bit of the tale

"Apparently, they were some shady men, likely space mercenaries, who were looking for me in particular. As to why? I have no clue. But Koshu had refused to give me to them, which likely led to what I saw. We ran through the forest for a long time, all the while being pursued until we lost them just enough to make it back to the spaceship that I first came in as an infant. We were about to escape until I guess Nana sensed one of the pursuers coming closer to the ship. So, she acted quickly and hid me in the cabinet."

"And then what happened?" 21 asked curiously, Shikuro leaned forward.

Shikuro remained silent, his expression stern as if the memory was a bit much, before answering, "I guess he was the leader. . .he entered the ship and confronted Nana about where I was, but obviously, she refused. She was pretending as though she was buying time for my escape on some other ship. Once, the leader got impatient. . .he shot her with a beam right through her chest and left without knowing that I was right there inside the ship. The second he left, Nana had set the ship to prelaunch into space, so it rocketed up and into the air, breaking through the planet's atmosphere as it headed back to some random part of the universe." He sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

"There was nothing I could do but crawl out of the cabinet and try to help her, but she told me there was nothing I could do, but I didn't want to believe it," Shikuro muttered with a frown, "I just watched my adopted big sister die. . ."

21 frowned as she sat up, "You watched her die?" Shikuro nodded his head.

"There wasn't anything I could do. I can't heal people. She was bleeding out in front of my eyes, and all I could do was watch it happen. Nana. . .the last thing she said to me was. . .to simply live." He slumped back on the bed and raised his fist toward the ceiling to stretch his shoulder a bit, "After that, I'm not sure how long I cried or when I landed here on Earth. Looking back on it, deep down. . .I thought that I was a cursed existence. With all the scorn I got from the Codians for being a Saiyan and for Nana's death only occurred because people were in search of me for the same reason. It just felt like a sick joke that I had to endure."

". . .Then what changed?" 21 asked.

Shikuro took in a deep breath and explained, "I guess, everyone I know on Earth changed. They all motivated me to keep moving forward. To move past everything that has happened. So. . .I still try, and most of all, I wanted to get stronger so something like that wouldn't repeat itself. I don't want to feel powerless while someone dies in front of me. That feeling. . .of losing someone who is like family. . ."

21 leaned against the bed frame and nodded as the two Saiyan remained in silence. A feeling they could both relate to and a pain they both understood. She sighed, "You weren't kidding when you said we're alike. . ." Shikuro nodded.

"Likewise, but, at the same time, I want to honor Nana's final words to at least try and live a life where it's true to myself," He smirked a bit at the last statement as he closed his eyes, "Though, even now, I'm not even sure what that life entails. I don't really know where I want to go and what I want to do after we deal with this whole fiasco." 21 couldn't help but laugh, her eyes becoming a bit glossy with tears from laughing at this as Shikuro looked over at her.

"I know how you feel. It's just. . you make it look so easy to move forward from your pain when you say it so nonchalantly," The android commented with a soft smile.

Shikuro scratched his head, "Well, I've had years to come to terms with everything, and it wasn't like it happened in a single day or anything. I took a long time to come to that conclusion."

"So, your telling me; it'll take a long time too?" 21 raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe, I don't know. It may as well be faster or slower depending on the person and how much they've endured," Shikuro remarked while crossing his arms, "What I do know is, the people around you will definitely help you reach that conclusion, including myself. I don't know. .that's the only way I can help. .to be there." 21 smiled a bit.

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks." 21 yawned as she stretched her arms in the air before settling down into her bed, "Goodnight, Shikuro. See you tomorrow morning."

She blew the candle out, the sudden sound of her soft breathing and snoring being the only source of sound as she lay still in bed. At the same time, Shikuro stared at her before returning to look back up at the ceiling. He was slightly impressed at how fast she could just doze off into sleep and wondered if that was one of the perks of being an Android. Though he'd had to ask that later and for now, seeing as the candle on her dresser was still burning, he used a small Kiai to extinguish it before leaning back into his own bed.

Shikuro let out an amused huff as he relaxed onto the sheets before he, too fell into a deep slumber as well. The conversation they had left him on a good note as he smiled a bit in his sleep. . .

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Currently Outside of The Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Capsule Corp Shelter Beta. . .)

"Haaaah. . .I'm never doing something like this again,"

Bulma wiped her face, her hair a disheveled mess, as she sat at her desk and tapped her pen on the surface. She was staring at the sheet of requests from the citizens they were housing underneath West City. Demands such as more clothing, food, and the need for certain entertainment had been in constant rotation, and even Bulma was getting exhausted by it. It was like she was running a 10-star hotel service instead of a refugee camp. It was at times like these when Bulma had to take a break, so she had moved all the sheets to another part of the desk so she could focus on her more important and personal projects.

"Ungrateful bastards. . .," The scientist growled a bit under her breath, "It's bad enough they keep coming into the lab with their problems and concerns. At this point, I'm going to tell everyone to get their stuff in order because I'm sick and tired of this bullshit."

"Ummm. . .?"

Bulma looked up from her desk and saw the Ace standing at the door, the young teen slightly covered in dirt and oil from the task she had given her. He pointed his thumb to nothing in particular and continued now that he got her attention, "I got the transportation train running for you. The problem was just with the oil in the tracks and a couple of faulty parts in the engine itself, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem from here on out."

"Thank Kami! That saves me another problem I have to fix. As expected as the heir of the Sojiru Transportation Corporations," Bulma smiled.

Ace gave a nervous chuckle, not particularly enjoying the fact he was tied to that family name but rolled with it, "Sure. . .yeah, no problem." He turned and waved his hand to dismiss himself.

"Well, I'll be going. I got to check up on my friends," The Ace mentioned as he made his way down the hall, leaving the scientist alone. Bulma watched as he walked away, not particularly having much of a care before she leaned back into her chair to stare at her desk. She just had many more problems to deal with, and considering everyone going on the surface, the best she could do was wait and put her faith in the remaining Z-Fighters to pull another miracle out of their hat.

Meanwhile, Ace walked down the hallway of the underground shelter, the facility itself surprisingly high-tech in both design and equipment. It had the perfect ventilation, enough food supplies, and living conditions for the refugees living inside. Even so, the atmosphere around here was still rather suffocating for some people, so he understood why they were on edge. Who would want to be stuck scrunch together inside an underground facility, in an abandoned bunker, with the looming thought of death on their shoulders at any moment?

It's almost like the waiting game.

In just a single day alone, so many fights broke out due to simple things like someone sleeping on another's foot. Ace understood the cause of these arguments was due to the fact everyone was tense. With all this stress, everyone wanted something to alleviate that tension, even for just a little bit. Thankfully, Bulma's friend Krillin was here to act as a defacto peacekeeper along with her, which did wonders considering that everyone could put their trust into a familiar face due to Krillin's local rising fame as a good police officer according to what he's heard.

After walking a couple more blocks down the hallway, he arrived at an area of the shelter where all of his friends were gathered in one place, his group being the closest to the Capsule Corp's CEO's office within the facility. Bulma had been nice enough to allow them to have this area to themselves due to them being friends with Shikuro. However, that was mostly in exchange for them keeping the fact that Shikuro was a literal alien with the power to sneeze the wrong way and blow up the facility from the inside.

Though, as he said, his friends. . .it was mostly his friends plus one other. He walked through the door, his eyes scanning the room's occupants. Vincent and Kize were busy playing some card game he had no idea about while Ryusika. . she was bored. Plain and simple. She just leaned on the table, watching the other two play while munching on some snacks. It wasn't like she didn't like what they were playing. . she just didn't understand how it was even played. Then again, what would he expect from Orange Star High School's princess herself, Ryusika?

It wasn't all that bad for them. Ryusika was too busy being bored, so she wasn't causing much trouble, and Ace could at least say the same for his friend. However, seeing as they hadn't noticed him yet, he took the time to slip away for a moment and head down further into the hallway to another area. Once he walked in, he smiled and immediately closed the door behind him, making sure no one followed.

"Hey, how you're holding up?" Ace spoke up to the lone individual inside. It was a private room, one that he had to make a lot of loopholes in his reasons to have it made just for a certain individual.

Her emerald-colored eyes and bright red curly hair draped over her shoulders. The freckles on her face while she wore a purple hoodie and a black skirt. Her legs were fully covered by matching stockings that hugged the lower half of her body. She sat on the chair of the small room housing only a couple of beds and a bathroom, so it wasn't that fancy, but it was something that didn't have her crammed with people she didn't know.

"Fine. . ." She muttered while adjusting her glasses.

Ace gave a warm smile and walked over to sit on the chair in front of her, "That's good to hear, Liz."

Her eyes darted up at him from her book to where he could clearly see the freckles that dotted the center of her face, ". . .Do you really have to call me by that name?" She frowned.

The Ace shrugged and raised his hands in defeat, "Hey, you know, I'm not good at names. Calling you Elizabeta just isn't me." Elizabeta shrugged and closed her book before resting it on the table.

Elizabeta Dutcher, daughter of the former owner of a small hospital, went into bankruptcy and lost her family business due to her mother being a gold digger. Her father struggled after being betrayed, and so he fell into depression as the weight of the debt fell onto his shoulders. However, her mother took their remaining fortune and left, leaving her father and her to fend for themselves. Though, she always felt that it was a blessing in disguise. She didn't grow up to be a greedy and shallow person like her mom. Instead, she chose to follow in her father's footsteps to become a doctor, hoping that she could make her father proud and save others who were in the same boat as he was.

She was even smart enough to earn a full scholarship to Orange Star High School, a private school with connections and education that could almost guarantee you to become something great in the future. But she was ambitious and aimed for the top of the school's rank of being one of the top students at the school, all the while also maintaining an extracurricular club to continue practicing as a doctor at the local clinic. But, as she thought this year would be hers for the taking, one person stood above her.

Shikuro Yagi. He was at the top of the class and someone who was able to earn his rank despite having just transferred out of nowhere with no context behind it. He barely seemed interested during class, and at times, he'd doze off, so she assumed that he had a part-time job or something. It bothered her that she could only be a hair behind his rank, but it did help that she didn't see him outside of class or club activities. It was frustrating to watch someone who didn't try as hard as her be better than her. She thought all she had to do was study, and that should have been enough, but apparently, the school should have taken in the work she put in less.

At some point, she started to stalk him, trying to find some way to discover the secret to his success, only to be caught in the process but not by him. Her eyes stared at Ace, who seemed to be helping himself to the snacks in the middle of the table.

Ace Sojirou, the one who seemed to be Shikuro Yagi's only friend, caught her one day. At first, she was prepared for the worse, thinking she was about to get a scolding or even be called to the dean's office to explain herself. She was surprised when Ace asked for her name and to be his partner in the engineering class they took part in. With no other option for a cover-up, she accepted, and that's how the two met. Over time. . they became a thing, as she put it. But to Ace. . .

She was his secret girlfriend.

She didn't mind it; being the girlfriend of the heir to Sojiru's Transportation Industry had its prospects and perks. That wasn't why she was his girlfriend, to begin with. . .She'll never say it out loud, but she actually grew to enjoy being his girlfriend. So she wouldn't have any of that and even made him promise not to reveal their relationship and, at the same time, be that person who is there for him when he's uneasy. However, that didn't stop her from pursuing Shikuro's secrets, and one day, she stumbled upon something shocking.

The fact that Shikuro could fly. For her, it didn't take her long to put two and two together to conclude that Shikuro Yagi was indeed Sunkaiser, and her last interaction with him during one of their classes confirmed it. It wasn't something about his academic success which unbeknownst to her; he was tutored by the greatest generational mind of the century known as Bulma Briefs, but still. It was something, but it made her wonder. . .Did Ace know?

She was staring at Ace for a long time until the man himself finally noticed and looked up, a small blush forming from eating someone else's snack, "Hey, uh, I was hungry. Don't look at me like that." Elizabeta sighed; the man was hopelessly naive and oblivious to her silent questions.

"I'm used to it anyways," She rolled her eyes while crossing her arms, "Do you really have to sneak your girlfriend in here?"

She frowned, clearly annoyed, "It's not like you have to hide that you're dating. . well, besides the fact that the other two would probably tease you non-stop." Ace sighed and leaned back on the chair.

"I do; the school's Gossip is in there as well. They'd be suspicious if I bring you in there along with me and besides, you know my reputation. Have you seen my locker last year on Valentine's Day?" The man laughed awkwardly as Elizabeta raised her brow, "There was some weird voodoo love doll nailed to my locker. It was the most terrifying thing I've seen, and it wasn't even Halloween.

Elizabeta snorted a laugh and placed her hands on her forehead to cover up her amused expression, "Oh, I remember that. You wouldn't stop bugging me for like an hour about it. Then you wouldn't let go of my hand until we went home. Like some scared little boy." Ace blushed in embarrassment as the teen continued to snicker.

"It wasn't my fault. . .It was a very scary and life-changing moment for me." The teen continued to snicker while Ace glared at her for laughing at his pain.

Seeing this, Ace resigned himself in defeat before slumping back in thought, the expression being something Elizabeta knew too well. She calmed herself and leaned forward a bit, "Something's troubling him. . ." Elizabeta sighed and leaned back to prop her elbow on the arm of the chair to use her hand as a support.

"What's wrong with you now. . .?" Elizabeta said in a tone as if she was already exasperated.

Ace's gaze didn't leave the ceiling, "Well, you know that guy I always hung out with alone sometimes? Shikuro. . ." Elizabeta's eyes widened slightly.

"I know about him," Elizabeta answered while raising her brow. She didn't want to be suspicious or give out that she already knew his identity.

"I guess it's alright to tell you since you are good at keeping secrets, and I trust you," Ace took a deep breath as he folded his arms to prop his chin up on them, "I thought I knew everything about him but. . .recently, I feel like I barely know him anymore. He's. . much more than I expected him to be."

Elizabeta nodded, almost understanding where he was getting at, but prompted, "Go on. . ." Ace let out a sigh.

"This may sound crazy, but. . .he's not human," Ace revealed, but much to his surprise. . .

"I know,"

Ace's eyes widened as he sat up and stared at his girlfriend. His eyes had an expression that begged for answers as Elizabeta seemed stoic in her expression before explaining herself, "I happened to catch him in the act of flying away from school one day. That was a big giveaway, and I assume he was Sunkaiser." Hearing this, the Sojirou heir could only slump his shoulders with a defeated expression.

"That saves some time, I guess. Well, adding to that, I can't really understand why he wouldn't trust me enough to tell me all of this, and it's really messing with my feelings. I don't think I can stand having a relationship with him as it is," Ace confessed to his girlfriend as he ran a hand through his hair and slouched forward, "Don't get me wrong, I appreciate what he's done as Sunkaiser and all that. But, seeing him come back on death's door. It's starting to scare me. I just want my friend to come back safe, and I don't think he's willing to make that promise with how he's going on about his plan to stop this madness going up on the surface. Like, what did he expect me to think if he mysteriously died one day? To leave me as one of his only school buddies, hanging like that?"

Elizabeta nodded, somewhat agreeing with his opinion about Shikuro. Even if the Saiyan himself didn't notice, the signs of Ace having mixed feelings about this situation were there and clear to see. The more they hung out together, the more Shikuro began to reveal some of the problems he was going through. That was something Ace slowly began to notice and even voiced it.

"He's still hiding more about himself. Even after all this, he doesn't want to talk about himself or open up. But it's like he expects me to open up about myself more to him while he doesn't do the same. I just don't get it. . ." Ace frowned.

Elizabeta sighed and was about to voice her own opinion until someone else beat her to it.

"You don't have to get it."

Both of them turned with wide eyes to see Krillin leaning against the doorway with a rather stern look on his face, the two teens looking away from him to avoid his gaze. The monk was silent, and judging from his tone, they were about to get an earful. But, the ex-monk sighed and continued, "Whether he wants to or not, that's his choice. Whenever he's comfortable enough to do it, I'm sure he'll open up about everything."

"Yeah. . but why hide the fact he's an alien? At least he could have told us that. . .," Ace frowned.

Krillin shook his head, "The reason for that is more personal than you think. . .but if I had to answer without letting too much slip out," He paused in thought and looked to the ceiling.

"He was likely afraid that you'd see him differently after that. So, instead of confronting that issue, he'd rather keep it hidden and continue the relationship like it never happened. He's probably waiting for the moment he feels he could tell you and trust that you wouldn't go away." Krillin explained.

Ace raised an eyebrow, "That's it? But that--"

"Doesn't give much context, right?" The monk smiled.

"It does," Elizabeta remarked and looked back to Ace, "There is probably more to the story, and the only person who could tell you about it is Shikuro himself."

Krillin shrugged with a smirk, "That's right. The real answer is something only Shikuro can tell you. I can only guess what he's thinking based on what he's told me, but I'm not him," Krillin looked to Ace.

"I can only tell you, and it's all up to you on how you feel. Whether you can understand and support him or you can't because he's simply too different is entirely up to you to decide. It's all about whether or not you're willing to look past everything that's happened to understand the guy he is, the way you want to see him," Krillin smirked while placing his hand on his hips, "But I can tell you this. He's in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber training because he cares. That alone should give you enough evidence to know how much of a good person he is," Ace sighed in defeat as his gaze fell to the floor.

". . .You're right, Krillin." Ace muttered with a small smirk before looking up at the ceiling, "I guess I'm just butthurt; he didn't trust me. That we weren't true friends despite all this time. . ." Elizabeta looked to Ace.

She smirked and lightly punched his shoulder to get his attention, "You're such a bromantic fool, you know that?" Ace could only laugh as he didn't even deny the accusation. Except, he accepted it.

Shikuro and Ace's friendship was an odd one. For Shikuro, Ace always thought he was Shikuro's only friend in life, and when he first laid eyes on him, he was drawn to the guy. The lonesome teen who walked the halls of the school alone, someone who didn't look like he had anyone to call a friend. For him, being the Sojirou heir surrounded him with all types of people, from the girls who were always hitting on him to the people who wanted to be his friends because he was popular; for someone who grew up being the son of one of the world's most influential and riches transportation empire. He always felt that all the 'friends' he made during high school were superficial and didn't see him for who he was, just as his dad.

That's why, childhood friends such as Kize and Vincent were considered his true friends as they've been together for as long as he could remember. Then there was Elizabeta, the girl who inherently became his girlfriend at some point. But Shikuro was the one kid in school who didn't know about the Sojiru Empire, how much he was worth, or the fact that his father was an absolute prick of a businessman. To him, Shikuro was a normal student, and he treated him as a normal friend. Even after learning about his family, Shikuro simply shrugged it off. For a moment, Ace thought it was genuine but looking back, maybe it was because Shikuro's life was already crazy as is.

Being an Alien warrior race has connections to the greatest scientist family in the world. It is associated with people who treat the entire planet as being blown up as another Tuesday. Shikuro Yagi's life was far more complex than the Sojirou Heir himself. But still, that didn't change the fact he enjoyed hanging around him. The guy was pretty cool once you look past all that. But now, that friend is preparing to risk his life in that time chamber to save everyone's skin. . .

Ace looked at his hands, and a feeling arose. For the first time in his life. . .he felt powerless. That he was a bystander. Only one thought about it came to mind. . .

"Pathetic."

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, In The Hyperbolic Time Chamber. . .)

The current time of the Time Chamber was closer to the middle of the night despite it being perpetually sunny inside the chamber. However, as of right now, the temperature of the chamber had dropped considerably, and the aurora light of the void darkened in tandem, making it much cooler than the last. Shikuro lay on his back while his arms were behind his head for support as his eyes looked into the supposed sky of the void. It had been 4 months in the Time Chamber so far, which meant 8 hours had passed in the real world. However, the time seemed to fly by as he let his thoughts drift in silence into the night. Shikuro didn't know how long he had been lying on top of the roof of the Central Building, but the silence was what he needed to collect his thoughts. However, that was interrupted as he heard someone jump onto the roof from behind and land gently without a sound on their feet. He knew who it was since she was the only other person in here with him, so he continued staring off into the dimmed sky.

"How come you're still awake? Trouble sleeping?" 21 asked as she sat down next to him.

Shikuro didn't avert his initial gaze and answered, "I should be asking you the same thing." 21 gave a blank expression, seeing right through him.

"I was, but I didn't see you at your bed, so I figured you'd be out here doing extra training. Instead, I find you just staring at the sky. What gives?" 21 explained.

"Just thinking," Shikuro answered.

Though, this earned him a quick reply, "Not good enough."

The Saiyan finally looked at her and sighed, "You're not going to leave it at that, huh?"

"You know the answer, so just say what you need to say. . .Shikuro," She stated, looking at him as Shikuro rolled his eyes at her.

He turned his eyes back to the void in front, his face crestfallen as his mind thought over what he wanted to say, "I guess I'm just worried, is all. . ." Shikuro could tell that she raised an eyebrow without looking.

"Are you worried about what's going on outside of the Time Chamber? I'm sure they can handle it before Cell completes his evolution. Once that happens, we'll be there," 21 assured before asking, "Don't you trust them. . .?"

Shikuro took a long pause to think, and after a few seconds, he replied, "Yeah. . .I do," Shikuro knew it was a stupid feeling to doubt his own friends. Though the truth was, he was. . .

"But, there's still that inkling feeling in the back of my mind while I'm in here. What if we come out only to see nothing on the other side? Everyone is already dead before we can do anything. I'm sure that's how everyone feels back outside. What if this is all for nothing?" Shikuro elaborated before adding, "It's a possibility that makes me want to speed things up in here, but I know that's impossible. . ."

21 was silent as Shikuro's mind continued to wander, his mind turning into a pit of self-doubt. Seeing this, she tried to think for a moment until she finally settled on a decision, "Then, how about you distract yourself?" The Saiyan glanced over to the woman, his eyes watching as she laid back on the roof to look up at the sky with him.

"Training probably isn't enough if you're staring at the sky, right? Then, how about we talk?" 21 offered while her gaze didn't leave the sky.

Shikuro raised an eyebrow at this, "Talk about what?"

"Ummm. . anything," 21 replied before adding, "How about I start things off? Like, umm. . .did you like the dinner I made? I know I ended up burning it a bit, and it probably didn't taste the same. . ." She frowned at her failure as the Saiyan seemed to have a confused expression on his face.

"Tasted good to me," Shikuro responded, "Though I'm not the best one to really judge."

"How come?" 21 inquired while she turned her neck to him.

He didn't seem to notice her staring, but he answered, "Well, I was alone in space before I came to Earth for quite some time, with me being a kid who knew next to nothing about cooking. I'd just eat whatever was edible," 21 seemed a bit stunned as the Saiyan shrugged nonchalantly at that fact.

"Must have been lonely. . ." The woman mentioned her tone had a hint of empathy behind it, though her eyes never left his own as he remained focused on the void.

"I guess it was, but it did humble me to appreciate food more," Shikuro admitted before noting, "Heh, I used to be such a picky eater back when I was on Codia. It was always meat, meat, and more meat. But after going through having to scramble for crumbs, I've mellowed out in that regard." The Android nodded and shifted her position slightly before letting her hands rest behind her head for support.

"Yeah. . .I get you," 21 nodded.

Though it was now, Shikuro felt it was his turn to ask something, seeing how this was her idea, "Anyways, how about you? What will you do after all this is over?" 21 blinked in confusion.

"What?" She muttered, but the Saiyan's gaze was still staring up at the void, but his attention was fully on the woman.

He clarified, "Well, once we've taken care of Cell, there will be peace for a good while again. I doubt Goku and Vegeta would be absent again, so they'll be handling the safety of the Earth as usual. Since Cell was what you were created for then once he's gone, you'll have nothing left. . .so, what are your plans for the future?"

Shikuro asked further, "I'm sure you've at least thought of something."

The android's eyes widened for a second and turned back up to the void, "I haven't, honestly. I always thought my hunger would be a thorn in my side in terms of having a future."

"Mhm, but do you even still feel that hunger anymore? Bulma's pills seem to have worked in terms of stabilizing your Majin Cells," Shikuro noted.

21 nodded and looked at the palm of her hand, "I don't. . .At first, I thought they wouldn't work, no matter what I tried. That I was doomed to become a monster cannibal like that of this Majin Buu you all mentioned. But Bulma truly is a genius. She managed to do something that I couldn't do in 7 years. . ." She frowned a bit as her eyes trailed over her fingers and hand to her wrist.

"Sounds like you admire her," Shikuro smirked and closed his eyes, "Despite all of her bragging about being the daughter of Dr.Brief, she proves it when it counts."

21 giggled a bit as a faint smile appeared, "Yeah. . she is a wonderful woman. I do owe her a lot, and I hope to help her one day." Shikuro's smirk widened at the admission.

"And there you have it," Shikuro sat up, his eyes focusing on the horizon of the void now, "It's something you want to do."

21 was silent as she looked down in thought, Shikuro's smile fading slightly before continuing, "Think of it as this. You admire her and want to help her, right? Well, Bulma's always been complaining that her workload from being the main innovator, if not the only innovator aside from her retired father, is starting to weigh down on her. Being a woman of her stature while raising a kid and being the husband of the Saiyan Prince. . .I'm surprised her hair isn't gray yet. But she's definitely in need of help. A brilliant mind almost like hers." Shikuro could see that he had 21 to consider, seeing the woman nod a bit.

"So, you saying that if I want to have a future. . .I can help Bulma by doing what she does and learn from her?" 21 paraphrased.

"Pretty much," Shikuro affirmed and added, "But that's one option. The future can go in many paths. Just follow your heart, and you'll be fine. As much as Bulma tutored me before I applied to High School, I don't think I can intern for her. Sitting in front of a computer all day or working on the assembly line sounds a lot more tedious than fighting." Shikuro snickered and turned to face the woman.

"Thanks. I think I get the picture," 21 smiled softly as the Saiyan's tail flickered, "Then what about your future? Don't you have dreams?"

Shikuro blinked for a moment and sighed, "Ironically, I don't know about mine either. . .I used to know what I wanted to be and where I wanted to go with my life. Still, now I just. . .don't have the same enthusiasm for it anymore," The Saiyan crossed his legs in Indian style as his hand rubbed the back of his head in slight annoyance.

"Then, what interests you right now?" 21 questioned while she leaned forward to watch Shikuro think to himself.

The Saiyan took a long pause before smirking at himself, "I guess, more than anything, to find strength." His eyes darted at the android.

"Find strength? Aren't you plenty of strong as is?" 21 inquired

But, Shikuro shook his head and explained more, "Not in a literal sense, I guess. But, more so, personal strength is true to myself. Like Goku, who strives to better himself every day to be the best he can be, or like Vegeta, who strives not to get left behind and maintain his Saiyan pride. But I'm neither of them. For me. . .I guess it's always been about defeating fear. The fear of losing to the world." 21 seemed confused for a moment but understood what he was getting at.

"Is that why you practice martial arts? Are they your inspiration?" 21 asked.

Shikuro thought for a moment, a silence as if he were looking at something else before answering, "Not in particular. I guess I admired martial arts way before that."

"Why?" She asked.

"Well, lucky for you, I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I can recall it for you. . ." Shikuro turned with a smirk and added, "That's if you don't fall asleep on me."

21 smirked as she sat up to lean forward, "I'll try my best to stay awake." Shikuro shrugged and looked into the void as he began his story.

"To start. . ."

~~~~~Flashback To Planet Codia, Years Ago. . .~~~~~

"You damn brat!"

"Ngh!"

A young Shikuro fell flat on his but and rubbed the bruise on his cheek. He looked up at a Codian whose figure was well-built, but his face had a permanent scowl directed at him, and his eyes were narrowed. There weren't any notable features aside from his shiny bald purple head and pointed ears. Still, it was enough for Shikuro to glare back at him despite how dirty his clothes were now. Shikuro clutched the bag of food he was carrying, the contents inside making a crinkle noise as the Codian man raised his fist threateningly.

"You've got some nerve-stealing food from me. Are you asking for a beating, huh?" The Codian man growled.

Shikuro pouted and shot back, "I didn't steal from you. I bought it fair and square. You just raised the price on me right after I bought it to screw with me!"

The Codian man rolled his eyes, "Oh, what a smartass. I'm the one who decides the price, and guess what? Saiyans have to pay double!" He spat while glaring down at the young child.

"What! That's stupid!" Shikuro shouted, "You're a scammer! Wait till I tell Nana!"

"Pah! The elder's daughter? I don't give a damn! If she comes, I'll give her the same treatment I'm about to give you!" The Codian threatened with a smirk, "In fact, I think I'll take all of your money. .and then we'll see if she has anything left to protect you with. What do you say, punk?"

Shikuro scoffed, and without hesitation, he spat saliva on the man's face, much to the forming crowd's surprise. The Codian froze for a moment before wiping the spit off his face and slowly turning back to Shikuro with a dark expression. He reached down and grabbed the Saiyan boy by the collar of his shirt and raised him up, "You got some damn nerve! Screw respect and wishes, I'm going to kill you kid!" However, Shikuro still remained stubborn and spat in his face again.

"Don't care, not the first time, asshat," Shikuro sneered before smirking.

The Codian man smirked back devilishly, "Good, then no hard feelings!" The Codian man reeled back his fist until he felt a firm hand grip around his wrist. His eyes widened, and he stared at Shikuro's smug grin and chuckle before turning behind him.

With a tighter grip around the Codian man's wrist was an older Codian who had an "X" shape scar on his right cheek, a scruffy beard that covered the bottom half of his face, and a long and braided white ponytail that went down to his waist. The rest of his white hair was spiky and pointed behind him, while his eyes were sharp and fierce like a wolf's. He wore a simple gray and black Gi that had no sleeves with the ends of his pants tucked into his boots. Due to this, his muscles, despite his actual age, were that of a young man with little to no body fat. He was just pure muscle with battle scars to show he was a veteran throughout his test to time.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked with a low and intimidating tone.

The Codian man shook in fear and stuttered, "Village Elder Koshu. .I--I--. . ."

"Save it, drop the brat, and go about your day," Koshu said.

The Codian man gulped and did exactly as ordered, letting Shikuro fall to the floor. However, he scrambled away from the two and back to his stand as Koshu continued to glare at him. As he did, Shikuro nervously tried to tip-toe away into the crowd, his feet trying not to make a sound until he felt Koshu's hand grip his monkey tail, and his strength began to weaken. He struggled to get away until he was pulled back. Koshu was now kneeling down to his level, his eyes still staring daggers at the young Saiyan as he held him up in the air, "Really, kid? You need to know when not to pick fights you can't win."

"He started it!" Shikuro complained, but Koshu had none of it and flicked him on the forehead.

Koshu shook his head, "No excuses; why are you out here in the streets alone anyways?"

"Nana sent me to buy groceries for the orphanage. I was only doing what I was told, and that jackass--" Shikuro tried to explain until Koshu flicked his forehead again, which caused him to wince in pain.

"Watch your language," Koshu scolded as Shikuro rubbed his forehead and glared at the man, who continued, "This is why I told Nana not to be too relaxed around you. Her profanity habits are starting to rub off on you."

Shikuro pouted, "That's not true. . ." Koshu stared at him for a moment before sighing and letting go of the Saiyan's tail.

"No matter, come along," Koshu turned around while still squatting.

Shikuro knew what he was gesturing about and hopped on his back as he rested his chin on his shoulders, "Where are we going?"

"A little camping trip," Koshu answered, but Shikuro pouted.

"What? But Nana said she's making curry for dinner tonight. . ." Shikuro whined as Koshu just ignored him and began to walk down the streets of Codia.

His boots dug into the dirt of the streets as Koshu responded, "Well, consider this as punishment for being reckless again. Now you'll be having self-caught fried fish for dinner made by yourself." Shikuro groaned and let his head hang on Koshu's shoulders as he watched the world pass by with his tail swinging lazily.

Koshu, otherwise known by the people of Codia, First General Koshu, was the Elder of Codia's capital village. Unlike a monarchy, the Codian government operated on a system similar to presidential democracy. Though, Koshu was also the only general of Codia's forces that existed. The position was a special one which granted him the highest authority in the country without question. Although, those who knew the story of Koshu's achievements know that wasn't the case. Codians lived for a long time, hundreds of years, in fact. Thus, Koshu was currently the longest-living Codian to exist, with his age at the ripe age of 300 years old. It was also rumored he was the most powerful man on the planet, able to take down an army with his strength alone. Back when the early Saiyans invaded Codia, Koshu was the one who was said to have fought them off single-handedly.

He was the man who saved their planet from destruction. So, it was safe to say that Codians would trust the man with their lives. However, Shikuro, from his perspective, knew the man didn't seem to care about his title or achievements. Seeing how he would reject medals and gifts from the people claiming that 'his scars were his metals,' Koshu was a humble man who wandered the village or sat in his home in the mountains rather than living in the fancy house the people gifted him. Koshu just simply didn't like being given things even if he had earned them. He wanted to do things himself, and he preferred solitude at times.

Shikuro relaxed over his shoulders as the two continued to walk down the dirt path leading up to the mountains of Codia. The sun was bright and high in the sky as the trees swayed in the wind. Between him and the old man, Shikuro felt more of a father figure than everyone else. Compared to Nana, while he'd consider her as an older sister, Shikuro held Koshu up in higher regard despite the small moments they actually spent together. Small moments that had more of an impact than you'd think.

"Alright, we're here. This is where we'll be setting up camp for tonight," Koshu pointed to an opening within the woods. Shikuro peeked over his shoulder only to see a small clearing and the sight of a waterfall just out into the distance.

Koshu walked over to a spot that was flat and soft enough for a sleeping bag and gently set Shikuro down before he went to work. He seemed to have already planned this, seeing how he had just pulled a bag of supplies right out of the bushes, much to Shikuro's dismay. However, Koshu ignored him and simply continued fumbling through the supplies, "Now, for you. I want you to be the one to catch dinner."

"What! But that's gross! The fish smell is terrible, and they're slimy and--" Shikuro complained, but Koshu tossed a small dagger at Shikuro, who fumbled to catch it in time.

"No complaints. Catching your own food is the first step to being independent," Koshu instructed. At the same time, Shikuro pouted and looked at the dagger, "You should know how to get it. I showed you before, right?"

Shikuro nodded and walked off with a begrudged attitude, his shoulders slouched as he headed into out of the clearing area and towards the waterfall. Koshu watched the Saiyan leave for a moment before sitting down on the floor to rest his feet, a sigh escaping his lips as he closed his eyes. He knew this was going to take a while, even after he finished setting up camp, but he needed some alone time to think. A few minutes later, he finally set up everything and sat down on the ground to enjoy the view of the waterfall and the sounds of nature. Today was just another peaceful day, and he couldn't help but be amused by Shikuro's struggle and loud cursing at the fish that slipped out of his hands.

As much as the boy would whine, he'd never refuse a challenge. He was stubborn like that, and Koshu found it rather admirable. But he'd never voice it; no, he'd just watch in silence until he got tired of his struggles.

~~~~~Time Skip: Hours Later To Where Day Shifts Into Night~~~~~

"Damn it!"

Shikuro shouted for what felt like the thousandth time as he chased yet another fish into the water, his boots sinking in the mud as he tried to catch it, only to fail. He tossed the dagger onto the ground out of frustration as he crossed his arms. This fish got away quickly swimming away from the Saiyan's presence. Koshu, who had been watching the boy for the last 3 hours, was getting bored and decided to get up from the fire he made to finally put an end to his misery. He walked over, placed a hand on the Saiyan boy's shoulders, and sighed.

"You suck, kid," Koshu said bluntly.

Shikuro looked up and glared, "No, you suck! You know I suck at this, but you keep making me do it anyways!"

Koshu's expression didn't change, "I do it because it'll help you grow as a person. Now watch," He walked into the stream of water and stared for a moment with a bag in hand. All the while, Shikuro stared with a permanent frown on his face. But Koshu ignored it, and as he stared into the stream before thrusting his hand into the water so fast, it was just a blur. Several fish sprung into the air before catching them in the bag and tying it tight.

"There, done," Koshu turned to Shikuro and held the bag up front, "Now it's your job to gut all the fish I caught."

"But--!" Shikuro tried to argue, but Koshu gave him a look that silenced him.

The young Saiyan frowned and just walked over to retrieve the dagger he threw before snagging the bag of fish out of his hands. He dragged his feet over to where they had set up camp and sat down to start cutting away at the fish. Koshu sighed and walked over as well before sitting by the fire where the boy worked on gutting the fish. He watched the boy do it with reluctance, the blood of the fish staining his clothes a bit while his eyes focused on the fish he was cutting up. His eyes were filled with annoyance as he finished his work, Koshu's eyes watching his every move.

"Do you not like blood, Shikuro?" Koshu asked.

Shikuro shrugged, "It's not that. I don't really care about blood or anything. It just feels disgusting, that's all," He tossed the remains of the fish into the pile and continued on to the next one.

"Then, do you find killing something for the sake of food wrong? Disgusting?" Koshu further questioned.

"No, isn't that how life is anyway? Things die. . ." Shikuro muttered, "It just feels disgusting to have blood on my hands, is all."

Koshu sighed and frowned, "So it's just a matter of getting your hands dirty."

Shikuro nodded, "I guess. . but what does it matter? You're the one who made me do this."

"Nana's spoiled you too much," Koshu pointed out and ignored his previous sentence, "With that type of attitude, life is going to kick you to the curve. Compared to the Saiyans from my day, they'd be proud of you for even admitting to the blood on your hands."

"Yeah, well, you're not a Saiyan, so I don't get why it matters so much to you," Shikuro grumbled.

Koshu didn't show much expression to that before admitting, "Well, as a former veteran who fought against those Saiyans, I have to admit. They were strong." Shikuro rolled his eyes and continued cutting the fish a bit more aggressively.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. The Saiyans of old were strong and barbaric. Committed terrible things and are demons in the eyes of Codia," Shikuro sneered as Koshu remained silent.

"It bothers you still, doesn't it?" Koshu asked.

Shikuro paused and turned to glare at the man, "No, it doesn't! Stop saying that!"

"It does, and I know," Koshu shot back with a stern glare that made Shikuro flinch, "Your attitude to the people's disdain about you for being a Saiyan shows that even if you deny it. Fighting back the way you do won't change their opinion of you."

Shikuro scoffed, "So what? I don't care about what they think of me." Koshu scratched his head and gave an exasperated sigh.

"If you're going to keep saying that, then start acting like you don't care and stop getting into fights with grown-ups. I won't be around forever to bail you out of trouble," Koshu scolded, but Shikuro just pouted and looked down at his hands; the blood of the fish stained his hands with bits of flesh stuck on them. The fire crackled loudly, and some of the wood snapped and popped in the midst of silence between them.

"Why do you even bother?" Shikuro muttered.

Koshu raised an eyebrow, "Bother with what?"

"Raising something you formerly fought against with your life? What's the point?" Shikuro questioned, "It'd be much easier if you killed me. . ."

Koshu thought for a moment, his eyes looking at the flames of the fire. At the same time, the sound of the waterfall echoed in the background, "Perhaps I've grown to look past the stereotypes and at the individual."

"The individual?" Shikuro raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, you are still young, so you have time to find your own identity," Koshu closed his eyes and leaned to the right to relax some more, "It's true that not caring what others think and being yourself is a good thing. However, saying that and actually abiding by that code are two different things. People are going to judge you and hate you for who you are, no matter what. That is simply how the world is. But, if you respond in a way that is negative and destructive, then they have all the right to hate you for that as well. Then, what would you gain by giving them the reaction they want? An image of that 'demon' they've painted Saiyans to be."

Shikuro looked at the half-done gutted fish, the light of the fire next to him illuminating the shadows of his face as he appeared crestfallen, "Then. . .what should I do? Be quiet and take it? I'm not someone who can just sit back and take it. I don't even like that much either. . ." Koshu thought for a moment as he cupped his chin with a hum before opening his eyes.

"How about I show you something," Koshu offered as he stood up, his tone softer than his rough and gruff voice, "I'm not sure if you'll understand it since you're still young, but it should at least guide you in the right direction."

"What is it?" Shikuro asked, but Koshu turned around and headed for the forest. Shikuro took the invitation to follow, the two walking through the cloudy night sky of the planet.

They walked through the forest that surrounded the mountains for several minutes, the Saiyan child having a hard time keeping up with the long strides of the older Codian until they passed through to find themselves in front of a tall cliff overlooking the ocean of Codia. It was still cloudy, foggy even, as the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks and shore echoed around them. All the while, Koshu stood at the ledge of the cliff with Shikuro standing several feet behind him. The young Saiyan was about to ask as he approached, but Koshu held his hand out for him to stay back, "I wouldn't get too close."

"Why not?" Shikuro asked.

"Just watch," Koshu ordered, and much to Shikuro's confusion, he did as the old man said. He crossed his arms and waited patiently to see what Koshu was trying to show him. The wind blew calmly against them, the grass blade beneath their feet swaying and rustling to the rhythm of nature.

All the while, Koshu just remained still with his eyes closed in deep thought as if he was meditating. His body shifted into a wide stance, his arms spread to hover just above his knees, and his right foot dug into the ground. Shikuro raised an eyebrow until he noticed the air around the old man began to swirl from his right foot to up his knee, then around his waist before finally fully surrounding his body. It was a calm wind, but also a powerful pressure could be felt as the dust and dirt began to rise from the ground and spin around his body. Shikuro covered his eyes, though the winds didn't seem to harm him much but he couldn't help but take note of it. The wind. . .it was actually taking form. That or the old man was exerting some sort of energy. He couldn't tell, but all he could see was the air becoming a visible and calm white vortex of seemingly an abundance of energy. Then. . .Koshu muttered, "_______"

As he said that, a burst of air and force was emitted from the old man's body that was powerful enough to send a shockwave throughout the area. His right foot, which seemed to have held all the force that was built up in his body, finally released it and sent the shockwave flying across the sky and sea that took the form of. . .a comet? Shikuro was unsure due to it happening all too fast, but as he watched in amazement, the clouds above the ocean were pushed aside by force, and the fog that once shrouded the sea was no more. The waters parted, and there, Shikuro saw it, a crevasse within the planet that stretched out long into the distance before the waters crashed back into each other and merged into one ocean once more.

"Woah. . ." Shikuro was awed as he continued to stare at the ocean in amazement before turning his attention back to Koshu, "What was that?"

Koshu let out a breath and turned to answer his question with a smirk, "An old martial arts technique I developed long ago." He sat down on the grass and faced the sea before patting the spot next to him.

Shikuro stared for a moment though eventually, he walked over and took a seat next to him at the edge of the cliff. With the fog gone and the cloudy skies parted, the stars were now brighter than ever, and the clear waters reflected the night sky like a mirror. The crescent moon shone dimly from above as Shikuro looked up at the old man with his youthful yet curious eyes, "So, was that mark at the bottom of the ocean your doing?" Koshu nodded and looked up at the night sky.

"Yes, a long time ago. Back when I perfected this technique after thousands of attempts. . .I made it and used it against the Saiyan Invaders during their first invasion of our planet," Koshu explained with a nostalgic smile on his face, "But in reality, it was just an ambition of mine."

"Ambition?" Shikuro tilted his head.

Koshu nodded, "Martial arts can be used to express oneself. To convey the 'you' of your future, the 'you' of before, and most importantly, the 'you' of the present. Your vision, your wishes, and your ideals. They are all a part of you, and martial arts expresses all of that. They tell your story to the world and leave their mark like the crevasse you saw at the bottom of the sea. That mark was proof of my hard work, and these scars are proof of what I've accomplished in life. What I want to leave behind for the future." Koshu lifted his hands to show his battle-worn hands and arms. Numerous X-shaped scars were all over his hands and arms.

Shikuro took a moment to stare at his hands, the blood from the fish still staining them. In comparison. . .he hadn't done much to leave behind a mark for the future. He hadn't even had a dream. The young Saiyan frowned as he lowered his hands; his gaze fell to the ocean until he felt a hand ruffle his hair, "But you're too young to fully understand it, let alone worry about it. Enjoy your youth and life without hardship. It's a blessing that you shouldn't take for granted. Besides. . ."

"Hmm?" Shikuro hummed curiously at the softer tone.

Koshu's eyes seemed distant, the wind softly blowing against his face as he smiled, "True martial arts doesn't mean you need to have to strongest punch or the sharpest kick. What true martial arts represents is the strength of one's heart and spirit." The Codian elder looked up at the stars once more, the twinkling lights shining in the reflection of his eyes.

"Split the sky with not the weight of your strikes but with the strength of your heart. Your heart is what is what paints the sky and leaves its mark on the world. That way, you'd know you live a life truth," Koshu advised.

There was a long silence between them; the only sounds that filled the air were the sound of the ocean waves crashing and the wind blowing past them. Koshu remained silent while he gazed into the night sky. However, Shikuro couldn't help but look at the horizon from afar before finally responding, "Sounds like a bunch of BS if you ask me. You're just a freak of nature." Comical as it was, Koshu couldn't help but give a loud laugh at the comment as he pats the young Saiyan boy on the head.

~~~~~Returning Back To Present Day~~~~~

"From that day forward, I tried to visit Koshu's home in the mountains whenever I snuck out. He was always practicing his Martial Arts, saying it wasn't perfect or his ideal. Whatever that meant, but I don't recall I time where I ever took my eyes off it until he finished for the day," Shikuro concluded his recollection of the memory with a chuckle, "Nana would always get on my case about it. However, since gramps would always practice at night."

21 smiled as well, "I see. You mentioned Koshu before, but hearing more about him, he must have been an amazing person."

"Yeah, he was," Shikuro nodded.

Though, 21 couldn't help but ask, "Did you ever try learning that technique yourself? The one he used that day." Shikuro nodded, but he didn't seem too proud of it.

"I did years later, but I couldn't do it. I even asked Goku and Vegeta for help, but they couldn't understand it either. Hell, Master Roshi, who is considered the best martial artist on Earth, couldn't even decipher it. We thought it was just some form of Ki Blast, but I know there was something more. . .something. . .different," Shikuro muttered from memory, "It's weird. It felt like Ki, but it's like Ki was only a part of the process. A small part of the whole picture."

"Maybe you're overthinking things?" 21 suggested.

But Shikuro shook his head and explained, "I don't think so. I know it's something different, and Koshu knew it, too. I asked him before about it, but every time I asked him, he always gave me the same answer."

"What did he say?" The Android asked.

"Ki is from the heart, so synch and harmonize the wind with it," Shikuro impersonated an old man's voice before sighing and continuing, "Whatever that means. I swear, he loves to be cryptic."

21 nodded, "I see. Well, it sounds like it must have been quite the experience." Shikuro nodded and leaned back on the roof to look up at the sky of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

"Still. . .I'm glad he was in your life," 21 admitted much to Shikuro's confusion. Though she provided some clarity on that, "You wouldn't be you if you didn't meet him. Those ideals and goals you have. Also, your drive. . .I think that's something to be proud of."

Shikuro turned to look at her this time as she continued to look upward. There was a small blush on his face that was barely noticeable before smirking softly as he turned to look upward with her, "Yeah. . ." It was still dim, and both knew they needed rest for tomorrow's training. However. . .

Both wanted to be awake a little longer. . .

[- - - -]

(Now Returning Back To Capsule Corp Shelter Beta. . .)

Hours had passed throughout the day, and it was currently the middle of the night within the underground shelter. Many of the refugees had been fast asleep at this point, which made things quiet aside from the few night owls who seemed too anxious about everything that had happened in the past few days. They'd go from chatting with each other to looking around in case something came bursting out of the vents. Even Bulma, the ever so dedicated CEO, was still working as usual at this point; the only difference was the lack of refugee complaints bothering her every few seconds. Since that wasn't the case anymore, Bulma was finally allowed to focus on the important matter.

As she sat at her desk, her eyes laid on the selected indiviuals in the room who she allowed in here. Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien were currently the only ones present. Yes, the remaining Z-Fighters were the only ones even capable of fighting for what's to come in roughly 2 hours from now. With Buu being impossible to wake up when they needed him the most and their aces currently at the end of the last month of training, this was all they got.

"Any updates on the clones?" Bulma sighed, her hand running through her hair to pull back any stray locks out of her vision as she looked at Piccolo. The Namekian gave her an affirming nod before replying.

"They've been quiet. . too quiet. We've managed to eliminate the remaining ones terrorizing some of the world's cities. Still, as for the rest. . .their energies can't be sensed anymore," Piccolo remarked.

Krillin nodded and chimed in, "Yeah, it's almost like they've vanished completely. We can't tell if they are laying low or worse. . they've been absorbed by Cell."

"You think. . .he's ready?" Tien remarked with his arms crossed.

Yamcha added, "Likely, yeah. I mean, why even lay low? If Cell's really supposed to become that much more powerful from this, then what would be the point? I doubt he's got nothing better to do than to sit in hiding." The rest of them couldn't really say otherwise.

Piccolo nodded at their logic, but Krillin chimed in, "So, we have a plan of action, right?"

"We do, and that's to buy time," Piccolo answered as he took the center of the room, "Currently speaking, our job is to make sure the Earth isn't destroyed too fast before Shikuro and that android finishes their training. Once they've joined the fight, we'll all attack him at once and make sure he doesn't come back from Hell again." The group all nodded as they felt the plan was as good as any, even though the part where they 'bought time' seemed a bit. . .vague.

But still, that didn't stop Yamcha, "Are we sure this will work? We still don't know how much stronger that guy will become, right?"

"It's our only shot," Krillin countered, "Both your Goku and Vegeta are currently sealed as long as Cell has one of the Dragon Balls hostages. If push comes to shove, the real goal would be to extract the Dragon Ball somehow from Cell and summon Shenron to wish them and Gohan back from whatever dimension Cell sent them in. If worse comes to worse, then I'm sure they'd find a way to get the ball back for us." Krillin remarked as Yamcha, Piccolo, and Tien could all nod at his idea.

Seeing as they all were coming to a mutual understanding, Piccolo turned to Bulma, "In any case, when the fighting starts, be sure not to let anyone onto the surface. Lock all the doors as well." Bulma seemed shocked to hear such a request, but it made sense.

If things got out of control. . they could end up being more trouble than they'd be worth. "Got it," She nodded with a determined look on her face, the Namekian sternly nodding back.

"Good, and we'll lure Cell into a secluded area as well to minimize the damage in populated areas. We can't afford to hold back, or Cell will just pick us off one by one," Piccolo added as he turned to everyone, "For now, we all got 2 hours to prepare. That's the estimated time Cell was said to be able to absorb enough energy to complete that new evolution of his. It's up to-!?"

The Namekian paused mid-sentence, and similar to every other Z-fighter present, they all shared the same expression. Pure shock. Bulma was confused as to what was going on until Krillin asked with a shaky voice, ". . .Do you guys feel that?"

Yamcha added, his hands slightly trembling in disbelief, "You guys are sensing this too, right!? Like we're not all having the same dream or something, right!?" The others were equally shocked.

"This. .this power!? It's on a different scale altogether. . .," Tien remarked while Piccolo seemed to have a hint of confusion in his voice as he mentioned the new presence.

"That can't be. .that many clones can amass that much energy for one person?" The Namekian muttered before adding, "Not only that, there is an absurd amount of other decently strong energy signatures as well! He's not alone!"

"C-Can we even handle this?" Yamcha stuttered in disbelief.

Bulma, being left in the dark, finally asked in a worried tone, "What's going on. . .?" They all remained silent until Piccolo turned to Bulma and answered seriously.

"Cell's here early. . ." The Namekian replied.

Bulma's eyes widened, and her expression shifted from shock to a serious, nervous look. Whether it was as expected or not, it didn't change the fact that. . .

The fight had arrived.

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off. . .)

It was late at night; the vacant sound of animals or any other critters that usually roamed the grassy meadow and mountain range during the night had vanished. The silence had taken over with only the sounds of crickets, the distant waves, and a cold, gentle wind brushing the grass around. The area was an open field near the mountains and waterfalls of the land. This area was located a distance away from the land that was filled with cities and towns. However, the location was well known for being a quiet place in the night that some people visited to get away from the bustling and loud noise from the busy city though now, it was devoided of anything. The perfect place for the remaining Z-Fighters to make their stand. As far as Bulma was concerned, she opted to stay behind nearby as tech support if needed. As human as she was, the remaining Z-Fighters had to admire her courage. To stay behind takes balls that she didn't even have. Needless to say, that's why she's technically the Saiyan princess but she could rest easy knowing her parents had escorted themselves out somewhere afar from the looming chaos yesterday. 

Standing in the middle of the field were Piccolo, Tien, Krillin, and Yamcha. The four original members of the group were together. The silence was heavy in the air as the Z-Fighters waited anxiously for the arrival of their enemy. Yamcha turned to Krillin, "Hey, where's your wife? We could use her help, you know?"

The short, bald martial artist nodded with a slight smile, "She's with Marron at Kame House at the moment. She likely has no idea what's going on, and I tried calling her, but she hasn't picked up."

"Great, another person on the list of people who could help us that are inaccessible," Piccolo groaned, and Krillin nodded in agreement.

On the other hand, Tien looked around for a bit before feeling something was off, "Don't you think it's weird we haven't seen Cell anywhere? We can feel his Ki as if he's on Earth, but. . .he's nowhere to be seen. Do we even have the right spot?"

"We should; this was where his energy signature was last seen before it vanished," Krillin noted.

"It's probably a trick. Maybe he's just toying with us by playing around," Yamcha assumed, but Piccolo shook his head in disagreement.

"No, it's something else," Piccolo assumed as he looked around, "It's like his Ki is everywhere at once. . .It's throwing off our senses."

The other Z-fighters couldn't quite understand what was happening. They could still feel his energy signature as if Cell was still here, but something was different about it. It was as if the enemy's Ki was being one with the air around them, and it was almost impossible to distinguish one from another. Suddenly, there was a sharp noise, a sound like static was playing. It was coming from every direction around the group.

Piccolo growled in annoyance while Krillin turned to Tien and Yamcha, "What was that noise!?" They all didn't answer; instead, they got into a battle-ready stance. The sixth sense of danger was tingling. Something was approaching, but the problem was that they needed help to see where or who from. Then. . .

"You seem to be looking for something," A voice suddenly rang from all around. Before any of them could react, Tien was the first one to experience it. A blow from what seemed completely invisible to the eye as he was sent flying into a boulder with a pained yell.

Krillin yelled in alarm as Yamcha was about to check up on his friend when suddenly, he too felt a gut-wrenching punch that embedded into his stomach. The former bandit gasped, blood shooting out of his mouth before having his throat grabbed and his body hoisted up. Both Krillin and Piccolo watched in complete shock, their thoughts telling them to charge in and help, but their instincts were telling them it was suicide.

Standing in between them and Tien, his arm tightening around Yamcha's neck, was Cell but he looked entirely different. The usual green section of his body, which consisted of his arms, torso, waist, horns, and legs, was now red in color. In contrast, the usual black spots on those parts shifted to a glowing green. His chest and shoulders remained black, as well as the ball in between his upward horns. The purple stripes running down each side of his face now turned red while his sclera shifted from white to black around those glowing yellow iris. On his shoulders protruded a pair of two small black spikes on each side at the top.

Furthermore, underneath each forearm were a pair of three red spikes slightly longer in size that also were present on the side of his thighs. Lastly, his midsection where his abs and ribs were, turned purple, with certain joins in between his arms and legs also showing purple as well. The only part that didn't change was the color of his face, hands, and neck, which remained pure white as he faced Piccolo and Krillin, "Is this all you have to offer? I'm disappointed." Piccolo grunted and tried to think.

"It's absurd. . .! He's barely emitting any power, but it's already making the likes of Majin Buu look like an ant in comparison. . ." Piccolo noted, "It's almost indescribable. . ."

While the Namekian continued with his thoughts, Krillin balled his fist as he glared at Cell, "Why though. . .We thought you needed more time to complete whatever evolution this is!?"

"It's quite simple really. . . while absorbing the clones, I notice something about myself. I recalled back to the time I absorbed 18 and 17 in the past. You would think that their power would only add to my own, like many others I've absorbed in the past, but,. . .oh, I was mistaken," Cell smirked as he pointed to his forehead, "Absorbing those with similar schematics and structure to my own only multiplied my power instead. In 17 and 18's design, they still retain mostly human function, and the mechanical parts in their body only serve to enhance their organic makeup. They were never fully mechanical, which is why they can still reproduce. But the very cells that were enhanced are similar to my own, which means. . ."

"The reason why your strength multiplied when you absorbed them in the past was because it was like absorbing yourself. . ." Piccolo mumbled with realization, "Then. . .this whole time. . .each clone you absorbed. . ."

Cell chuckled as he nodded, "Bingo, and now my new evolution is complete. Perfect Cell doesn't cut it anymore, so maybe I need a new name. Hmmm, oh yes. Apex Cell sounds good. . .yes. . .a perfect name for someone as perfect as me," Apex Cell declared with a cocky smirk.

Yamcha groaned in pain as Cell tightened his hold around the bandit's neck before releasing his grip only to kick the poor Z-Fighter in the stomach. Yamcha gagged as he was sent flying into the distance; the only indication of him crashing was the large cloud of dust he raised with the force. Regardless, Cell looked around for a moment.

"Where's Android 21. . .?" He asked curiously with a smirk as if he knew. Krillin remained silent and only stared at Cell, which was more than enough for him. Cell let out a dark laugh, "What's with the cold shoulder, Krillin? Piccolo?"

The Namekian grunted and didn't answer as well, which only made Cell chuckle darkly, "Not speaking? How rude? We haven't seen each other in years, so I'd thought I'd get a warmer reunion--" Without warning, Krillin yelled and immediately hurled several Destructo Disks at his enemy; Apex Cell sighed.

"Again?" He muttered as he recalled a time Krillin used this technique before, only for it to fail miserably. However, something interesting happened this time. The discs flew passed him and maneuvered to surround him before changing shape to form what looked to be a birdcage that enclosed the Apex Being within.

Though, Cell only laughed at this, "Really, trying to contain me?" Suddenly, Krillin could feel a strong energy surge around him and before he could blink, he felt an explosion hit his stomach that sent him flying back. Cell smiled as the cage shattered apart and disintegrated behind him, while Piccolo only managed to react a moment later. After images could be seen to tell what Cell did but the Namekian was completely stunned.

"He broke out in an instant?" Piccolo whispered, only able to see Cell slowly lower his raised foot back onto the ground.

He stood next to Piccolo, who was too shaken to move, and smirked, "Now, you seem smart, so I'll ask you directly next. Where is Android 21, Piccolo." He repeated, his voice still retaining a gentleman-like quality despite his terrifying nature. Piccolo gritted his teeth and said nothing while Cell sighed in annoyance.

"Times ticking," Cell reminded.

The Namekian was panicked thinking, "He's looking for Android 21. .that's a given. Meaning he won't risk destroying the planet and losing her in the process to get what he wants. If I can play my cards right, I can buy us some more time."

"I don't know, probably out for some coffee?" Piccolo tried to strike a conversation with a nervous sweatdrop, which didn't amuse his enemy as he could feel the glare in his eye.

"No," Cell retorted, "Don't lie to me. Where is she? If you want me to destroy Earth, you better have her in a place she can't be harmed."

However, Piccolo countered, "Do that, and you'll never reach her." Cell raised a brow at this before realizing what his enemy was saying. He grinned and chuckled to himself. Perfect.

"I see. . ." Cell muttered before turning to face the sky, much to Piccolo's confusion. There was a long pause before Cell grinned, "Another dimension?"

The Namekian's eyes widened in shock, and Cell could see that he was spot on as he continued, "How? Is that the question running through your head? Did you forget I learned Instant Transmission in the past? With Goku's cells in me, it was easy to learn how to traverse into Otherworld. With my new power, I can even sense those dimensions that even he couldn't sense energy in."

Cell's grin only widened before turning around to look Piccolo straight in the face with his hand reaching towards him, "So. . .where is she?" The Namekian couldn't help but widen his eyes; this was bad. Shikuro and 21 didn't finish training yet in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. If he went there now. . .everything will have been for naught! He was out of options. . .Gotenks? No, throwing Goten and Trunks into this fight as it is now would be suicide. Try to wake up, Buu? Even Buu felt irrelevant in making a change to the situation.

However, as the Namekian was stuck in panic mode, Cell had already figured out his own plans, "Well, seeing as you don't want to talk, this dimension seems to have a one-way passage. Strange. Can't Instant Transmission there either. Oh well. . ." Piccolo was confused by his indifference and was nervously sweating. Was he going to say screw it and blow up the planet anyways?

"Shit. . ." Piccolo thought before turning to Cell. He had to buy more time, "Cell, wait---"

However, he stopped mid-sentence as he noticed Cell was staring at something in the sky. He was confused at first until he noticed it, too, a mechanical drone hovering above with the CC logo clearly written on it. His eyes widened, and he couldn't help but mutter, "That. . .dumb genius of a woman. . ."

"Ahahahaha. . .If you won't give me answers, then perhaps someone less. . .battle hardened will," Cell grinned as he placed his fingers on his forehead. Seeing this, Piccolo made an attempt to swing at him, only to be too slow to stop Cell from performing Instant Transmission. He struck only air, and panic caused him to sweat heavily. He looked around, only seeing everyone was laid out cold and unable to fight. He grunted, knowing he didn't have time, and bolted towards the CC Shelter in West City at full speed.

Piccolo gritted his teeth in frustration, the wind filling his ears as he steeled himself to fight a battle that was certain death, "He's going after Bulma next! I have to hurry, or she'll talk---!"

*BOOM!*

His sentence was interrupted once more, this time by an explosion in the center of the city that erupted from underground. He gasped in surprise as the wind raged around him before he was forced to raise his arms in front of his face to defend against the dust cloud and shockwave of the explosion. However, they slowly dissipated, revealing the underground shelter being uprooted from below, and the citizens that hid there were either in a panic, injured, or mostly. . dead. But amidst the chaos below, his eyes fell towards Cell, who had Bulma held up by the throat in a tight grip with his back turned towards Piccolo. The Namekian couldn't see it clearly from his perspective. Still, from Cell's actions and the sounds that came out of his mouth, Piccolo knew he had threatened Bulma by squeezing the air out of her.

"Shit!" Piccolo growled, his body launching down toward Cell with a fist raised. No words needed to be said. He had to do something now; otherwise, Vegeta would likely blame him for the reason his wife had her neck snapped. The Namekian threw his fist out with the full intention of beating his enemy to death if needed. Still, Cell remained unfazed as he glanced over his shoulder to face his attacker.

The moment Piccolo got into range, the Apex simply swung his tail. It was so fast that it came like a blur that struck the Namekian in his neck. There was a snapping sound that came so easily, his eyes widening and turning completely white while his mouth hung open. His neck bent back almost ninety degrees from where it was originally. Blood gushed out his mouth like a fountain while he was sent flying into the wall and crashed with a loud thud. Motionless, his senses and vision spun as he began to struggle to stay awake. If he wasn't Namekian and had a good healing factor. . he would have died right there, just like that, and faster than a snap of his fingers.

His attention shifted from Piccolo and to Bulma. She was wide-eyed with tears as her throat was held by Cell; she tried to pry it off but was useless against his strength. Though Cell remained impassive and turned back to Bulma, "Pardon the distraction, there was an annoying buzzing fly in the room, and it needed to be swatted." Bulma grunted and glared at him as she choked out the words.

"I. . .ain't. . .saying shit," she grunted with determination as the android tightened his hold on her neck. Her hands grabbed his hand in an attempt to lessen his strength and loosen his hold.

Cell grinned, "Bulma, Bulma, you know it's pointless to be stubborn? You're only making it worse on yourself." He squeezed a bit tighter.

"All you need to do is just help me out. . ." He continued, his tone a bit darker despite his calm and cool appearance. She only grunted in reply, which annoyed him, "Where is she?"

Bulma glared at him, and the Apex sighed in annoyance. He looked around the area in search of anything he could use to get her to talk. They likely knew he was one of the Dragon Balls integrated into his body, thus holding it hostage. Meaning. . death had meaning now, and the risk was too great to play games. So, if she didn't care about her own life, then perhaps. . another life would suffice. Luckily for him, he heard a sound nearby, a cry of pain and banter of worry from a few feet away. He turned, seeing a group of teens huddled around an orange-haired one who was writhing in pain and clutching his knee.

"Vincent! Vincent! Breath! We'll get you up!" Kize exclaimed with worry while Elizabeta was trying to wrap a bandage around it to try and stop the bleeding. Vincent screamed as his leg twitched violently, which made it more difficult to wrap it properly. She groaned in annoyance, seeing as she didn't have any anesthetics to help with the pain, and turned to Ace for assistance.

"Hold him down! I can't wrap it if he keeps moving!" She demanded from her partner, who was standing nearby. Ace nodded, and along with Ryusika, they all helped hold him down as she wrapped the wound while Cell watched them unbeknownst to them.

He grinned, muttering to himself while Bulma's eyes widened in fear at the look in his eyes, "Perfect. . ." Bulma's face went pale and tried to choke out a warning.

"Ru--RUN!" she barely choked out while Cell's attention focused on Vincent.

"Wait a bit," he muttered while tightening his hold on Bulma's neck. She let out a strangled scream that caused Ace and his friends to look up, only for them to watch as Cell kicked off the ground in their direction. They had no time to process his speed as he seemingly appeared standing right above Vincent and picked him up while dropping Bulma on her butt. They all surrounded him in fear, the Apex grinning while Vincent let out a loud groan. Seeing as he noticed Ryusika about to run logically, he gave out a warning, "Now, before any of you think of running, just know if you even gain 5 meters of distance from where you are rooted, then your life will be snuffed out in an instant."

DEATH

That was the feeling the teens all felt for the first time in their lives. Looming death weighing on their shoulders. Elizabeta gulped before taking a step back out of fear while the other boys felt the same. Even Vincent didn't feel this afraid, and he was the type willing to ram down a brick wall if it meant getting better at football. This was a different feeling. The feeling of being prey to the predator and the very thing that dictates whether they live or die is decided by someone else. That was the reality of their world. The reality beyond Earth stayed true throughout the entire universe. Cell's eyes narrowed, and his smile faded. His eyes darted down to Bulma, and he made his statement clear for them all to hear.

"Now, I'll give you five seconds to answer. You get four chances, and each time you fail to do so, I'll kill one of these teenagers right in front of you, starting with this waste of flesh in my hands right here," Cell threatened, his hand tightening around Vincent's neck let out a pained grunt as his breathing began to get restricted.

"Now. . .Five," he stated while turning back to Bulma, his eyes darkening and his tone shifting, "Four."

Bulma bit her lip, the ultimatum outweighing the risk of Cell killing someone as he continued to count down, "Three. . .Two. . ." He wasn't even going by actual seconds. No, he was moving at his own pace, and with each second that went by, Vincent's screams grew more desperate as he struggled against Cell's grip. Ryusika covered her ears in fear and tears while the others watched in breathless horror.

"One. . ." Cell's expression grew sinister and dark, the final second nearly causing Bulma to talk until. . .

*BANG!*

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion, a figure swooping in with a swift kick so strong that Cell felt himself get lifted off the ground and his face contorted with a mixture of surprise and pain. A sonic boom rang in their ears as the Apex Being's body was sent flying through the large crater that used the be the CC Shelter of West City before finally impacting against the wall of the massive hole. The final collision was so great that debris erupted like TNT had been set off. It caused the crater to cave in, the wall surrounding the area collapsing upon the spot he hit.

It took everyone by surprise, but the sound of feet landing from where Cell previously stood, and the soft sound of Vincent being laid out gently on the ground caused them to turn to the center of their little circle. The wind blew against his spiky hair, his eyes fixated on Vincent's leg, which looked to have been pierced by some stray debris earlier. It had been decently bandaged, but he knew he needed treatment. Regardless, his eyes narrowed and turned to Elizabeta, who was staring at him, "Finish treating him."

That was all Shikuro said, his red scarf dirtied from his training but still wrapped around his neck while he stood up to examine the damage to his surroundings. The large crater was one thing, but he could sense Krillin and the other Ki from afar. They were knocked out. . and from seeing Piccolo slumped and unconscious body on the side, he was down too. But that was the lucky part. The other. . .he could feel injured civilians' lives slowly diminish all around him from whatever sick explosion Cell did. With all that taken into account, he muttered to no one present but the one who had followed shortly behind.

"Shoko, try and get everyone to a safer spot for me," Shikuro said, and on cue, 21 descended down with a soft touch on the ground and nodded. She was already in her majin form, her appearance shocking to the teens who had never seen it before as her pink skin and lizard-like tail stood out like a sore thumb. She wore a navy, sleeveless shirt along with simple Gi pants that matched. Her arm sleeves were tight around her tone forearm while she wore simple martial arts loafers with blue bandages around her ankle and shin.

The artificial majin nodded, "Right, I'll be right back. Come on, everyone," Without many protests, 21 gestured for them to cling onto her and each other before flying off to take them to a better location. He'd ask for Piccolo to be taken as well, but Shikuro knew he'd be alright and wouldn't die that easily if he got caught in the crossfire. So instead, he focused, and walked forward towards the direction Cell was sent to. As he got closer and closer, he noticed Cell slowly walking out of the rubble, his new appearance being the first thing he noticed.

"New look?" Shikuro noted, his feet not stopping one bit.

Cell chuckled and dusted himself off, "Yes, like it?"

"To be honest, the color red just doesn't look good on you," the Saiyan replied with a frown.

Cell shrugged and tilted his head as Shikuro stopped just a couple meters away from him, "I think I wear it better than you. But we have our opinions. But I must ask, where were you hiding?"

"Hiding? I was training," Shikuro corrected while stretching his shoulders, "I just happened to finish early because I ran out of Senzu's. Might of gone overboard during the final stretch."

"I see; the atmosphere around you has certainly changed," Cell let out an amused hum, "But perhaps not as much as mine."

Shikuro shrugged and simply didn't care, "Perhaps you sure seem to care a lot about power and perfection. So it's my turn to ask you something."

"Oh? Then please do," Cell smiled and gave a mock bow.

The Saiyan shifted to a calm and serious expression, "Why do all this?"

"Pardon?" Cell raised an eyebrow.

"You crave power and perfection. That's not wrong to desire, but. .. why use it to cause all this destruction? Goku and Vegeta want the same thing. To get stronger, but they don't go around causing misery for everyone else," Shikuro pointed out and asked again, "So, why?"

Cell seemed confused at his questioned and shrugged his shoulders, "What's the point of achieving perfection if you can't enjoy it?" Shikuro's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"Huh?" He muttered, the wind blowing against his face.

"My bad, ahahaha. . .," Cell chuckled with a smirk, "Allow me to further explain. Are you aware of how a food chain works?" Shikuro nodded in confirmation.

"Good, you do. At the top is the apex predator, the one who controls the land. The one who eats, rules, and does whatever it wants because they are at the very top," Cell grinned, "To me, I see this as my food chain. I am born simply to be that Apex Predator from Imperfection to Semi-Perfection, to Perfection, and lastly as the Apex. I am the one who is meant to be the pinnacle, and everyone else is just part of my gourmet to further reach that pinnacle. Do you understand what I mean? It is not something to be comprehended but rather something to be simply accepted. If you can't accept that and are too weak to change it, then. . .Roll over and wait for death to stifle your misery."

Cell explained his view of life and power, and he didn't sound like a tyrant. If anything, Shikuro couldn't find any ill intentions or wrong-doing in his words, but that only made it worse. He sighed as he could hear 21 returning and landing next to him, much to Cell's delight. The morning sun began to rise, thus illuminating the crater as the wind blew against the three of them.

Shikuro sighed and said most directly, "Such a shame that reality is going to be crashing down on you hard."

"Is it now?" Cell his face impassive with the sun illuminating him from behind. 21 could feel his gaze upon her and did nothing. She only steeled herself for the fight that was about to start. At this moment, Earth's fate rested on them and the battle to decide that. Though Cell smirked, "Let us see then. . .if 'reality's' weight can really crush me."

The wind blew fiercely as the Apex Being got into his trademark stance, his hands sticking out like claws and overlapping each other. Seeing this, Shikuro did the same, his fist to his side along with 21, who seemed to open her palms and spread her feet out to the side. They all stared each other down, and just like that, the three figures clashed into battle as a fight of fate began to take place. Shikuro was the first to make a move, his feet springing forth as the wind caused his scarf to flail behind him as the distance was closed in the blink of an eye. His eyes focused on Cell's, his face so close already that he could have sworn the young Saiyan was an animal and nothing more. One focuses on its prey.

Cell's eyes narrowed, his instincts sensing an attack coming, and his fist came rushing forth before quickly deflecting Shikuro's fist to the side. However, the young Saiyan seemed unfazed and continued to attack, his fist flying forth towards Cell's face. However, the Apex Being had a smile, raised his hand in the path of the attack, and quickly moved to block the flurry of punches. Defense and offense were made nothing more than a blur. Each block was quick as his body reacted before even the sound of a fist colliding into the other's hand rang through the air. Although, without warning, Shikuro stepped in, their distance so close that it was like he wasn't giving Cell room to move. Then, surprisingly, Cell saw the blur of Shikuro's knee rising towards his face. Still, before it could make an impact, he reacted by taking a step back and leaning out of the way of the blow.

He sighed as he straightened up, "Oh, how disappointing--" However, he was cut off as Shikuro used the momentum of his kick to spin around into a reverse sidekick that nearly caved his face in if he didn't tilt his head at the last moment. Still, the force passed through and sliced the ground with such ferocity; Cell felt a bit of shock go through his body at the amount of power the attack produced, and a small cut on his cheek was formed. The Apex Being's eyes narrowed, and decided to go on the offensive as well.

He clenched his fist, and the two began to exchange strike for strike, neither seeming to get a good hit in as each time either of them made to hit the other, the other seemed to respond just as quickly as they had. The sound of a flurry of punches echoed through the air, and the crater shook as they clashed wrists to wrists for a brief moment, and their faces got close before Cell went in for an uppercut from the left.

However, Shikuro vanished from his sight, and the Apex ended up swinging in the air until he noticed the blurred image of Shikuro's fist only inches from his nose. His eyes widened in surprise for a bit before catching the fist in his palm at the last second; however, much to his bewilder, Cell noticed a flowing red translucent flame shroud his fist until a burst sent him skidding back like he had been shot out of a cannon, "What was that?"

Cell tried to ponder on what he had just experienced but Shikuro gave him no breath to room. His speed picked up to an astonishing pace, Cell noticing how his footstep was nearly unnoticeable. Still, it wasn't something that couldn't be kept up with. As soon as the young Saiyan closed the distance, he flicked his left into a jab, which Shikuro ducked under, only to be met with an uppercut to the jaw. But Cell didn't celebrate a successful blow and only gritted his teeth at the sharp pain in his ribs.

Shikuro had landed a quick knee simultaneously before the punch. Both of their blows did damage, but their vigor was still red hot. Shikuro clenched his fist and reinstated his stance for a strong punch before lunging it forward, his eyes still wide and focused. It was easy to telegraph for Cell, so he crossed his arms to guard the blow to his jawline, but the instant he raised them, he felt an arm pull it down coming from his right.

His eyes darted over, only to see 21 glaring at him with her hand gripped tightly on his wrist until he felt Shikuro's fist pierce through the defenses he made with his other hand, thus shattering his block as his fist impacted against the Apex Being's cheek. A red burst of flame-like energy sent Cell flying into the air, and taking the opportunity of his being possibly dazed, 21 wasted no time to fly above the Apex Being, who stared up at her. Her eyes were focused and slightly glowed blue as her arms were in a position to wind up a kick before smashing it across his chest to send him crashing through West City's streets and buildings.

A large trail of smoke and debris followed behind the Apex Being as the entire city block shook from the collision before a large shockwave erupted in an area with him being in the center of the devastation. He slowly got up in the smoke, still visibly undamaged, but he did feel that one. However, his mind was more on the Saiyan than anything, "That punch. . .is it the same as the one from before?" He thought back to their first fight and the incredibly enhanced attack that he landed that nearly killed him.

"No. . .it's not that," He concluded in his thoughts quickly before the smoke was forcibly cleared as 21 and Shikuro rushed him from both sides. He crossed his arms and caught both of their fists in the palm of his hand. The strength was enough to force his feet to slide against the ground with a grunt before tripping Shikuro's feet and extending his tail from his behind to pierce 21. That was all he needed anyway, to absorb her, and he'd truly be complete.

Though, much to his surprise, 21 wrapped her arm around his Tail and spun around to toss him through a window where he landed on his feet inside an office building. He skidded a bit and looked up to see Shikuro follow him through and run towards him. He smirked and decided to return the favor and launched at the Saiyan with his fist ready, only to have to shift his target towards 21, who jumped through the same window he came through and kicked him across the face. Still, his fist made contact with her chin as well. They both grunted in pain, but Shikuro took the opening to close the distance.

In a brief second, Cell was re-engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the Saiyan, and the majin added as support to make his life difficult. Shikuro would punch him across his jaw, and 21 would follow up with a knee to the stomach. But he'd retaliate by throwing 21 over his shoulder, grabbing her leg, and causing her to faceplant. Afterward, he leaned down and kicked the Saiyan's fist away before spinning around into a sidekick to Shikuro's stomach. Still, the Saiyan sidestepped the kick to graze him. Shikuro's fist tightened and went for a right high hook that Cell slipped under and made it so they were facing back to back. Shikuro's eyes widened as Cell smirked and threw his fist behind him, hitting his nose with the back of his fist as soon as he turned. However, the Saiyan wasn't stunned enough and still fired an energy ball at him from the palm of his hand.

Unfazed, the Apex Being kicked a ball of energy into the ceiling, which caused a large explosion to erupt that blew the upper floors along with the roof of the building. As the smoke rose, 21 wrapped her tail around Cell's leg and pulled it out from under him, causing him to lose his balance and fall on his back. He was a bit taken back, but that was quickly stifled as 21 had her fist raised above him. His body flickered for a moment before vanishing out of the way last second, the artificial majin destroying the lower floors of the building before falling with the rest of the debris.

Though Cell had been hovering in the air just a few feet away from the collapsing building with an unimpressed face, Shikuro circled him from behind. Cell's eyes widened in shock, "How did he--!?" He had little time to think as Shikuro's fist was engulfed in that same energy as before before it slammed right into his back. That's when he felt it, a second burst that sent him flying into a large skyscraper, which crashed him right through it like paper mache. He came out the other side, his body facing the sky while still airborne, only for it to be shadowed by two figures above him.

21 had her hand grabbed around her wrist, her other hand open with a chaotic red ball of energy, while Shikuro was in a familiar pose with a blue orb in hand. Seeing this, Cell took another familiar stance as both he and Shikuro shouted.

"Kamehameha!"

"Galick Gun!"

In that instant, Shikuro, 21, and Cell fired their destructive techniques that were similar but had slight differences in how they looked. However, they collided, struggling for breath as all three beams of energy merged into a large white ball of uncontrolled energy before it exploded like a star and consumed the entire 400-meter radius. The entire city shook with a massive pillar of light that faded, and thus. . .a new crater was formed.

The smoke cleared slowly, and standing inside the newly formed crater were all three fighters who looked completely unharmed with scuff marks here and there but they all were mostly undamaged. The wind blew, and the morning sun was now fullying visible. It was only a minute, though, Cell finally could understand Shikuro's technique as he watched roll his shoulder, "That fist technique? It's new."

Shikuro looked up to him as he clenched his hand and stared at his knuckles for a moment, "Perhaps, not like I'm going to explain how it works."

"No need, I already figured it out," Cell tapped his finger at his head, "It's an application of Kaioken, isn't it?" The young Saiyan's face was impassive for a bit, as if contemplating. Though he didn't say anything, Cell knew he was right.

"That translucent flame you temporarily create around your fists before impact, it's separated from your physical strikes," Cell explained further, "Physical ability and Ki work in tangent. But that's a passive effect that occurs with all life forms. When we exude Ki as an energy blast, change its shape, and even control said energy extendedly from ourselves. Even when raising our power, our aura is expressed as we raise our power within ourselves and can even effect the outside. With that knowledge in mind, you are adjusting the frequency of your exerted aura and changing its 'effect' to create a second layer. That second layer doesn't trigger until the physical impact of a strike, known as layer one, connects. Once that connects, the second layer explodes just like the Kaioken technique in a burst of power thus effectively creating a second punch from a single strike."

Cell's words made sense but Shikuro kept his lips shut tight, his face remaining blank as the Apex Being shrugged and didn't really care about the technical details behind his technique, "It's quite annoying and tricky to defend against. No doubt, if the opponent drops their guard slightly, the second burst will surely catch them off-guard. I'd even go so far as to say it can be lethal." Shikuro scratched his head and sighed, his right leg crossing over his knee.

"Man, you prattle too much. Do you like to hear yourself talk?" Shikuro groaned but quickly noted, "He figured out Lapse Fist from just a few exchanges."

Cell smiled and placed his hands on his hips, "Don't be such a spoiled sport; I'm just curious, you know? But, to think you've managed to come up with such a trick in a short amount of time. Color me impressed, boy."

Shikuro didn't respond and darted to 21, who was still focused forward, before muttering, "Shoko, continue what we've been doing. Give me openings to land a good hit, and don't let up. Even if he figured out my technique, it's still 2-on-1." The artificial majin nodded with determination and stepped up, her arms and feet spread apart in a familiar stance. Shikuro got ready to charge as well, his fist loosely raised as he took a breath.

However, the Apex Being chuckled and bent his knees with a smirk, "I got a surprise for you both." They both raised an eyebrow until his body began to glow. At that moment, Cell knew it was going to be difficult to deal with Shikuro's technique along with worry about a stronger Android 21 at the same time. Power wasn't everything in a fight, which meant he had to find a way to separate them both so he could deal with them individually. Through the time he spent absorbing clones, he was able to understand more about himself and his capabilities, which made him gain the title of perfection. It wasn't because he had the genetics and born potential. That was a trademark of those who were gifted, and that was common. For him, it was because he was beyond even that. He could build upon his gifts and genetics to do what was previously deemed impossible. His body was enveloped completely in a soft, yellow glow before splitting into two before it faded.

Staring between both 21 and Shikuro was an exact copy of the Apex being. A fellow companion to accompany Cell at what he believes to be the pinnacle where he resides alone: himself. . .

"Multi-form? Really? That's not going to help you," Shikuro pointed out, "I've seen Tien use that technique once before, and simply splitting yourself to even the odds is just cutting your power in half. It'll make it easy just to destroy the clone, and you'll be back at square one."

"Maybe for him, but it's quite different for me, boy," The original Cell corrected and pointed to the clone Cell, "Show him."

Without warning, the clone Apex Cell rushed forward with speeds that caught both 21 and Shikuro by surprise. Its fist clenched tightly, and Shikuro could feel its eyes zoned in on him. With little time to dodge, Shikuro crossed his arms and felt the powerful shock of its punch send him flying into the distance within the crater before crashing into the crater's wall with such force that it sent a large quake that toppled nearby buildings. He grunted, his back aching as he noticed the clone chase him down at full flight speed with a drop kick ready in tow. The young Saiyan quickly flared his Ki and flew out of the way, the kick slamming into the wall and causing it to cave in fiercely. Shikuro felt the wind hit his face as the debris fell apart, though his eyes focused on the Apex Cell copy that smirked devilishly up at him.

Meanwhile, from afar, 21 could see Shikuro engage in combat with the clone and was confused as she muttered, "Where's the power drop? That clone's explosive power was almost equal to the original one. . .unless. . ." She turned to Cell with a frown.

"You didn't use a technique. You simply split your cells into an identical clone that has all the original's power intact," 21 stated, and Cell only shrugged.

"That's the basic gist, yes," The Apex admitted before narrowing his eyes, "However, as you can see, I can't do that so freely. It does take a few days for me to form another clone at full capacity."

21 gnawed her teeth in frustration at that information, "He's basically even the playing field. . .Sorry, Shikuro, but it looks like this will be harder than we thought!" The silence, accompanied by Shikuro's fight against the clone, continued. She stared back at Cell and got ready. Her feet shifted, and her hands were open and loosely ready for any attack. Apex Cell chuckled darkly and retook his stance as well. The fight had only just begun, and things looked like it was going to be a long one. He licked his lips at the artificial Majin's nervousness and muttered to himself.

"Time for assimilation."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, Outside Of West City. . .)

"Ngh. . .!"

Krillin grunted as his face was scratched by the blades of grass beneath him. He stirred from his unconscious state, rising only a few seconds later as he shook his head. Cell's previous attack from before had made him get three headaches in the form of one. If he were a betting man, he'd guess that he had a concussion at the moment, the world around him difficult for him to see as the ringing in his ear prevented him from hearing as well. In a daze, he looked around the grassy field, immediately noticing Yamcha and Tien were still unconscious themselves but, "Well, at least they are alive. . ." The former monk grunted a bit as he rose to his feet and looked towards the direction of West City.

Much to his surprise, the city was at least recognizable. Still, signs of battle were evident as shockwaves and energy blasts continued to be seen and heard from afar.

"21. . .Shikuro. . ." Krillin muttered. He could sense their Ki from where he stood and smiled, "They finally finished their training. Early, if I must say, but at least they are ready."

With that in mind, he walked over to Tien and Yamcha to try and wake them up, "C'mon, guys. Wake up! We got a city to save."

Tien groaned, rubbing his head as he slowly sat up, "Urgh, Krillin. . .?" He looked around for a bit and quickly pieced things together.

"Great, not dead, which means we still have a fighting chance?" Tien asked as he turned to Krillin.

The former monk nodded, "Yeah, you can sense them right. Shikuro and 21 are currently fighting as we speak."

Tien nodded, "Good. . .Yamcha. . .Wake up!" Tien shouted at the Z-Fighter, who was still out cold. He wasn't moving, but the two of them knew better, and without hesitation, Tien kicked him across the field before rolling onto his back.

The ex-bandit let out a groan and glared at Tien, "Ow! Dude, what the hell!? I'm trying to get some sleep here. . ."

Krillin sighed, "There's no time for that, Yamcha! We gotta--"

*BOOM!*

Another thunderous shockwave echoed from West City, the fighting seemingly growing more intense than before.

"Alright, alright! Let's get going, then!" Yamcha said as he sprung to his feet. Without warning, the trio flew off towards West City at full speed. Their Ki's flaring a trail across the sky. It didn't take them long to arrive, though as far as the fight was going, they were trying to pinpoint where they were. However, as they searched around for signs of blurs or stray energy blasts, Yamcha spotted a figure below within a large crater, and his eyes widened, "Guys, look!"

Krillin and Tien looked down to where Yamcha pointed and were surprised to see a certain Namekian laid out against a piece of rubble; his eyes were completely white, and he was unconscious with an agape mouth. They landed around him and looked over his body.

Krillin was the first to react, "Piccolo!" He knelt down and checked up on his condition, instantly determining that his neck was broken. However, considering he could still feel his Ki, the Namekian was indeed alive and could heal from his injuries. Then, before anyone could speak out an idea, another shockwave resonated within the city. However, the remaining Z-Fighters were unfazed as they turned to the sky. Blurs of two images were zooming around and clashing. Though, they could easily guess that it was either 21 or Shikuro fighting against Cell.

"I hate to sound like a broken record from time to time, but I think we are side-lined again," Yamcha gulped as he watched the blurs collide with each other once again.

Tien gritted his teeth and scoffed lowly, "You're right. . they're too fast for us. We might end up getting caught in the crossfire if we interfere."

Krillin couldn't help but nod as he sighed, his arm scooping under Piccolo's armpits before hoisting him over his shoulder, "At the very least, we need to clear the battlefield. Let's bring Piccolo somewhere safe where he can heal up and be ready if needed." The two other Earthlings nodded before taking off in the air towards the calmer side of the city.

As they flew, they spotted several figures standing on top of the roof of a hospital building. As soon as they made out one of them, they dove towards the roof and landed just behind the group. However, their landing didn't go unnoticed as the entire group turned to them with a slight surprise as the blue-haired scientist among the group of teens spoke out first, "Oh, so Cell didn't off you three. . ." She muttered as her eyes scanned the Namekian over Krillin's shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, good for us, huh?" Tien rolled his eyes.

The former monk chuckled a bit before pointing at Piccolo, who was slouched over his shoulder, "Piccolo's alive too, and he should be good. This isn't the first time his neck has been broken."

"Noted," Bulma sighed before turning back to the carnage from afar.

As Krillin laid Piccolo down next to Vincent, who had his legged propped up by a makeshift splint, everyone stared out into the distance together as the fight raged on. The teens were nervous, their anxiousness rising as each second ticked by. However, Bulma and the remaining Z-fighters couldn't blame them. This is the first time they've witnessed another case of 'saving the world' for the 5th consecutive time. However, the severity of the situation and the fact that Gohan, Goku, and Vegeta were all sealed made them nervous as well. Losing your two linch-pins along with the one with the greatest potential. . was not a great situation for them.

Still, one fact remained the same. That all they could do was hope the day would be in their favor.

Meanwhile, Ace clenched his fist at that thought and turned to the remaining Z-Fighters in tow, "Isn't there anything you guys can do?" He asked, his voice filled with desperation. Krillin shook his head.

"We can try going out there and fight, but. . .," As another shockwave boomed and caused a rush of wind to hit their faces, "As you can see, us going out there to try and help will only get in their way. The gap is just too huge for any of us to keep up with their pace."

Ace was left speechless as he thought back to their conversation yesterday. This was the reality Shikuro had to face? Were enemies so strong that they'd render the majority obsolete in their path? That only a few can stand up, and those that can't have to pray for a convenience where their motives aligned? He looked over at Elizabeta and Kize, who were trying to comfort Ryusika from all that was happening. She was clearly upset, and it was understandable. She was finally learning of the danger that lurks in this world, and they were powerless to stop it. He clicked his tongue and turned back to the battlefield stretched afar across the other side of the city. On the other hand, Bulma took the opportunity to take out a capsule and gave it a quick click of a button before tossing it on the ground.

Smoke burst out of the object before forming into a large television. The teens were surprised and confused as the scientist knelt down with a pair of tools in hand and some spare parts, "Well, I don't know about you younglings, but I can't sense Ki like those three can. So, I'll do a quick build on some more spy bots so we can see what's going on."

They all nodded, and as they watched her work, Ace couldn't help but think to himself, "Shikuro. . .our lives are in your hands. Don't lose. . ."

(Now Turning Back To The Battlefield At Hand. . .)

*BOOM*

A burst of Ki of blue and gold scattered across the sky as two figures separated from each other and landed on opposite buildings beneath them. Shikuro wiped away the blood from his lip and glared at his opponent as the clone did the same with its fist. Their battle had been going on for some time now, and it was becoming increasingly apparent that it was a stalemate between them. Shikuro looked over back to the second crater where 21 resided and noticed that both Cell and she were still at a standstill. Taking that into account, only a little time had passed, but Shikuro felt like this was taking too long for a mere clone, "This isn't a simple multi-form, that's for sure. He must have somehow split himself to where this clone has the same power as the original. But the fact that there is only one means he's limited on the amount of times he can split himself." Though, as his thoughts were going on their own, the clone Apex Cell was also thinking.

"This boy. . .he's gotten way stronger. Almost too much stronger," The clone noted as he continued on with his thought, "He hasn't even transformed into a Super Saiyan, let alone a Super Saiyan 2. Yet, he's able to match me at this level. His power has grown beyond my expectations. I might have to use a little more force. . ."

The clone looked down at the original, who was looking back at him before a telepathic message was passed from the original, "Don't be too rash. Even though we split, our cells are linked together. If you were to be destroyed completely, then I'd suffer a cut in power. Your role is to buy me time to absorb Android 21 and keep the boy busy. Got it."

The clone nodded and grinned, "Understood." With that in mind, he jumped off the building and towards the young Saiyan. His speed alerted the young Saiyan with slight surprise before the headbutt slammed right into his face and made him stumble off the building. He floated for a bit until Shikuro took off to gain some distance with an annoyed expression on his face.

"No surprise, he's been holding back!" Shikuro grunted mentally as the clone Apex Cell was on his tail.

However, Shikuro steeled himself and paused for a moment before diving down to meet him in the center. A large shockwave expanded before two streams of light clashed in a spiral of blows toward the ground before crashing into it. The dust rose up from the force exuded until it immediately dispersed as Shikuro landed a kick to the clone's stomach that sent him flying a few meters away before Shikuro appeared behind him and punched him hard in his spine. Clone Apex Cell gagged as the Saiyan circled him again at high speed and proceeded to land two swift strikes, a right hook across the jaw and an uppercut to follow suit as he leaped into a twirl before diving down into a drop kick across his cheek.

The young Saiyan landed behind the stunned clone of the Apex being and felt a wave of disappointment as he crossed his arms, "Really? That's all you got. I expected better--grawoogh!!" His sentence was quickly silenced with a face full of fists, the clone shutting him up with a backfist to the nose. As he was stunned, Shikuro felt a string of hits from all sides to where it felt like he was being bounced off the air. However, it felt like a series of side kicks that were angled to constantly send him flying from point A to point B in a zigzag motion upward before he was finally kicked back to the ground.

Taking the opportunity of the likely confusion, clone Cell appeared in front of him just before he landed. He delivered two quick punches before finally delivering another strong side-kick to Shikuro's stomach. The young Saiyan gagged until the clone Cell grabbed a fist full of his hair and pulled him into a fierce knee to the face; the blow rocketed him through several buildings and. left a trail of dust behind.

Shikuro grunted, flipping himself onto his feet before sidestepping a fist from the pursuing clone. They locked eyes for a brief moment until Shikuro ducked under a wide hook and countered with a roundhouse knee to the ribs that made the clone skid. Then, in the blink of an eye, Shikuro's body became a black and red blur that struck clone Apex Cell from all angles before he felt his face get grabbed, much to his surprise. The cloned Cell grinned and slammed Shikuro's back into the concrete with his palm still gripping his face and a fist raised. However, before he could pummel him into the dirt, Shikuro fired a Kiai to push him back and into the air before flipping himself onto his feet. The clone of the Apex being stopped himself mid-air, and the two flared their Ki's before vanishing into streams of their respective aura.

Numerous shockwaves mixed with energy littered the sky until one of the two was kicked down onto the ground and forced to use the soles of their shoes to stop themselves with friction. Shikuro fell to one knee and wiped and rubbed the bruise on his face with the back of his fist as he glared up at the Apex Clone, who smugly looked down at him.

Something about it rubbed him off the wrong way. Shikuro felt the need to wipe it, "I'll give you something to smile about. . .!" Slowly, a gold glow wrapped around his body, and his hair began to spike a bit. Though his hair remained the same and shockingly to the clone, Shikuro vanished at speeds that left the ground cracked like a spider's web from where he previously was.

*WHACK!*

Without even realizing it, Shikuro slammed a backfist strike into the clone of the Apex Being's chest. Though, for a brief moment at the moment of contact, Shikuro's eyes shifted to green, and his hair flared and glowed before instantly reverting back.

*WHACK!*

Once more, his hair flashed gold for a brief moment as he followed with a roundhouse kick to the right side of Apex Cell's neck. He backed away and flew back in with another burst of golden ki that caused his hair to flicker once more, his fist caving Apex Cell's chest in as he was still stunned by the other two blows.

*BOOM!*

Following that was an uppercut to the jaw that cocked clone Apex Cell's neck back with another flicker of golden Ki before Shikuro somersaulted above him and kicked him hard in the chest that, caused a shockwave to expand as the clone rocketed through several buildings diagonally. As a trail of smoke rose, Shikuro landed on the ground briefly, though it was only a split second for him to feel a rush of wind hit him. He shielded his face by crossing his arms, and all it took was a blink for him to feel it.

*BAM!*

He stumbled a bit from an unseen blow striking his jaw; the young Saiyan was confused until he felt a fist connect to the back of his skull before a blurry figure appeared right in front of him and palmed his face. His eyes went wide as he saw the clone's grin before he was slammed into the ground and dragged across the pavement for miles on end. Shikuro could have sworn he went through several clothing stores and tech shops until clone Apex Cell had enough using him to clean the road and tossed him up lightly before kicking him in the chin with a rising axe kick. The young Saiyan was hurled up into the sky with closed eyes and gritted teeth. He slowly opened them at the feeling of increasing warmth and saw an energy blast already rushing towards him. He muttered a silent curse, "Shit!" With little time to dodge, he crossed his arms and braced for the explosion to come.

*BOOM!*

A brief second later, the sky was covered by a large explosion that stretched across the blue. The ground below shook from the shockwave as clone Apex Cell watched up with a satisfied face as he crossed his arms and watched the fireworks fade. However, as it did, the smoke cleared with it, revealing Shikuro floating amongst the crumbling buildings in the background, his arms covered in small burns and his clothes only slightly tattered. Shikuro slowly lowered them, his eyes glaring down at Cell. Both are unaware of the small nano-drone watching the fight at hand.

~~~~~Back With The Group On The Hospital Roof~~~~~

"He tanked that? Wow, I knew the kid had potential, but his improvement is crazy. . ."

Tien noted as everyone was huddled by the railing in front of the screen Bulma had finally finished. They had only seen bits thanks to Bulma technology aiding in visualizing the fight at hand. However, despite needing to understand the full grasp of how impressive it was, the teens were already impressed by each passing second. Still, something was puzzling the Z-Fighters, who knew of the boy's capabilities.

"Why hasn't Shikuro gone Super Saiyan yet?" Yamcha questioned.

The teens present blinked in confusion, with Kize being the first to ask, "Super, what now?" Krillin turned to the blonde boy and explained to them.

"Super Saiyan. It's a special transformation exclusive to Saiyans. It bolsters their power by multitudes, and they become immensely more powerful in it," Krillin explains.

With the pain subsided, Vincent finally managed to get a word in and raised an eyebrow, "So you mean he's holding back a lot?"

"Basically, yes." Krillin nodded, "I don't know why either. If I'm a betting man though. . ."

"It's because of his Saiyan instincts. . ."

They all turned to their right, where the once-unconscious Namekian had propped himself up against the railing and leaned back with his arms folded. They were all wide-eyed at how fast he had recovered from literally having his neck snapped, but regardless, they didn't question it. Ace only just inquired for further context, "What do you mean?"

"We've told you before, Saiyans are a warrior race, as their loathsome prince proclaims repeated," Piccolo noted before continuing, "But even that guy can speak some truths. Saiyans' genetics and instincts are highly tuned for combat. One is that the longer they fight, the stronger they become, as well every time they recover from a near-death experience, they receive a large power. This, coupled with a hidden urge to enjoy the thrill of a fight, especially if it's pushing them, can lead to a tendency to prolong the fight as much as possible. With half-breeds, Gohan was a minor case that still caused a death. But Shikuro. . ."

"He's pure blood," Bulma finished for him, as she shook her head, "Guess no matter how much smarter a Saiyan is compared to Goku and Vegeta, they still are battle-loving maniacs."

As if to give her own comment on it, Elizabeta groaned as well, "To think stupidity can be genetic. Biologists everywhere would have a riot." As if to agree, everyone nodded, but Piccolo turned his head towards the direction of the battle itself and smirked.

"But, seems like he's done playing around," Piccolo muttered.

Everyone stared at him in confusion before turning back to the screen, hoping to see what he meant. They all saw Shikuro cross his arms, a heat wave emitting around him as the golden glow began to wrap around his body, and his teeth gritted as he focused. His hair flowed with the rising wind caused by the heat. His eyes shifted from black to green, and his hair finally permanently became slightly spikier upward and towards the back. He let out a roar, his hair changing from black to gold as his aura flared to life and his tail fully changed to match his hair color.

The teens stared in awe, the silence only broken by Ryusika's mesmerizing gawking, "Oh god, he's hot!" Without hesitation, they all looked at her with a glare as if she didn't grasp the situation she was in.

~~~~~Back To The Fight With Shikuro~~~~~

Returning to the fight at hand, Shikuro calmed his aura as the clone seemed somewhat glad that the young Saiyan was finally taking it seriously, "Good, now let's—" His train cut off as a Kiai struck him with just a glare from Shikuro. He stumbled in shock at the force until he felt an elbow pressed in his gut, and the only indication of what had happened was the trail of golden electricity trailed behind Shikuro, who was below him. Following up was a sidekick to the same spot to double the damage. It made clone Apex Cell gag for a brief moment until a thunderous uppercut lifted him into the air. But Shikuro wasn't done as he delivered two consecutive spinning side kicks to the chest and stomach before vanishing behind him and delivering a barrage of punches. Then, with just a flicker of pure speed, he circled around and clenched his fist full of a red-translucent flame and hurled up into an uppercut.

"Lapse Fist!"

With an initial and second burst of Ki erupting, clone Apex Cell felt get hurled into the sky; the energy unleashed coated his body in resemblance to a lightning bolt until Shikuro appeared above him at least 30 meters apart. He raised his leg high, and as soon as his target got close, the young Saiyan slammed down his heel on the clone of the Apex Being's stomach. The blow left clone Apex Cell winded and rocketed him down with a Sonic Boom echoing throughout the city before he crashed in the middle of the streets in a large explosion of dust and debris. As the smoke cleared, Shikuro descended down in a flash to see the clone kneeling on his feet. He extended out his hand, a blue ball of Ki forming as he was about to finish the job.

"You're finished," Shikuro claimed.

However, hearing this only made clone Apex Cell click his tongue, and at that moment, Shikuro sensed it. A sharp rise in power. . .A small glint in the clone's yellow eyes shined as he stood up and roared, "AAAAAAAAAAARAGH!"

Eruptions of energy surged toward the sky and shrouded the clone's body, the golden and green light causing a shockwave that made Shikuro stumble and disperse his Ki ball in an instant. The energy started to make clone Apex Cell levitate for a moment before he got ready to charge.

"I'll crush you!" He exclaimed loudly before charging forth. Hearing this, Shikuro extended his hand again and fired a barrage of energy blasts toward the clone of the Apex Being. However, they were proving futile as, while still moving, he proceeded to deflect the blasts in a series of fluid kicks and swipes before doubling his speed. The young Saiyan's eyes widened at this until he felt a wind rush past him and a blow striking him from underneath his chin causing him to lose his footing. He looked behind to see clone Apex Cell already behind him before a back fist struck the side of his right temple and sent him flying through one window and out the other, only to get kicked into the air.

In just seconds, he was alright, 100 meters high, and clone Apex Cell was already on his tail. He grunted and forcefully stopped himself mid-air, though it wasn't enough as the clone of the Apex Being had already closed the distance. Shikuro's eyes widened as he saw the sharp spikes protruding from his elbow began to glow gold, and with a single swipe; Shikuro instinctively avoided a fatal blow. However, his right shoulder was cut, and he grunted before dodging multiple slashes and finally countering with a kick that was blocked immediately. With a grunt, Shikuro roared, " KAIOKEN! " A blazing red aura flared to life. With a hard push, Shikuro drove the Apex Being clone down through several buildings until they finally touched Earth.

Immediately, they separated, the young Saiyan instant dispersing Kaioken but the effect stinging a bit despite the slightly longer burst. Staring each other down, they both spread their feet, and within an instant, they both vanished, their unseen clashes only leaving the sky painted with shockwaves once more. . .

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, Back At The Second Crater With 21 and the Original. . .)

"This idea may have been riskier than I thought. . ." Cell muttered as he could sense his clone's struggle from afar. His eyes were focused in that direction as he waited for 21 to make the first move. However, he couldn't help but think, "Perfect Reflection was a technique devised prior to this battle under to possibility of boy's potential growth. However, because the focus of division was to create a copy without any difference in power, my own capabilities have been shortened. For a short period. But that's no matter. . ."

Finally, his eyes turned to 21, who was still trying to figure out her first move as he concluded, "As long as she isn't aware of her true capabilities. . .then there is nothing to worry about."

On the other hand, 21 shifted her feet before taking a second guess in that action as Cell's hand twitched in response. She internally groaned at how tense the atmosphere was, "He's so calm and relaxed, but. . .he's not leaving any openings. What do I do?"

It was then that a sudden thought came to mind. . .A memory during her time in the Hyperbolic Time Training. Her training and a bit of advice that was given to her by Shikuro during his stay.

~~~~~Brief Flashback~~~~~

"Hmm?" Shikuro hummed as he looked down at 21, who was panting from their brief spar. They both were sweaty and were relaxing on the steps of the Central Building as he took a sip of water.

"I said, was there a time in the middle of a fight where you can't find a solution to beat your enemy? And how did you manage to get out of that situation?" 21 asked again with a bit more detail.

Shikuro cupped his chin as he tilted his head towards the void's sky, "Hmm, yeah. Whenever I'd spar Goku or Vegeta once in a while. Though, I wouldn't call those spars. . .more like me getting used as a punching bag."

21 sighed and shook her head, "You're no help. . ." Shikuro didn't respond to that and continued.

"Although, to answer your question. . ." Shikuro muttered as her ears perked and eyes shifted to him, "Goku told me once that strong opponents have no shortcuts. There's only one road, and if there are obstacles in the way, smash through and make your own opening."

21 raised an eyebrow and almost felt like he was taught something closer to nonsense than anything. . ., "That's it? How does that work?" Shikuro shrugged.

"Don't know, but I can tell you one thing: it seems to work very well for him. But think of it like this," Shikuro turned and pointed at his heart, "You want to reach a future where you are free to live from your initial purpose, right? To avenge Android 16 as well? Then, if you want to reach it, give it all that you have, and I'm sure your body will respond. It'll create a path for you. At least that's what I understand."

21 stared at the young Saiyan with wide eyes. For some reason, she felt like she could understand what he meant. She looked down at her fist. . .

~~~~~Brief Flashback End~~~~~

21 looked down at her fist, her eyes focused as they narrowed with steeled resolve as she repeated in her head, "Create a path if there isn't one. . ." She looked up at Cell, her eyes narrowing even more, and her feet dug into the ground.

"For now, my role is to make sure I can retrieve the Dragon Ball as planned. That's. . ." 21 paused as another memento from Shikuro echoed through her head, his trust in her with his grin becoming vivid in her head.

"Something only you can do, Shoko. I'm counting on yah!"

As that short memory ended, she had no reason to hesitate any longer. She dug the soles of her shoes into the dirt before kicking them off the ground and making a beeline straight for Cell. Cell took notice and stood his ground as 21 rushed towards him before suddenly vanishing from her linear path. The Apex Being darted left to right before ducking under a jumping, spinning roundhouse kick from behind him. He looked back over his shoulder as the majin experiment lightly tapped the ground to regain her footing, her palm glowing a soft, dusted pink.

Curiously, Cell raised an eyebrow at this, shifting his feet to face her and deflecting several palm strikes from her. As each one was parried, the Apex Being couldn't help but notice her unbothered demeanor to being denied by him and even pulling a feint to force him to block his right before spinning into a heel kick that Cell blocked his other forearm. However, the blow caused him to skid to the right, and he felt his arm sting a bit, which raised some alarms as his eyes narrowed at her, "She's improved much more than I expected as well. . .Which means if I'm right, she and the boy must have been training together. . ."

Cell paused for a moment at that thought as 21 chased him down and thrust another palm strike aimed at his chest. He took note of this and dodged before punishing them with a kick to her chin that made her do several flips backward before landing on her feet again. He watches her rub her chin before steeling herself back into a stance.

"Not only that. . .that soft glow of energy. . .," Cell narrowed as her palms still had a pink glow to them, "She's been repeatedly aiming for my chest. Which means. . ."

He paused his thoughts and smirked a bit as he boasted his educated guess, "Some trick to get me to separate from the Dragon Ball? Come now, that's not going to work."

21 gritted her teeth in response and charged again; this time, Cell was more cautious. However, he watches her fingers tense into claws before slashing the air to unleash an energy slash of pink crimson. Seeing this, Apex Cell extended the protruding spike. It unleashed a green energy slash of his own, and the two met to create a geyser of explosive Ki comprised of the two colors. Then, amidst the explosive shockwaves, two figures clashed against each other, which caused the geyser of Ki to disperse and send a massive shockwave in all directions. The wind pressure blew hard on the surrounding cityscape, which made windows tremble, and the debris blew away for miles. All the while, 21 and Cell were interlocked in clashing forearms before 21 slipped a hand underneath and delivered a blow to his liver. Cell grunted before 21 ducked under a right hook and countered with a spinning heel kick to the side of his skull that sent him flying toward the edge of the crater.

However, Cell stopped himself in midair and pressed two fingers on his forehead before suddenly vanishing from her site. The majin experiment was confused for a moment until she felt a hammer fist strike her in the back of her skull and send her crashing towards the middle of the crater. Groaning, she flipped herself onto her feet for a split second before jumping out of the way from Apex Cell's dropkick from above that caved in the Earth below. Noticing the fact that she was trying to gain some distance, the Apex Being extended his hand out and began firing a barrage of Ki Blasts.

21's eyes widened before she began to jump around to avoid them as they exploded with great force. Still, she stayed focused and kept her thoughts going, "He's keeping me at a distance but also not allowing me to create too much distance at the same time. He's wary of my ability. . .I have to get in close."

With that in mind, 21 weaved through the barrage of blasts until she rolled to the right and fired an energy blast of her own at him. As it drew closer, Cell casually deflected it off into the distance. A large explosion rang out from behind him, though he paid little mind to it as he noticed that 21 took the chance to run straight towards him, her feet leaving small dents in the dirt with each step. Seeing this, Cell smirked as he charged towards her as well; the two clashed in a series of blows and parries before 21 ducked under his left hook before jumping over a sweep kick in a twirl. She then spun into a heel kick that he easily blocked with his forearm from above before going in for a quick jab to her chest, which she pushed down with the palms of her hand in order to leverage herself over to the other side. Taking his back, she saw an opening and flicked her thick, long tail and smacked directly against his neck.

The blow sent Apex Cell flying, but he quickly recovered by landing on his feet and skidding across the crater before looking up at her with a blank face. She was still trying to get a good opening up close as she flared her Ki and flew towards him.

"She's determined, I'll give her that," Cell noted as he dashed towards her as well, the two once more interlocking in a flurry of blows. A whirlwind of pink and green aura flowed around them as they exchanged a barrage of punches. Then, two streams of Ki took to the skies in a spiral of clashes, their aura painting the sky in pink and green before they slammed back into the Earth in the middle of the crater. With a hard push, Cell and 21 separated themselves as they both landed a simultaneous strike to each other's cheek, causing them to skid back before slowly regaining their footing.

Their eyes were still alive, the fighting spirit leaving neither of them drained. Though, a smirk was brought to Apex Cell's face as he began to chuckle at her, "I must say, you finally learned how to 'punch' properly." He stated as he rubbed the bruise on his right cheek.

But 21 ignored his taunts and stayed focused before extending her hand out. In just a moment, she fired a barrage of energy blasts at a high rate of fire. The Apex Being only smiled as he jumped away and began to deflect the blasts away from himself until he was far away enough into the sky. With aided time on his side, Apex Cell crossed his arms. His aura glowed a mix of green and purple before expanding an energy barrier in the shape of a sphere that stopped the barrage of energy blasts in an instant. Though, 21 only stared up at him as she stopped firing and took the chance to beeline towards him, her Ki flaring in the process. Seeing this, Cell grinned.

"Good, come closer. . ." Cell thought as he brought his hands together in front of him and to his waist, "I'll take a page out of Goku's book and destroy you with this. . .!"

However, 21 didn't budge and continued on with her charge. She didn't care as long as she could get in close, "I just need to get one good blow in. . .One shot. . .!" Her eyes widened with focus as Cell's body began to glow a brighter purple-green, and his aura flared to life.

"Kaaaaa. .Meeee. . ."

~~~~~Back To Shikuro and The Clone Apex Cell~~~~~

*BANG!*

Another shockwave of golden Ki exploded against the air as Shikuro managed to block a sidekick from clone Apex Cell before retaliating with a right hook across the clone's jaw that sent him flying back. However, he didn't give him a chance as he appeared behind him in an attempt to elbow him in the back of the neck. But Clone Apex Cell was simply too fast and seemingly vanished from sight before Shikuro could blink. The young Saiyan's eyes widened, and he gritted his teeth as he felt a hard blow slam into the back of his neck instead and send him hurling toward the ground. The young Saiyan grunted as he saw several shards of Ki rain down on him and heard the Clone Apex Cell shout, "Death Shower!"

Annoyed, Shikuro flipped and twisted his body as he freefalled, the purple Ki shards piercing through the buildings in the way before finally landing on a large street and causing a crater in the process. In the center of the falling shards, Shikuro landed on his feet and began running through the streets and used the buidings as cover. Seeing this, the clone of the Apex Being flew after him, the wind and his surroundings becoming a blur as he was hot on his tail.

Meanwhile, Shikuro was making sharp turns and corners through the alleyways, and his expression was still focused as he leaped from railing to railing and through a building door while suppressing his Ki. His feet made a slight turn before running down the hall, and his fist clenched as he tried to visualize it at that moment. The spot that he was aiming for, the central part of all humanoid beings. . .the heart. That's where he'll aim and land it. Because all he needed "Is one strike. . ."

At that moment, he passed a window, and the world seemed to slow as his focus began to increase. He could see him through his peripherals through the windows. The clone's figure passed by at such a speed that it would normally be a blur. But as soon as he made eye contact with his target, the world seemingly stopped, and his body moved on its own.

*CRASH*

Sounds of glass shattering were heard behind the clone, much to his surprise. His eyes widened and turned as the world seemed to continously be slowed. The flying shards of glass and Shikuro's red scarf flowed in the wind as his fist was clenched, and the normal translucent flames were compressed around his fist tightly to create a sharp, red aura. Due to the ambush, they were so close that there wasn't any time to dodge or block. Knowing that Clone Apex Cell focused his Ki on his guard and tensed his muscles. Shikuro's eyes narrowed, the wind around him growing hotter as he exhaled slightly. This was his chance.

~~~~~Now Back To 21 and The Original Apex Cell~~~~~

"Haaaaa. . .Meee. . .!"

21 heard him chant louder as the blue orb of the iconic technique of the turtle school grew in size. In response to this, the glow from her palm resurfaced and grew brighter as she took in a deep breath. The wind whiplashed against her, but she stood firm as she continued her ascension towards Apex Cell, who seemed to have an ecstatic look on his face. Her lips pressed together, her speed increasing to meet the attack. However, as she did, it was at that moment that Cell vanished from inside his barrier and appeared right above her with a grin.

"Checkmate!" Apex Cell shouted with a thrust of his palms down towards her, "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Unleashing from the palms of his hands came a torrent of blue energy that formed into a beam of light. 21's eyes darted above her, the focus and light in her eyes reflecting the energy wave threatening her. At first, at that range, Apex Cell was sure that there was no way to dodge. However, his eyes widened as 21 twirled only inches underneath the blast, her hands pressed against the surface. The rotation of Ki was her guide, her body seemingly dancing through the air as she swirled around and around to avoid the massive beam of energy gracefully until she finally flew passed him and took his back.

Cell's expression shifted from mere surprise to pure shock as he slowly looked over his shoulder as 21 had one hand raised in the air. Her fingers were tense, her nails sharpened as pink-crimson energy coated her fist in full as she clenched it tightly. This was her chance. Her eyes narrowed as Cell tried to turn around to block.

"To separate the Dragon Ball from Cell without risking it being destroyed. . .," 21 thought, her body moving on its own. She placed her other palm on the Apex Being's chest, and the soft pink glow emitted as she focused on the different masses presented to her. One that of Cell and the other. . .the Dragon Ball, "Focus on finding yourself. Filter out the differences between you and him. . ."

She narrowed her eyes further, "And then. . .!" The glow grew brighter and seemed to phase through the Apex Being's back.

"Push it out!"

She shouted in her head. With a push of Ki, the Dragon Ball was propelled from the back of Cell, much to his surprise. However, before he could try and even think of retrieving it, he felt 21's Ki flare and spike. She wasn't done; this was her chance!

~~~~~Back With Shikuro and The Clone Apex Cell~~~~~

Hearing the sound of the explosion from the original's Kamehameha became nothing more than a cue. A signal that now was the time. His body will respond to his will, which he was sure of. His fist thrust forward towards the center of clone Apex Cell's chest, the world accelerating all around him as his thoughts ran rampant to ensure it landed correctly, "Before, I wasn't sure what I did back then. . .but after some time training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to refine what I can do, I at least grasp the part of it. Kaioken is a technique that flares one's Ki and bolsters their power and speed in exchange for stamina and life force. But, there is a way to make the increase substantially more powerful, even if it's just for an instant." Shikuro's mind reflected back to his first fight against Cell, the memory of the blow that nearly brought him victory flashing in his mind.

"Step 1: Designate a vocal point where Ki is gathered and condense it! Step 2: At the instant of impact, activate Kaioken in that area! Step 3: Allow the condensed Ki to burst in that same instance and as a result. . .!" Shikuro's fist came closer and closer, the surface of his middle knuckle making contact with Cell's chest growing hotter and hotter as his eyes narrowed. A scarlet light began to slowly grow brighter between them, "An attack is exponentially amplified for an instant. . . Just like a scorching red flash, and that flash is called. . ."

*ZRRRRRRRRRRRRT!*

Erupting from the blow were the flames of Kaioken itself in the shape of erratic lightning bolts, the blow caving and searing Clone Apex Cell's chest as he cried out in pain while Shikuro roared.

"SHINKUSEN!" (Literal Meaning Scarlet Flash)

~~~~~ Moments before: With 21 and the Original Apex Cell~~~~~

21's raised and flashed brightly as her eyes narrowed, her memories flashing in her mind as she glared down at Apex Cell. No words or other thoughts needed to be said; the only one motivating her at this moment passed through her mind. One that wasn't completely finished, but she knew what he meant as she muttered, "16, I will. . ."

"Live, Android 21. . ."

The memory of 16's last request flashed in her mind before finally positioning her hand and pressing her fingers together. Her body began to glow, and the bangs of her hair rose slightly before everything suddenly became white. Apex Cell's eyes widened, the sudden speed so fast that he couldn't perceive it, let alone what had happened though from afar, where everyone on the hospital rooftop could see on the monitor. They could hardly believe it either. As if two souls were corresponding to each other, a thin line of pinkish light split the skies toward the ground. At the same time, a raging rise of scarlet electricity rose and screamed towards the heavens.

A sight that left everyone silent. A dance of shades of crimson passion left a gaping hole in Apex Cell's body as he was left completely stunned. At the same time, 21 appeared behind him, her attacking doing more than just piercing him. Her attack seemed to phase through him, the energy itself ripping him in half and the wound glowing a bright pinkish-red until it began to crack and crumble away like glass. Her hands grip tightly around the Dragon Ball as Shikuro's scarlet lightning only passed her by as it dimmed down; her eyes closed as the wind brushed gently against her face before landing on a nearby rooftop on one knee.

She took in a breath and exhaled calmly as she muttered, "Vermillion Hrunting. . ."  

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off. . .)

*ZRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT BOOM!*

Resounding shockwaves echoed as a figure coated in scarlet, red lightning crashed through a large building and caused its structure to collapse from the force of his impact alone. The figure's eyes flashed open, and the lightning crackled around his body, the pain it brought causing him to groan in agony as his body began to tremble. His teeth grit, and his head pounds as he grips his head in one hand; it disperses immediately as he falls to his knees in an attempt to stand back up. His chest was scarred; black ash from the burns he received covered the surface of his skin with a few bloodied gashes. His breathing was ragged, and his teeth gnawed in frustration. His fist raised for a moment until. . .

"DAMN IT!"

*BOOM!*

His fist slammed into the ground, the concrete beneath shattering and splitting from the force of his anger. It wasn't long before he finally stood up once more, his eyes filled with rage and annoyance as he glanced in the direction from where he was flung from. Clone Apex Cell could only snarl in irritation; his wounds healed as if nothing had happened, though he still felt the remnants of the impact from the previous attack.

"That brat. . .! To think he had figured out how to do whatever that was. . ." He muttered, his body suddenly glowing with Ki as he got ready to charge back in until he felt a disturbance. A telepathic signal from the original, one that caused him to pause for a moment.

"Where are you!" The original Apex Cell shouted in his head.

Clone Apex Cell was confused for a moment before replying, "I'm keeping the monkey busy like you asked. Are you done absorbing Android 21 yet--"

"Forget that!" The original snapped back, "We've gravely underestimated their growth. . .! Hurry on back to me right now! We'll have to use our own trump card."

Clone Apex Cell raised an eyebrow in surprise, "That? But you know what that means if we perform it. We'll lose the ability to absorb any more energy for the next 24 hours. It defeats the purpose of our original goal to absorb Android 21 and attain the Obsidian Core."

"Not to worry, as long as we don't disintegrate her in her human state, her majin form will enable her to regenerate herself even if we reduce her to smoke. We just have to incapacitate her in a way she won't revert back," the original assured before grunting, "Now hurry! It's time to show these worms which they're really dealing with!"

With no further words other than a nod, Clone Apex Cell turned toward the direction of the original until he noticed Shikuro already floating above, glaring down at him. The young Saiyan was panting, the sweat on his body dripping off his chin a bit before he wiped it off. He had finally tracked him down after landing Shinkusen; however, it was evident that it did take a toll as Shikuro seemed annoyed, "He didn't go down with that one. . .damn it." Shikuro looked at the right hand that he used the attack with, the noticeable shaking irritating him even more as he clenched his fist shut.

"Shinkusen is an attack of exponential growth. However, since it uses Kaioken as a basis, then obviously there is going to be side-effects. . .and this is it. . ." He muttered to himself, "Temporarily, my body will limit itself to only half of my original power for a set amount of time. . that, and using it more than once per day could put me out of commission. I wanted that to finish him there. . ."

Shikuro regained his breath and steeled himself as he analyzed the clone in front of him, his eyes narrowing, "Still, he's taken damage despite how it looks. To recover from a blow like that must have drained this clone's energy considerably. At the very least, I can probably end him now that I've done that much. . ." That said, Shikuro landed on the ground just a few meters in front of the clone and slowly began to walk towards him.

"You know there's no point in fighting much longer. If you have noticed, I haven't even transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 yet. I can also sense your original has taken a hefty loss as well. You're out of options," Shikuro informed. However, it was clear he wasn't going to let his guard down in the slightest as he continued approaching the clone, "At this point, accepting a quick and painless death would be the best choice."

Clone Apex Cell scoffed as he stared down at the Saiyan, his head tilting slightly, "Is that so. . .?" Shikuro stopped in his tracks as he noticed Clone Apex Cell's amused tone and smirk. He knew that look didn't mean well, and without hesitation, he charged forward as soon as he brought to hand to forehead level and spread his fingers. Then. . .

"SOLAR FLARE!"

*FLASH*

A bright white light blinded the young Saiyan, his eyes forced to shut as he quickly brought his arms up in front of him to shield himself from the blinding light. He braced himself for a strike until he heard the sound of the clone using Instant Transmission. He gnawed his teeth and tried to sense him but was unable to do so due to the light.

"Shit! He's gone!" Shikuro growled in annoyance, his eyes opening as the light slowly faded. He looked around, trying to pick up on his Ki before finally catching a faint signature. Without another word, he flared his Ki. He charged towards the direction of where he sensed him, his aura making a golden line in the sky, and the wind whipped across his face, "He couldn't be running away. . .! It was all a diversion to get to 21! It has to be! But why, even if he went straight to her, he wouldn't be able to actually win in his current state! This doesn't make sense. . .!"

Shikuro's mind raced as he wondered what Clone Apex Cell's goal was, but with no more time to ponder as he neared his destination. He looked down and saw 21 standing on the roof of a building nearby, and much to his confusion, she seemed completely fine, with only a few scratches on her body. That and, much to his own relief, she was holding the Four Star Dragon Ball that Cell held hostage inside himself. Still, Clone Apex Cell was nowhere in sight, the whole situation only confusing Shikuro even more as he landed nearby and approached her.

"Shoko! What happened to Cell?" He asked as he looked around, trying to sense him, though he still came up with nothing.

21 tilted her head in confusion and pointed up to the direction where the original was still floating in the air with a massive hole in his body, "I took care of him just a few moments ago. What about the other Cell?"

"He slipped away. I thought he was coming straight here," Shikuro explained, looking up at the original, "You used Vermillion Hrunting , didn't you? Looks like we both used our trump cards."

21 nodded, "So that red flash earlier was Shinkusen. . which means both of us used up a lot of our stamina for those attacks. But it should be over, right?" Shikuro didn't answer and kept staring at the original. He wasn't dead, but judging by the wound and the knowledge that his regenerative ability stems from Piccolo's cells, the Apex Being would have been reduced to a weakened state for a while. But for some reason, Shikuro couldn't help but feel a bad vibe in the air.

With that in mind, Shikuro extended his hand out towards the original, "It should, but I'm not taking any chances. He won't die unless we disintegrate him down to his atoms. Let's finish him off now before he can recover!"

21 was a bit hesitant and looked up at the original, her grip on the Dragon Ball in her hands tightening as she took a similar gesture to the young Saiyan. They both were ready to fire and take him out while he was weak, yet no matter how much they prepared, the feeling of unease didn't leave them. An uneasiness that they weren't expecting. Two orbs of Ki formed in their palms, and with hesitation being nothing more than a fleeting thought, they fired.

Pink and Blue Ki Orbs as large as cars erupted from their palms, the force of the attack creating a gust of wind as they approached the original. Clone Apex Cell's eyes twitched, and he looked down at the attack coming towards him. But instead of fearing for his life, he smirked.

*ZRRRRRRRRRT*

Both Shikuro's and 21's eyes widened at the sound, the clone of the Apex Being suddenly appearing to intercept the attack. With just a quick swipe, the attacks were cut through by a crimson Ki blade protruding from his elbow, the shockwaves of which created a powerful gust of wind that knocked them back as their feet skidded across the ground. They both braced themselves, the gust finally dying down, and their bodies trembled slightly from the force of it. But still, they looked up to see the original's hand pressed against the clone's back, their sinister grins matching each other.

Shikuro snarled, "CELL!" Ki exploding in his body, Shikuro dashed forth and flew towards the two above, his speed increasing by the second as he broke several sound barriers in the process. But amusingly, the two Apex Cells just grinned as the original chuckled darkly.

"It's time for the main event, ready?" Apex Cell smirked

Clone Apex Cell nodded and spread his arms out at waist level, his body glowing with white light as he closed his eyes, "Hmph, if we must." They both closed their eyes, and just at that gesture, a circular pulse of Ki spread throughout the entire area, the colors of the world suddenly shifting to black and white. Time seemed to slow for Shikuro and 21, their eyes widening while both Cell's slowly opened their eyes.

With a matching grin on their face, they muttered the words that rang in Shikuro's ears as if they were in slow motion.

"Amplification: Celluar Fusion!"

*WHOOOOOOOOOH!*

The sound of a high-pitched noise of energy rang from both Cells, the Ki around them fluctuating in the form of waves that matched each other perfectly. Suddenly, their bodies began to stretch and merge together, their voices echoing and matching each other until they merged into a large orb of white light. Their perspective of time shifted back to normal as the immense shockwave pushed Shikuro back and sent him spiraling down toward the ground. He was struggling to regain control until 21 appeared behind him to catch his fall.

The young Saiyan shook his head before looking back at the ever-increasing orb that began to envelop the entire sky above the city and part of the buildings. He noticed that on contact, the buildings were being reduced to atoms, and the rubble of the surrounding area was being drawn in as well. Seeing this, Shikuro quickly searched the area for nearby Ki signatures, the fact that most of the city was barren and evacuated by now making it easy for him to locate them.

"Shoko, let's regroup! We need to get everyone out of here, now!" Shikuro said as he grabbed the android's hand and flared his Ki. Before she could give her own opinion, Shikuro flew straight towards the hospital, the wind and storm created by the orb increasing by the second.

Though, it took a little while for him to spot them. Bulma, Piccolo, Krillin, Tien, and Yamcha were all huddled up in front of the screen. Behind them were clearly his classmates as well, who seemed to be in a state of shock. Seeing as they were alive and well, Shikuro dragged 21 down as they both descended and quickly landed on the roof. Bulma was the first one to react, a wave of relief washing over her as 21 and Shikuro ran over to them. Wasting no time, 21 extended her hands out and formed a pink barrier to keep the raging winds from sweeping them away.

"Shikuro, what's going on! Why is the world turning black and white?!" Ace shouted

Though, comically, Kize pointed at Shikuro's hair and exclaimed, "Forget that, dude! What happens to your hair! You're blond now!" Shikuro groaned and just sighed heavily.

"Seriously? I said I'd explain things later!" the young Saiyan snapped before he looked back up at the large white orb in the distance. The winds swirled around it as everyone focused on it. After some time, Shikuro turned to Piccolo, who was now awake, noting, "Good to see you're alive, Piccolo."

"Trust me, it'll take more than that to kill me. But that's beside the point. You all can sense the same thing I'm sensing, right?" Piccolo answered back.

Knowing only a few of them can actually sense Ki, Tien was the first one to confirm, "Yeah, it's strange. At first, I'm sure we all felt two Cells. But it seems like both of those energy are starting to merge. Any ideas?" 21 nodded and stepped forward.

"If I'm not mistaken, Shikuro and I witnessed Cell split himself into two," 21 answered.

"So, just like my Multi-Form technique?" Tien asked

21 shook her head, "No, but it's similar. From what I can infer, he couldn't split himself more than once, meaning there is a limit to it. But the trade-off he gained by doing that was a perfect clone with all of his power intact. Though, Shikuro and I managed to injure both of them in our respective fights." As if to continue on, Shikuro explained further.

"Yeah, but the clone used Solar Flare and Instant Transmission to get away from me. At first, I thought he was after Shoko, but. . .he went straight for the original. I tried to stop whatever they had up their sleeves, but they. . began to glow, and I assume if your assumption is correct, then. . .their merging back together." Shikuro elaborated.

Taking in the context of the situation, Yamcha chimed in, "Okay, but that would just mean he's regaining the power he likely lost. Even if the clone was a perfect copy, that surely had to drain the original for a bit. No technique is that free without consequence."

"That's the issue, Yamcha," Krillin cupped his chin, and everyone's eyes turned towards him, "Techniques aren't free of consequence, but they have workarounds or conditions to handle the drawbacks. In normal cases, it takes energy to use attacks like my Kienzan or your Spirit Ball. But think about what had been just said. . ."

The former monk looked up with a nervous sweat on his face, and everyone who knew the monk's background could respect his input. Aside from Goku, Krillin was likely the most gifted of the turtle school students and possibly the most gifted in terms of technique as a pure human. If anything, if Goku was Master Roshi's greatest pupil, then Krillin was his most intelligent in terms of learning and applying skills. Regardless, Krillin was hoping his guess wasn't true, "If there was a drawback to the original being only his power was cut instead of the clone, then it stands to reason that whatever trick he used to do that didn't create just a clone. But. . .a exact copy of the original entity. Since they are one and the same in that sense, that means both of them are compatible with each other. Who's to say. . ." There was a long pause as Krillin gulped down nervous saliva.

"They will need a back-up technique to take advantage of the drawback. You all can sense it. They are merging, but simply merging back together wouldn't create this sudden spike in power. . .If I were to compare it, it's like---" Krillin grimaced as all the Z-Fighters immediately caught on.

"THE FUSION DANCE!" Piccolo exclaimed

Shikuro's eyes widened, as well as the others, and he turned around to look up at the orb, his teeth grinding as he clenched his fist. Though the teens didn't know what that entailed, it was clear that it was a bad thing. However, they weren't alone on that sentiment either, as 21 was also confused and asked them, "What's fusion?"

"It was a technique back when Majin Buu was a problem. Goku apparently learned it during his time being dead in Otherworld and taught my son and his son as a way to fight him," Bulma explained before she continued, "Looking back on it, the technique was incredibly embarrassing to perform. You had to perform a funny dance to do it."

Piccolo grunted and gave the important detail, "But that's just a small price for the results. Goten and Trunks were only kids. Gifted but nowhere near as strong as any of us. However, with that technique, they merged and became Gotenks. As them, their power grew exponentially in comparison to before to the point they were stronger than any of us during that time save for Gohan after his training with the Supreme Kai and arguably Goku himself."

"But we didn't see him do a dance. All they did was touch each other," 21 pointed out.

However, Shikuro corrected, "It's likely not the same technique but one that is similar to it. But that doesn't matter. . clearly it's increasing his power at an alarming rate."

Just as he said, the raging winds only settled a bit before the ball of light burst into a massive pillar of energy that shot up into the sky. The blinding light nearly blocked out the sun and created a black shadow over the city. At the same time, the shockwaves pushed a large amount of dust and debris throughout the city in all directions. The force caused the barrier to shake violently, and 21 struggled to keep her balance as she tried to keep the barrier up.

But eventually, the light became thinner and thinner until it finally dissipated. The dust was slowly settling, and the constant shaking from the shockwave slowly came to a stop. Seeing that things had calmed down, 21 dismissed her barrier as everyone stared in the direction where the former pillar of light once stood. The smoke was slowly unveiled to reveal the form of a single but new figure standing tall in the distance. The faded green areas of his skin were now fully red, and the black spots around his body were now more prominent than ever. His torso looked like it separated the red layer of metallic, and in the center was an orange skin. His chest, shoulders, and shins were black, while his neck and face remained the same. A pure white surrounded by the newly shaped helmet that looked like they had irregularly shaped devil harms sticking upwards around the black orb in between them. His glowing yellow eyes, surrounded by the black sclera, immediately spotted the group, and his four bug-like wings stretched out wide while his dark gold-colored feet dangled in the air.

"Ah, that's better," Apex Cell. . or rather, this new version muttered, "Hmm, what should I call this? What happens when two Apex beings merge? Hmmm. . .?"

Then, the idea came into the new Cell's head, "Ah, that's it. . .! Supreme Cell." Without warning, he vanished with raw speed and landed just a few meters in front of them. They all flinched in surprise and quickly went into a fighting stance aside from Shikuro, who only stared back with a nervous sweat.

"The birth of the mightiest being in the universe. A culmination of Perfection that will forever assimilate. Each day, I can grow immensely more powerful through Celluar Division, and each day, I can be even more perfect with Celluar Fusion. Just like how two cells can duplicate and merge to create a new cell that is far more superior, so can I."

"A whole lot of talk but no action," Shikuro remarked. He reached for the red scarf around his neck and pushed it over his head before letting it drop to the ground. On impact, the scarf made cracks that made the human teens flinch and step back a bit while Shikuro cracked his fists, "If anything, you made a single target for me, so thank you."

Without warning, Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien huddle around the Saiyan and place their hands on his back. Shikuro was confused by this until he felt a surge of Ki flow into him, and his eyes widened in surprise. However, he kept his mouth shut and focused on absorbing the power from each of them; as Piccolo noted, "This is all we have. Don't get cocky. . .His boasting may have some merit. . ." Shikuro nodded and took the advice to heart since. . .he knew what he meant.

"Piccolo's right. I'd hate to admit it, but this Celluar Fusion technique is ridiculous. I can feel his energy pushing down on me from just standing this close," Shikuro thought as he darted to 21, who was already ready to fight, "Shoko's energy hasn't depleted as much as mine, but with Krillin and the other lending me their remaining Ki, I should be back up to full strength. If what I feel right now is correct, that technique isn't as strong as even the Fusion Dance. Meaning we may still have a chance."

Though, Supreme Cell simply chuckled darkly, "Come on now, why hold back? You won't make this fun for me if you're just a Super Saiyan." Shikuro growled, his Ki flaring to Super Saiyan 2 once his comrades took their hands off his back. Supreme Cell grinned at the sight of Shikuro's transformation and cracked his neck.

"That's better," He taunted with his finger, "Now come on, the first move is yours."

Shikuro frowned before dashing forward, a shockwave left behind to leave further cracks on the roof until he appeared directly in front of Supreme Cell with a right hook. However, he simply stared at the afterimage of the hook. He looked down calmly as Shikuro used a feint to catch him off guard to open up a clean uppercut to the jaw. However, as it connected and was held there, Shikuro's eyes widened in shock as Supreme Cell stared down at him with a wide grin. No effect. . .

*BAM!*

"Grugh!" Shikuro cried as Supreme Cell's own punch was far faster and landed directly in the Saiyan's gut, knocking the air out of his lungs. His feet skid and left an indented trail as he flew past everyone and crashed through the railing and into an opposite building. Everyone looked back behind them as the building began to crumble to the ground in the distance.

Though 21 was the first to snap out of it, "Cell! Bulma, here!" Without much further warning, she tossed the blue-haired scientist the Dragon Ball she was holding.

Without further hesitation, 21 sprang forward after him, her aura flaring as Supreme Cell smirked and dodged the flurry of punches unleashed by the artificial Majin. He was simply weaving his head and body slightly, the ease of her fist passing his face irritating 21 as her fist finally phased through Supreme Cell. However, in her confusion, the newly evolved Apex Being spun kicked 21 and sent her hurtling down towards the city below. She crashed on top of a car, her body bouncing off it before hitting face-first into the pavement. She groaned only to feel an increased heat coming closer to her. She didn't even need to look to know to move out of the way as she sprung to her feet and flew towards the left to avoid the Ki blast that followed suit.

The blast erupted into a red explosion that shattered the surrounding glass in the area while 21 took to the skies above. However, she felt a hand on her shoulder that caused her surrounding aura to stop in shock as Cell's voice filled her ears, "Don't worry, I'm not trying to kill you. As much as I could absorb you now, I can't until the next 24 hours are up. So, I'll just need you preserved." 21's eyes widened as Cell began to squeeze her shoulder. Her body screamed in pain, her aura dissipating around her as Supreme Cell pulled her back and punched her hard in the gut. She felt the air in her body deflate while Cell's grip on her shoulder grew tighter as his embedded fist opened into a wide palm. Pink sparking energy crackled around his hand.

"Take a nap for me, would you, sweetheart?" Supreme Cell teased before a large ball of red ki erupted from his palm and pushed her high into the sky.

Her screams became deafer as Supreme Cell watched her fly up before disappearing in the clouds as a pink light until. . .A faint explosion rang from the distance where he launched 21 while a red light sped through the cloudy sky. In just a few minutes, everyone could see 21' s body falling through the clouds and towards the city in front of Supreme Cell. Her clothes were shredded, her body covered in smoke, and her hair became messier than it usually did before crashing on top of a building.

She wasn't moving, but Supreme Cell wasn't concerned about that fact since he knew that attack wouldn't have killed her. She'd regenerate in due time, but just enough for him to get rid of the rest. He turned, easily ducking under a fist as he stared back at the angered emerald eyes directed at him. Everyone at the hospital was shocked by the sheer speed. A trail of energy faded behind the young Saiyan, who rocketed out of the building he crashed into. Though, Supreme Cell simply smirked.

"Didn't take you one for sneak attacks," Supreme Cell noted while weaving a barrage of fists directed at him. Though, as casual as he was, Shikuro had enough of the casual dodging, and in the middle of one of his punches, he reached behind Cell's head and landed a clean right hook to the temple. The blow was like a truck ramming into Cell's head as he felt his vision blur for a split second, but as he blinked, he smirked, "Oh, you actually managed to hit me. Want a reward?"

Shikuro's eyes widened at how quickly he shook the hit off until he felt a foot slam right into his stomach as Cell grabbed the back of his shirt to hold him in place. The young Saiyan coughed a bit of blood, though, in that same moment, the top of Cell's foot found itself running through Shikuro's chin and sent him flying into the sky. Cell looked up, Shikuro's body spinning uncontrollably in the air before he disappeared and reappeared directly in front of him and delivered another kick, this time knocking him into the ground like he was punting a ball before dashing down in a zigzag motion to beat the Saiyan to the crash zone. His fist tightened, and he waited for the young Saiyan to get closer, only to ram his fist into Shikuro's back. The force of it made Shikuro cough more blood before clenching his teeth to steel himself.

Determined, Shikuro spun around mid-air and wrapped his legs around Supreme Cell's waist before grabbing the back of his head, much to his confusion. Though, with grit, Shikuro rose up into a headbutt, their foreheads clashing to create a spherical shockwave that expanded around them.

Supreme Cell felt a bit affected, but still. .he was just amused by the display before wrapping his arms around Shikuro's back into a bear hug, "Lad, didn't they tell you. . ." Shikuro's eyes widened as he noticed Cell's body begin to glow brighter and hotter by the second. Immediately, he tried to struggle free as Cell continued to grin into a fit of laughter.

"You can't embrace perfection!" Cell cackled.

*BOOM!*

In just a split second, they all saw a good chunk of the city get engulfed by a dome-like explosion of red ki, the flames and debris scattering across the sky and towards the hospital, where everyone was forced to dodge and duck to avoid being hit by the falling concrete. The ground trembled with the aftershock, and everyone looked back at sight to see Cell floating above the third large crater while dangling Shikuro by his wrist. His shirt was half torn, revealing his blood trickling down his forehead, pectorals, and the entirety of his right arm. Seeing this, they all felt a cold sweat drip down their backs, with Krillin being the only one to comment, "Even with all that energy we lent Shikuro. . .Cell was able to defeat them both so easily. . ."

"Damn it! We're out of options!" Piccolo slammed his fist on the ground in frustration as he and the others felt useless. However, Supreme Cell looked up at them and turned back to Shikuro, who was still conscious.

The self-proclaimed Supreme being raised the young Saiyan to face level and smirked, "Seems you're still awake. Got any words, boy?" Shikuro didn't respond for a few moments as Supreme Cell was about to ask again until Shikuro spoke up, his voice strained but clearly irritated.

"Ye-yeah. . .just one," Shikuro choked out before opening one eye. His fist clenched and red electricity began to dance around his body before shouting, "KAIOKEN!"

Supreme Cell raised an eyebrow and felt the Ki flaring in Shikuro's body while the electricity turned scarlet red. His grip was immediately broken as Shikuro's body vanished, with the only trace being the diminishing remnants of the scarlet Ki. However, Cell could hear the young Saiyan zipping around him, likely trying to throw him off for an opening. Cell shook his head in disappointment, "Really? Repetitive bursts of Kaioken in Super Saiyan 2 will only wear you down for no reason. .?"

Without batting an eye, Cell flung the back of his fist behind him and decked Shikuro hard in the nose at the perfect time, causing his aura to disperse. However, from Shikuro's perspective, he didn't even see it coming as one moment he was looking at his back. The next, he was looking at the sky as his body slowly began to fall before catching himself and flaring another burst of Kaioken.

He circled him before feinting a punch to maneuver around instead to the same side and hurl a roundhouse kick to the back of Cell's neck. The only thing was. . nothing was there, and his kick just swung at nothing. He was surprised, his eyes looking around for a moment before feeling his presence behind him. In a panic, he flew up with another burst of Kaioken, his body screaming at him to stop. Still, he knew it was necessary to at least create some distance, even if it was a few centimeters. However, to just toy with him, Shikuro felt his back bump into something and a hand placed on his shoulder that made him shiver in fear.

The young Saiyan didn't even need to look back behind him to see who it was as Surpeme Cell finished his previous sentence in his ear, "Because even if you were to get 10 times stronger, you wouldn't have come close anyways." The moment those words passed, Shikuro felt the weight of his body get pushed down by a powerful Kiai on his shoulder that caused it to dislocate before he was sent plummeting to the center of the crater by the shockwave. His body bounced off the surface once before he laid on his back and clutched his shoulder with loud groans escaping his lips.

"Ngh. . .ngh. . .!" He bit his teeth and tried to stand up with only marginal success. However, the onslaught still needs to be done as he noticed a light on the ground being illuminated by a blue light from above. His eyes widened as he looked up to see Cell's hands already at his waist and a large blue orb forming behind him from his palms.

"Sayanara! Kamehameha!" Supreme Cell shouted as he thrust his palms forward and unleashed the blast. Shikuro was completely stunned by the sheer size of it.

"He's truly lost it! If that hits the surface, we're screwed!" Shikuro exclaimed inside his head as his body was already aching and protesting at the prospect of using Kaioken yet again. But he had no choice. It was either a struggle, or Earth was going to become space dust. His Ki erupted, gold shifting to red as red electricity danced around his body. Quickly, he brought his hands together at his waist and tensed his body before roaring, "Kamehameha!"

A torrent of the iconic blue wave erupted from his hands, with red electricity wrapping around the energy wave like a vortex. The beam rushed towards the Kamehameha while Cell simply observed until it made contact and ground against each other for dominance. However, Shikuro felt his feet begin to skid back, an indication that this was hardly enough power. He'd have to really push it. . ., "KAIOKEN TIMES 10!"

Shikuro roared, his aura and beam growing significantly while Cell simply kept up a calm and composed smile. Violent shockwaves were erupting from their clash and destroying the surrounding buildings, roads, and structures of the city. Almost to the point that. . .it was starting to become too much. For everyone who had evacuated, they could see the raging storm stemming from the power struggle in the distance. But to the ones who were still in the city. . they could practically feel it. Worry rose up, and Krillin immediately turned to everyone in alarm, "We got to get out of here! Things are getting really out of hand!"

"What!? You're leaving him to fight for himself!?" Ryusika accused, "I thought you guys were supposed to be some sort of superhero!"

"What good is that if we'll end up dead in the crossfire! Cell's way too strong for any of us to handle!" Krillin snapped back before turning back to the ensuing chaos, "Damn it, if we had Goku and Vegeta, then this---"

*RUMBLE!*

*CRACK*

Krillin paused for a moment as Supreme Cell and Shikuro's beam wavered, and the hospital's building rumbled as everyone was starting to feel a sense of unease from the safety of the structure. Seeing this, Piccolo finally stood up, completely ignoring the pain washing over his body, and grabbed Bulma by the back of her collar before lifting her up with a yelp, "He-Hey!"

"No more arguments! We're out of here, NOW!" Piccolo exclaimed while being the one to take off first.

Before the teens could so much as protest, each of the remaining Z-fighters scooped them up off their feet and took off, flying as far as they could go, with only Krillin and Ace still being the last ones to leave. The former monk quickly turned the Bulma's equipment and screen back into capsule form before turning to Ace, "Alright, let's go."

However, Ace simply stood his ground, his eyes looking up in the distance while Krillin sweatdropped, "Kid, I know you're worried. But if we somehow make it out of this, I don't think Shikuro can stomach that one of his classmates got vaporized in the middle of this."

Though, Ace shook his head and pointed up in the direction of the clash, "Not that, look!" Krillin followed his finger until he noticed the red twinkle in the distance. Flying at breakneck speeds was 21. .her body sizzling from being burnt as she ignored the pain and headed straight for the clash. Though she seemed able, her trajectory turned to land right next to Shikuro, who was still struggling to keep his footing on the ground.

"Shikuro, I'm here!" 21 shouted, "I'll help too, so--"

"Don't be stupid! Move! I'm barely--ngh!" Shikuro grunted in frustration. He felt his muscles cramp as he puked up blood for a moment. His Kamehameha faltered a bit, though he quickly noticed and kept up his exertion of Kaioken, "I'm not gonna last much longer! Get out of here!"

However, 21 frowned at him and ignored his request, "I don't have to listen to you! HAAAAAAAAAH!"

Her aura flared, and pink energy erupted around her body, and her hair waved wildly in the wind. With a yell, she thrust her right palm forward towards Supreme Cell's, a reddish-pink beam combining with Shikuro's Kamehameha to create a spiral beam of blue and red. The added power only pushed Cell's Kamehameha back slightly. . only slightly.

"Android 21 joined in the little last ditch effort. . ." Supreme Cell muttered to himself, "I'll have to lower my output just enough to not vaporize the entire planet then. . .oh well, Plan B it is."

He dismissed his Kamehameha and flew back just enough to give him time to extend his left hand out. Both 21 and Shikuro were confused, the latter collapsing to his knees with Kaioken's aura diminishing all around him. However, unbeknownst to both of them, Supreme Cell's hand began to glow bright red, and their combined attack became frozen in place, the Ki morphing and altering to form a large ball of energy. Though it was unstable, the ball exuded a shockwave from just being in an idle state. At the same time, Supreme Cell grinned at the two from above, "You know, I love the display of the courageous. Always putting up one final struggle to win against a superior opponent. It makes things so much more interesting. So, tell me. . ."

With just a flick of his wrist, the ball of unstable energy grew more violent. Seeing this, Krillin wasted no time and grabbed Ace before making a run for it. Though, as their figures faded, the more distance they gained, Cell's expression darkened as he looked down at the two, his eyes reflecting disinterest.

"Is it fun being ants?" Supreme Cell asked.

*WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! BOOOOOOOOOM!*

After that moment, all Shikuro and 21 saw was a bright flash of light before. . .the entire city was gone and replaced with a massive white dome of energy. Almost like a nuclear bomb had been dropped right on them, and they both were caught in the middle of it. . .

[- - - -]

(Roughly Around The Same Time, In The Distance. . .)

The sky had darkened and grew cloudy from the uncontrolled clashes of power. The wind kicked up a storm across the entire area of the city. In the distance, thousands of vehicles, either salvage, stolen, or prepared ahead of time, were fleeing from the ensuing explosion that had engulfed the metropolis once known as West City. However, as the people of the West City were leaving, they were watched by a figure cloaked in nothing more than old rags and a straw hat with a bamboo pipe in his mouth. He sat on a branch and leaned against the tree, the sounds of his smokes being blown out matching the sounds of the passing cars that would zoom by every once in a while. Though he ignored them, his eyes only focused on the city from afar or, well. . what's soon to be left of it after the explosion dialed down. Seeing as the situation was getting worse, he took out an orb that was as clear as water about the size of his palm. He rubbed his thumb on it, causing it to glow a bright silverish-blue before speaking to seemingly no one. . .

"I know you're watching this too. . .I'm sure this is a good time to intervene?" The figure asked.

A few seconds passed until the orb glowed with a bright light, and a voice spoke through the orb, "Yes, I suppose I've seen enough. That's his limit at the moment."

"Right, but you know. The boy wouldn't have needed to struggle against someone like that if you had let him be from the start," The figure answered.

However, the voice didn't respond immediately before responding coldly, "That is none of your concern. If I hadn't, then he wouldn't be a potential future asset. Without struggle, he'll grow arrogant. Foolish like those before. Struggle brings suffering, and suffering leads to greatness. Greatness that will bring about the greatest change. So I ask you to do the bare minimum for the sake of that."

"How doting you are," The figure rolled his eyes underneath the straw hat, "But as you wish. Tell me, how are things dealing with the other. . .kings?"

". . .They are as rowdy and hardheaded as ever. But as usual, they are no threat to me and are the least of my concerns," The voice answered back, "Right now, the others are more focused on the preparations. Patience is key."

"Well, in that case, I'll be making my leave now," The figure pushed himself off the tree and turned to the city, "I'll be sure to continue my watch on your precious golden boy a lot more closely afterward, so no worries."

The voice let out a hum, "As I would expect. . as always, fulfill your role diligently."

The orb went dark as the figure pocketed it before turning back to the explosion that had finally started to dim. With the orders given, he stood on the branch of the tree and licked his lips, "At least it'll be something to watch." Then, with just a quick flare of greenish Ki. . .he was gone, vanishing from his previous spot and replaced with a long stream of light that went towards the city ahead.

~~~~~Scenery Change: With Piccolo and The Others By A Cliff~~~~~

After getting a safe distance away from the city, Piccolo landed with his group in tow. His body was still in pain, but he couldn't help but grit his teeth in frustration from his own weakness. However, as everyone collectively settled themselves on the ground, they all turned to the diminishing explosion in the distance. They watched as it began to die down. Though, after a few seconds, it was completely gone and replaced with a city sized crater of debris and ash as smoke rose up to darken the clouds.

"That's just. . .absurd. . ." Vincent muttered in disbelief while lying out on the ground.

Though, on the other hand, Kize walked up to the edge to get a better look. Nothing was most certainly left, like a city-sized asteroid had hit it, "I don't think any human weaponry currently could even compare to that type of destruction."

"Then that means. . ." Ryusika muttered in worried, "Shikuro. . .is he. . ."

Before she could assume, Tien interrupted with a hint of hope, "No, it's too early to assume. The unstable energy within that area is making it hard to make out what's going on, but there is a chance that they could have survived." Ryusika breathed a sigh of relief as Yamcha and Bulma approached her side.

"He's right, kid," Yamcha chimed in, "This isn't the first time we've had to deal with this type of thing. There are much worse things that we've survived."

Despite hearing this, Piccolo grunted as he clutched his arm. He knew that meant nothing as the current situation was beyond anything they had expected, "That's not assuring. That explosion's area of effect was detained simply because Shikuro was able to hold it off and lessen the radius. It still was packing an immense amount of power that. . .I don't think even he could have survived it. We're dangerously low on options. . .We could try gathering the Dragon Balls now that we retrieved one of them, but that'll take too long." They all flinched a bit at his words before collectively casting their heads down in thought. He wasn't entirely wrong, the remaining Z-fighters knowing that especially. Getting their hopes up would only be the same as accepting defeat. However, the kids couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. This. . was truly the end, wasn't it? Even so, Elizabeta couldn't help but diverge away from that thought when she looked around only for a second, only to notice two were missing.

"Wait, where's Ace!?" She asked in a panic.

They all looked at her for a brief moment before realizing what she meant as Bulma added, "He should be with Krillin right now. I saw them getting my equipment moments before we evacuated here. . ."

"Then why didn't they come with us!? We should've left the city together!" Elizabeta exclaimed.

Piccolo frowned but turned back to the city in the distance, "I'm sure he's fine. . .in fact, look." They all turned toward the direction the Namekian was pointing and saw a figure flying toward them. As it got closer and closer, their eyes widened in surprise to see that it was Krillin carrying Ace over his shoulder before quickly descending down and landing with them.

"Krillin, what's with the delay?" Yamcha asked.

The former monk rested Ace onto his feet and answered, "Got a little sidetracked, but we made it out before we got caught in the blast."

"Shikuro and Shoko. . .are they. . .?" Kize asked with a hint of worry in her voice.

Ace turned his head and clenched his fist, "Both of them fought with everything they had but. . .Cell. . ." Noticing the hesitation and frustration in his voice, Krillin quickly intervened.

"That's enough. The blast finally died down, so I suggest we all keep our hopes up until we know for sure," Krillin assured, "We shouldn't jump the gun and give up hope. That's not what Goku would have done. He'd always keep on fighting, so we should do the same."

However, rational as she was, Bulma chimed in, "He's right, in fact. There's a chance that Cell wouldn't risk killing at least Android 21--I mean Shoko. Sorry, very confusing, but his main objective is to absorb her. We don't know why, but if that's the case, he wouldn't risk killing her in that explosion."

"Then what about Shikuro?" Ryusika asked.

"Don't forget he's a Saiyan," Tien answered, "I've known them for a long time, especially Goku. They are as tough as it comes. Suppose Shikuro and Shoko are around the same level and within the vicinity of each other. In that case, Shikuro has a chance of surviving if Cell held back for the sake of keeping the majin girl alive."

Taking that into account, they all nodded as Piccolo spoke up, "Then this is no longer about whether we are deadweight or not. Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin are with me. We'll go hold off Cell even if we end up dead. Bulma, you take the kids and get them to some place where there are at least people. During that time, try and contact Android 18 and the boys as well. We need all our strongest fighters on Earth at the frontlines."

"You got it," Bulma answered, "And I have the perfect place in mind."

"Right, then let's get going," Piccolo noted, but as soon as he turned. . .he saw something else in the distance. Something flying, a green stream of light that left behind a trail. It was heading straight towards the crater where West City had once stood. He squinted his eyes and focused on its Ki in an attempt to discern who it was. However, after a few minutes of focus, nothing came to mind. It most certainly wasn't Goku, nor was it Vegeta or Gohan. They were still trapped in whatever dimension Cell had created with the Dragon Balls. But this Ki wasn't normal. Something about it felt. . strange. God? No, not god. It was similar, but he couldn't shake this feeling.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Krillin asked as he walked up to Piccolo, "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing, let's move," Piccolo muttered in a nervous sweat. But he knew it wasn't nothing. He could feel it. Something peculiar was amidst the chaos, and it must have been lurking for the perfect opportunity. The real question was. . why?

~~~~~Scenery Change: West City Massive Crater~~~~~

". . .NGHK!"

At the center of the enormous crater, rising from the ashes and dust, a figure slowly crawled up with a limp to his left arm and a slight trickle of blood coming down from his forehead. He coughed, his Saiyan tail limp as he fell to his knees to exude the blood welling up in his throat and mouth. However, he wiped his mouth and looked around with what vision he had left. He couldn't tell if he was on the verge of passing out or if the clouds of smoke were affecting his sight. But regardless, he felt incredibly weak, his golden hair reverting back to black and its normal shape. His shirt was completely blown off down to the torso, while his pants were shredded up to the knees. The only intact thing was his red shoes, which had a few holes in them, but nevertheless, it didn't change the situation. His body ached in the attempt to stand as he looked around for someone before spotting them just a few feet away, unconscious. He grimaced at the sight, her clothes tattered from before. Still, she was definitely out of energy as she reverted back to her human form.

"Damn it. . ." Shikuro muttered, his feet trudging towards the female with a limp before falling to his knees once more, "Shoko. . ."

He rested his hand on her shoulder and shook her in an attempt to wake her up. But it was to no avail. The young Saiyan could still feel the terrifying Ki above. Whether he was toying with them at this point or he genuinely could tell if he killed them, Shikuro knew at this point they were screwed. Frustration welled up from the depths of his stomach. But it was a different kind. This form of frustration was. . .powerlessness. Powerlessness in the form that no matter how much he struggled, how much he fought, how much he trained. . it wouldn't amount to anything in the face of this monster. No, not this monster. It wouldn't amount to him changing from the same child who watched Nana die in a ship. . .A frightened child stuck in a cabinet while her chest was widened by a beam of light. So where has he known since then? Back in the same spot where he was when he started. . .

"I'm pathetic. . ." He muttered to himself, knelt down. His nails dug at the dirt, his fist balling tight before he slammed one into the ground, "What the hell was the point. . .? What the hell was all that work for. . .? Just what the hell!"

Shikuro's anger was starting to bubble from the depths of his heart, "All that faith, and this is all I can do! Cower and wait for death while I watch the trust die in everyone's eyes as I fail to protect them! I. . ." He pursed his lips tightly, an admittance that he would have never thought would escape his lips. For the first time, this thought came through his head in the form of not just a desire. . but something necessary. His eyes just stared at 21's unconscious body as the words left his lips. They were razor-focused in realization, and they didn't seem to blink.

"I need power."

Such a simple change in words. The "want" changed to "need". And it was no longer a statement. It was a fact. A fact that needed to be true. He needed power, and in response to that. . .fate ran its course. A gust of wind pressed against his body, though he didn't react until he noticed a shadow towering over them. Slowly, he looked up. . and saw a cloaked figure wearing a straw hat that obscured his facial features aside from his chin. The only thing Shikuro could make out was a grass blade that was sticking out of his mouth as he stood above him before his words registered in his ears, "You need power, huh? Makes things easier for me."

The young Saiyan blinked a few times, his eyes wide in surprise, "What. .? Who. . .are you?"

"Hmm, you can call me. . .a friend. Yeah, a friend," The man answered. He didn't say much after that, but instead knelt down and took the grass blade out of his mouth before licking his lips, "A friend willing to help you. Free of charge, too."

Shikuro raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about? There's nothing you can do for us! I'm not sure who you are, but the monster up there is--."

"Oh, that guy?" The man tilted his head up and looked through the smoke, "He's nothing but a pushover. I could kill him if I wanted."

Shikuro's eyes widened in shock at his statement before scoffing, "Yeah, right. Look, I don't know who you are, but the humans I know are way stronger than you. So don't get a big head and get yourself killed--" Shikuro's sentence stopped the moment he felt the man's finger press against his forehead. He shivered, not because of the odd feeling he was getting off him but. . because he didn't even see him move.

"Look, pal, you should be more worried whether you can beat him rather than me," The man glared, golden eyes of luminous shining through the shadows casted by his straw hat. The young Saiyan sweated nervously while he retracted his finger and continued, "Like I said, I can take care of this small problem myself. However, I'm under. Let's say orders to not interfere more than I should."

Shikuro narrowed his eyes and stiffened his fear to respond, "Then why are you here if you aren't going to help?" Grinning, the man stood up and raised his arm to the right. Then, much to Shikuro's surprise, a golden light formed and morphed before summoning a Shakujo staff.

"I told you, I'm here to help you. You need power, right? But know and remember this. Power resides in one true self. To gain power, you must be willing to let go of all you know and become that self. Embrace it and understand it. That's what lies ahead in your path," The man explained and pointed the butt of the staff at the center of Shikuro's chest. The wind blew once more and kicked up the debris as they stared off at each other, "However, that path is long and hard. You may not be able to comprehend it even if you try. That's why I'm giving you a bit of a push. Remove the first gate in your way so you can gain passage. Do you understand? Once you accept this, your life will become far more complicated than you realize. You may even make enemies you don't want or can't even hope to defeat."

Shikuro stared up at the man with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. But then, he glanced at 21 before his lips tightened into a firm line. The man could see it, the young Saiyan teen steeling himself before looking straight at him with eyes filled with determination, "At this point, I don't care. Whatever it takes. Even if I have to make an enemy of the world itself, I'll do it if it means I can protect those I care about. So, do it." The man grinned at this and nearly laughed.

"Good, I hope you can provide me a good show. Monkey boy~!" The man answered and slammed the butt of his staff onto Shikuro's chest. Immediately, a strong gust of wind blew from the point of impact, a small vortex swirling around between his chest and the butt of the staff with a soft golden glow glimmering. The young Saiyan coughed, feeling something rising up his throat, but he choked it down and gritted his teeth as the pain began to settle into his body. Something warm was making his body extremely hot, most particular. .something deep inside. However, he closed his eyes shut as he felt them begin to water, sweat pouring down his face as if he had been thrown into a volcano. But eventually. . .the pain subsided, and his eyes shot open, revealing that they had turned from black to red, his pupil surrounded by a glowing white ring that morphed into an eight-petal lotus flower that spun around the pupil.

The man narrowed his eyes and smirked in amusement at the sight, "You truly are his golden child. You possess the same eyes."

~~~~~Meanwhile Above The Cloud Of Smoke Covering West City Crater~~~~~

"Did they die. . .?"

Supreme Cell muttered this from his lips as he floated above the clouds. The battle was over; both his opponents were defeated by his hand. At least. .he hoped so. Defeat would mean he'd be lucky that the Saiyan brat was dead and 21 had survived for absorption. However, he could still sense the faint energy coming from both of them and that wasn't what he wanted. Granted, it wasn't like they'd be able to do much anyway. At this point, they might as well start begging for a quick death. That said, he was about to just descend down there and finish the job. . until he felt something odd. The air around him felt different, not because of the explosion. The air was still, but then. . .it was disturbed by the wind blowing the clouds away from the crater below. His eyes widened a bit in shock as the clouds dispersed to reveal Shikuro's body stood up and. . wait, who the hell is that next to him?

Regardless, the young Saiyan seemed way too able for someone who exhausted himself. Especially since he was currently somehow in a Super Saiyan state. At least that's what he thought judging by the hair; however, one thing stood out to the self-proclaimed supreme being, "Red eyes. . .? But Saiyan's eyes when they are Super Saiyan are normally green. Some new transformation? Perhaps, but it doesn't feel like an ordinary one. This power. .it's difficult to discern, but there is something else afoot. . ."

Meanwhile, as he pondered to himself, the young Saiyan below examined his hands with an expression of curiosity. He felt. . .like he was at home. It was strange since the current power surging through him was nothing like he'd felt before, but at the same time, it was familiar. Like he's had it in him since birth. A part of him felt like he was in control, while the other part of him was confused. He looked up at the man who adjusted his straw hat downward, his staff in hand vertically, "This is as much as I'm supposed to unlock. Temporarily, you'll feel like a whole new person, but you won't be able to access the same level of power once you run out of stamina. You'll retain some, but you'll have to figure out how to draw it out again in the future by yourself." Shikuro nodded but couldn't help but ask.

"What did you do. .?" The young Saiyan muttered.

The man turned his back and smirked, "Wasn't I clear? I just lifted your first gate. That's all. To gain access to the 'other two'. . well, that's for you to figure out. The only one who understands you the best is you." Shikuro blinked in surprise before the man just vanished with the wind. He was gone. . just like that, but his words just stuck with him. The young Saiyan clenched his fist as he was confused. That whole sequence was too convenient. Some random guy shows up when he's about to die and grants him power? Saying that he was his friend and just leaves with some dumb riddles and crap? All that did was make him ask himself. . .

"Who. . .am I?"

That was the only question he could ask, but it wasn't one that he'd likely get an answer to immediately. The present was now, and for now, he was just a Saiyan in the middle of a fight for his home's future. He didn't have time to think about things he didn't understand yet. The only thing that mattered was that he had another chance to fight. With that in mind, Shikuro looked down at 21 and knelt down before scooping her up off the ground into his arms. Then, he looked up to see Supreme Cell, who seemed to be looking at him from afar with an unreadable expression. Seeing as the overgrown roach was being patient, Shikuro vanished and reappeared at a distance behind some rubble at the edge of the crater. Gently, he laid 21 down against the wall of the rubble and sat next to her, "I'm going to go finish this. If you wake up before then, get out of here and get somewhere safe."

"Ngh. . .Ku-Shikuro. . .?"

Shikuro blinked in surprise as the girl slowly opened her eyes. Her azure irises blinked a few times before settling on the young Saiyan as he responded, "Yeah, it's me. . ." She shifted, but her body ached all over in response, causing her to wince in pain. However, she didn't let it stop her as she pushed through it and sat up to rest her back against the rubble.

"That's enough, you can't fight in that condition. . ." Shikuro remarked.

However, 21 grunted and glared at him, "Neither can you. .we're both not in the best shape."

"I said I'll take care of it," Shikuro sighed.

"No, you can't!" 21 countered, "He's. . way too strong! Stronger than we ever hoped to estimate! We'll fight together, so please. . ."

Shikuro stared at her before catching a glimpse at her hands. They were shivering. Was she. . .afraid? He looked up at her expression and noticed that her eyes were watery. But they were determined. . for him. No, for everyone. Because in the beginning. . .her purpose was to stop Project Festival in the first place and so far. .it likely felt like she was failing at her intended purpose for existence. In return, that also meant she feared that everything she had done would have. . .oh. . .

"Isn't that funny. . ." Shikuro let out an amused smirk.

21 was confused at what he meant by that before scolding, "This isn't the time for humor, Shikuro! It'll take a miracle for us to win. . ." Her voice trailed to a whisper as she admitted that fact out loud. As much as she hated it. . they both knew that. She cast her head down in thought. If that were the case, what could they even do? They didn't have the power to stop him. Their only option was to bargain her off to Cell in exchange for Earth's safety. Still, even then, she'd probably be absorbed, and with Frieza-like tendency, he'd blow up the Earth anyway. She bit her lip in frustration. It was the only option left so. . .

"Shikuro. . .you can use--!?" 21 stopped mid-sentence was Shikuro buried her face into his chest with one hand behind her head.

Her eyes widened as he spoke as though he was reading her mind, "Don't worry, I got it from here. If we're going to lose, it'll be on our terms and not Cell's." He released his grip and stood up as he walked back toward the direction where Cell was waiting; the silhouette of his back was as comforting as his words.

"You've done enough, so thank you for everything. . ." Shikuro muttered. He stopped in his tracks for a moment, his eyes glancing over his shoulder to look at 21 one last time as he smiled, "You said we needed a miracle, right? Well. . ."

He pointed his thumb to his face, the dark clouds parting briefly for a single moment as he grinned. The words that exited his mouth barely made it to her ears, but they washed the pain away. . even if it was only for a moment. Words that either some insane idiot would say or some sort of hero would say to make things better. Regardless, it gave her hope.

"Just sit and watch; I'll show you a miracle."

All she could do was stare as he walked off, the wind blowing against them and her hair waving. On the other hand, Shikuro was facing forward, his strides slow and calm as he approached the center of the crater where hovering above. . was Supreme Cell who looked down on him from above. Regardless, he felt calm. . extremely calm as he reached the center of the crater and stopped, his eyes looking up at the monster. He closed his eyes and looked down at the ground, his hair rustling with a slight breeze before sensing people landing just behind him. He slowly opened his eyes calmly and muttered, "Shoko's resting just at the edge of the crater behind me. Go and take her to somewhere safe where she can watch. . ."

Behind him stood the remaining Z-fighters, who were taken aback by his demeanor. Though, the first one to be the voice of reason was Piccolo as he stepped forward, "Don't be foolish. Taking him on alone already didn't work. This time--" However, the Namekian's eyes widened when Shikuro turned his face to give a reassuring gaze.

"His eyes. . .those weren't normal eyes for a Super Saiyan. . ." Piccolo mentally noted.

Shikuro's eyes narrowed, "It doesn't make a difference anyways. . .So, I want to do this on my own. .for me." His response confused them, but at the same time, it also made them think. The young Saiyan wanted to finish it on his own, not because of pride or honor but. . because he wanted to. That was enough for them to respect his decision and trust him to handle this. After all, they knew Goku would've done the same thing. With that said, Krillin spoke up.

"I got it. We'll go get Shoko while you fight. If things go south, we're jumping in, got it," Krillin answered.

Shikuro gave a slight nod before turning back to Cell, the sound of their aura's flaring becoming deaf to his ears as all of them flew off and left him to himself. It was just him. He was alone. No distractions. No thoughts. Just him and Cell. He took in a deep breath and uttered a demand that made Cell raise an eyebrow, "Let's skip the foreplay. Use your full power."

Cell blinked a few times before grinning smugly, "Who are you to rush me? Feeling strong?" He flew down and landed just a few meters away from the young Saiyan before flaring his Ki just for an instant, which caused the ground around him to cave in briefly. Shikuro could feel the immense pressure of the Ki but remained calm as Cell continued to boast.

"Even just a mere fraction was enough to overwhelm you before. How do you hope to stand a chance against even just 20% of my power?" Cell smirked.

However, Shikuro ignored his words and repeated, "Use your full power."

"Hm? You aren't giving up, are you?" Cell asked in confusion, "Is it so fun being humiliated? You're entertaining, so I'll at least give you a snippet of what you are dealing with."

Supreme Cell grinned and shifted one leg behind, his torso twisting as he extended one hand outward. Shikuro remained stoic as he quickly noticed a surge of Ki coming from the palm of his hand. The air around him began to distort as the pressure increased, the earth beginning to shake from the energy's pressure. Smirking, Cell pulled back, the energy crackling like electricity and taking the shape of an arrow. At the same time, he spoke, "I'll let you know something. When I performed Celluar Fusion: my power compared to my original strength when I became the Apex is nothing more than a dwarf in comparison. Every cell in my body, down to the last atom, is superior, like a mortal to a god. That's why. . .I am Supreme Cell."

"Use your full power already," Shikuro muttered, his expression cold and serious as Supreme Cell's grin grew.

Cell answered, his voice changing to a more excited tone, "Survive this, and maybe I will!" With that, the energy fired off in the shape of a piercing light that shot toward Shikuro's face with extreme speed. But Shikuro simply didn't react. He only watched it as it got closer. It was decently big, the whiplash of wind from the force of it already causing his hair and clothes to rustle violently. In seconds, it was right in front of him. The light caused everything in his vision to go white. . before.

*VRRRRRRRRRRRRRZ*

Cell's eyes widened, the sight before him causing him to become puzzled at what he was seeing. Everything, the violent winds, the ground shaking, and the supposed-to-happen explosion. . .it was stopped with just one hand as Shikuro's palm wrapped around the energy arrow. His expression was still stoic, but Cell noticed that his eyes were different. They were bright crimson, surrounded by a white ring and a lotus flower spinning around his pupils. The young Saiyan's hand clenched tightly, the crimson arrow of light cracking before shattering like glass and in that moment. . .Shikuro vanished. Supreme Cell flinched and looked down to see Shikuro squat beneath him, his fist already balled tightly. However, in contrast to fear, Cell felt. . .thrilled, "It's like that, huh. . .?"

*POW BOOOM!*

Shikuro's fist slammed into Cell's stomach, and a burst of energy exploded from the other side that, causing a massive shockwave to blow away the debris around them. A geyser of golden and white Ki erupted towards the sky and towered the crater below. Everyone from afar watched in complete shock as it dissipated. Now above the sky, floating with half of his torso gone, was Supreme Cell, who was stunned, his eyes darting down to the Saiyan who stood below in the center of a giant crater within the crater. His lips curled up into a smile, and cackled, his aura flaring and unleashing violent red electricity. Shikuro remained firm and rooted in his spot despite the intense pressure, and his eyes narrowed at the monster above. He watched as Supreme Cell's body regenerated and reformed from the bottom half of his torso upward while his eyes glowed completely red, "I see now, whatever that man did more than just made you stronger. . .! Everything about you has changed! Just like me!" The tips of Supreme Cell's four black wings curved and began to glow completely red as he grinned at the Saiyan below. His hands spread wide, and during the raging electricity, the remaining Z-Fighters stood at the edge of the crater that would soon be a one-on-one battleground. They all nervously sweated at the power Supreme Cell was exerting. It was so enormous that only one comparison came to mind when just even thinking about it.

"He's just as strong as Goku when he achieved Super Saiyan God. . ." Piccolo muttered.

However, as they all watched in fear of Cell's immense power, 21 was the only one not looking in his direction. No, her eyes were focused on Shikuro, who stood face-to-face with Supreme Cell. Though she was still weak from exhaustion, her body felt. . .warm. Like everything was going to be alright. Her eyes reflected that warmth as Shikuro's Ki calmly began to emulate a spiraling vortex beneath his feet that expanded into a circle of golden flames. The young Saiyan felt his body pulse, like instincts awakened, telling him what to do. The circulating flames of golden ki began to elongate and form a circle behind him made completely out of Ki. Shikuro's glowing red eyes narrowed at Cell's, the small gesture already indicating that this was the real final round.

"Looks like chitchat is over," Cell noted before tensing his body.

Shikuro did the same and crouched as the circulating gold flames erupted to life. His power rose, and the heat waves emanating from his body caused the ground around him to sink and morph into a giant crater that was growing bigger and bigger. Seeing this, Cell proclaimed loudly.

"From here on out, it's a fight to kill or be killed."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off. . .)

The two stared each other down from a distance as the air between them became dense and heavy, the pressure from both of them causing the ground to shake. There was no need for words, no need for a signal. As soon as their eyes met, their bodies exploded forward, the ground shattering from the sheer force of Shikuro's speed while, in return, the hole in the cloudy sky was opened in contrast by Cell's movement. It was an instant. The first attack. Cell's fist shot out, aiming for Shikuro's face. However, it was stopped with just a single hand. A shockwave reverberated, but that didn't stop them. Shikuro's fist shot forward, but it, too, was stopped with just a single hand. Thus creating another shockwave that caused the crater to expand further and the clouds above to part. The two's arms locked into each other, but neither of them was giving in. The first blow, a kick across the face made by the young Saiyan, sent his adversary spiraling back. However, the supreme being vanished in the midst of his spiral, and less than a second later, a punch connected square in the young Saiyan's chest sent him plummeting toward the ground.

Despite that, Shikuro wasn't out of the fight yet as he regained himself mid-fall, flipped onto his feet, and skidded across the ground. His eyes looked up with a focus to see several sharp energy blasts cast like a net raining down on him. In response to this, Shikuro's Ki manifested itself, a flaming circle around his feet before the flames elongated into a spiraling ring of fire behind him. A quick gesture of pressing his hands together was all that was needed for the command to be set. The flaming ring erupted several sharp energy waves mimicking that of claws towards the energy blasts. The resulting impact caused a massive explosion that shook the ground, and balls of exploding light painted the sky before him. However, as the dust cleared, his eyes reflected a sharp, glowing red object already inches towards him. However, with a simple push to the side, he deflected it. He made it dig into the ground next to him before slipping through underneath to avoid the second one that followed suit. His aura flared, a trail of flames shooting up as it enveloped his body and flew toward his target.

Supreme Cell wasn't fazed by this, instead using the remaining two wings from his left to extend and lunge toward the Saiyan in hopes of impaling him. However, Shikuro dodged the trail of flaming Ki that indicated his movements heading left, then above, before quickly finding himself already taking Cell's back with a quick dash forward and downward. The quick realization was what drove Cell to turn and cross his arms, but Shikuro expected that as his fist clenched and slammed right into Cell's guard. However, a second burst broke his defense and caused his arms to open up due to the usage of Lapse Fist's delay. With an opening now presented to him, Shikuro channeled an energy ball of spiraling Ki in the palm of his hand and thrust forward, only for it to be intercepted by Cell's raised knee. The clash brought for a brief flash of light before the force of Shikuro's attack blew back Cell towards the sky.

Chasing him down, the young Saiyan flew after him, his rise towards the sky looking like a flare rising from Earth. This was met by Cell as he, too, flew downward and closed the distance between them, his hand summoning a Ki blade that thrust forward with quick stabs that looked like a blur. Shikuro's head shifted quickly and weaved the two attacks coming from his left and right before clenching his fist that became enveloped in golden flaming Ki. Both fighter's eyes glowed with a trail of Ki exuding from them. Fists and stabs became a flurry of endless strikes, each one intercepting the other with equal force that created a whirlwind. But, in a brief moment of lapse, Cell slipped under a fist and swung with the Ki blade from above. Shikuro's eyes made a brief turn towards the incoming swing, and he quickly raised his arm and shrouded it with Ki, which prevented the energy blade from making contact with his skin. However, he was still sent flying down towards the crater below from the sheer force, which gave Cell time to create some distance between them.

Shikuro fell at rapid speed, his eyes seeing his opponent as Cell retracted his Ki blade and caused a new blade to protrude from his elbows. Rapidly, the supreme being swung his arms to unleash several slash waves that flew down toward the Saiyan. However, Shikuro twisted his body and kicked off the air in front of him, the Ki blades cutting through the space where he once was as a trail of golden flames erupted behind him. However, in that same moment, Cell appeared from where he once was, the two eyeing each other in this fast-paced battle once more for only a second before the Supreme Being chased after the young Saiyan. Clashes of two different trails of light split the sky. Red and Gold dancing in a beautiful display. With every clash, their bodies would disappear for brief moments, leaving only the light to indicate where they were and a brief colored shockwave to come and fade like a firework. However, in the middle of the clash, the golden trail of flames broke away to gain some distance. In response, the red one fired an energy wave at it, only for it to veer sharply to the left.

Another one came soon after as if they predicated where the Saiyan was going to move. Shikuro stared at it but quickly took notice behind him. In the distance, the remaining Z-Fighters and Android 21 were watching from behind him. If he dodged this, then. . . The young Saiyan narrowed his eyes and stuck his hands out before the wave of energy pushed against his palms. It was strong, forcing him to grit his teeth as it pushed him back through the sky before finally kicking it upward moments before it could reach them. The observers were shocked by the blast, their eyes reflecting the explosion that erupted in the sky. But Shikuro's attention was brought elsewhere, only giving them a slight glance over his shoulder before dashing forth. His speed increased in intervals, thus breaking several sound barriers before closing the distance between him and Cell.

*POW!*

Grunting, Supreme Cell could feel Shikuro's elbow firmly dig into his stomach and send him flying off, his body quickly twisting to regain control of himself before he vanished with a burst of speed. Shikuro's eyes widened as, in just a second, his vision went partially dark, the reason being a hand gripping his face. Then, a sudden rush of air was felt as he felt them both soar through the sky before Cell slammed Shikuro into the ground and proceeded to drag him through the crater and up its walls. However, once they reached the top, Cell released his grip only to kick the young Saiyan out into the distance before flaring his aura.

*ZRRRRRRRRRT!*

Then. . .he vanished and flew after his target with lightning-fast speed. . .

~~~~~Scenery Change: With Bulma. . .~~~~~

The wind rustled against her hair as she drove the vehicle on the dirt road. She'd opt for a jet plane but as far as her capsule reserves go and what she normally carried, they were all left behind in the lab that was now a flat field thanks to West City's destruction. So, a normal car it was. As long it served to get the kids away from this mess, she didn't care. All that mattered was to get them to safety. She glanced into the rearview mirror at Kize, Ace, Ryusika, and Elizabeth, who were sitting in the car seats in silence. She knew they were scared. Hell, even she was scared. But after all, they were only human. If the pinnacle of human capabilities, such as Krillin and Tien, were frightened, then there wasn't much hope for her or the rest. The only thing she could do was drive and hope for the best.

Time seemed to pass slowly, the silence becoming a bit more unbearable and awkward. There was little room for conversation, considering everything so far. Still, that didn't stop her from trying to comfort them, "We're almost there, so just hold tight a little longer. I'm sure---"

*BOOM!*

Bulma's eyes shot open as something flew past the vehicle, something so fast that it was a blur, and had crashed into one of the nearby boulders up ahead on the side of the road. She hit the brakes hard, thus causing the teens to become jolted in their seats. The car skidded and screeched to a halt, leaving a trail of dust behind as Bulma looked back at where the boulder once stood. However, when the dust cleared. . .there stood a familiar figure with golden hair. Bulma's eyes widened as she watched the young Saiyan, who was slowly standing up and dusting himself off, his eyes darting to Bulma and the group of classmates that stared at him. However, he didn't say a word, his eyes widening shortly before steeling himself forward. They were confused until a trail of red zoomed past them and towards Shikuro, who took a stance and blocked the side elbow from Cell.

The group of humans shielded their eyes from the dirt that was kicked up by the two fighters. When it cleared, they found that the two were already locked in a short struggle until Shikuro slipped his arm underneath Cell's and locked it in place. Wasting no time, he flipped the self-proclaimed supreme being towards the left, his body doing a turn before slamming back first into the dirt. Raising his fist, Shikuro plummeted it towards his chest, only for him to be swiftly countered with a kick to the side of his face that left a bruise. The young Saiyan skid, his feet carving into the ground until he slid to a halt. He winced a bit, his right eye twitching in pain, before quickly realizing Cell had already stood up with both palms open at his waist. A rise of Ki was felt, and at that level of power with everyone close by. . .he needed to move fast.

Wasting no time, he took to the skies, his eyes not leaving Cell's figure, who grinned up at him before thrusting forward with both arms. Shikuro's eyes widened as they erupted in a barrage of energy waves that shot straight at him. Still, the young Saiyan was quick to react as he dodged the first few, his body zipping through the sky and leaving that blazing trail. Explosions were erupting all around him, his focus on avoiding a direct hit providing substance to how dangerous this was. He weaved between them, and each time, he would pass by one until the force of one of the explosions would send him off course, causing him to use the momentum to correct himself. But that was the opening Cell needed.

*VRRRRRRRRRRRRR!*

Shikuro's eyes widened at the sound of Instant Transmission, and his eyes darted behind him to see Cell high above with a charged Kamehameha already set in motion. Giving him little room to react, the Supreme Being fired the iconic blue energy wave, the size towering that of even the largest football stadium. Shikuro hissed under his breath as he spun back to face the blast and shot his hand forward. The palm of his hand pressed against the blast, and to fend off the still-pursuing barrage of energy waves from below, he extended his right palm behind him as well. His hand glowed and became shrouded in pure golden and white flames before a spiraling ring appeared behind him. With a quick gesture of his wrist, a wave of energy burst from it and formed a protective wall of Ki that intercepted the incoming attacks. However, he could still feel his left hand start to burn from the Kamehameha, and in response, he pressed all five fingers of his right together. His eyes glared, a red glow, and the re-emergence of the lotus flower insignia in his eyes reflected his determination as he pulled his left arm back.

His body tensed as the energy around him became erratic and unstable before a surge of white and golden Ki began to emanate from it. With just a thrust forward. . .the blue wave of energy was sliced in two by a trail of fire that flew threw it. Cell's eyes widened, his eyes reflecting the image of Shikuro already in front of him and the jab from his fingers hurled in his direction. Quickly, he blocked it with the palm of his hand, and Cell felt them both soar high past the clouds and into the vast sky beyond. They all watched the golden flaming trail diminish and silence overtook the entirety of the world until. . .a brief flash of light erupted through the clouds like lightning. The earth shook from its sheer power, and up above where the star lay were both fighters separating from a clash of spear versus shield.

Shikuro held his hand to his side, his breathing a bit heavier from that brief exchange and his left arm limp with burn marks. His right eye was closed in hopes of giving it some time to recover while Supreme Cell was slowly regenerating his hand that was blown off. They both glared, the sun shining behind the young Saiyan from behind the Earth's shadow and with his left hand, Shikuro clenched his fist. Supreme Cell did the same, the two of them hovering there for a moment as a silent battle of wills ensued between them. Then. . .they lunge forth at the same time and force from their clashing fists resulted in a blinding flash.

~~~~~Scenery Change: Back To 21 and The Remaining Z-Fighters. . .~~~~~

"This fight is insane. . ." Krillin muttered, his eyes reflecting the bright flashes of light from above the clouds. They couldn't see what was going on up above due to the distance; however, they could feel it. The shockwaves from their clashes were sending tremors down to them. They could feel the sheer pressure from their Ki alone, which caused their bodies to tremble. It was a feeling that they had experienced before, one they never thought they'd feel again. Back when Goku had achieved Super Saiyan God and fought the God of Destruction Beerus for the sake of entertaining the deity. Where all of them were left to watch from below while the two fought in the starry skies above. This was the same feeling. . the same pressure from back then. Only this time, it felt even more intense than before.

Unlike last time, Lord Beerus was clearly stronger than the hero of Earth. That much was evident when, despite how much stronger Goku had become since that fight, Beerus still felt so far away. The difference between them was, the same as heaven and Earth. But with Cell, it didn't feel like that. They could tell that Shikuro was fighting on equal footing with Supreme Cell. The two left no room for holding back, as the battle was too intense. They were fighting to the death, and the chances of one surviving seemed slim. But that did beg the question.

"What happened. . .I was sure Shikuro didn't grow this much stronger in just one year in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber," Tien stated.

Yamcha could only shrug his shoulders, "No clue, but it's working wonders for him." Meanwhile, Piccolo had his eyes closed as he listened in on their battle, the sound of their auras and their energy flaring being his guide as he felt it out. His eyes opened, and he looked up towards the sky, his expression hardening.

"It's strange; his Ki feels entirely different. Can any of you four sense it?" Piccolo asked them

They all took a moment to focus on Shikuro's Ki before Krillin noted, "I can, but. . .it feels completely incomprehensible. It's completely out of this realm of understanding, but you can feel it. It's there."

Piccolo nodded before stating, "It's the same for me. If anything. . .as you four can't sense it, but it feels similar to God Ki. But at the same time, it isn't. That same feeling of divinity. . .Shikuro's energy is radiating with that same intensity, only it's completely different." The Z-Fighters nodded collectively.

"Then. . ." Krillin muttered and turned to 21, whose eyes were glued to the sky, "Do you have any clue as to what happened, Shoko?" She remained quiet for a moment, her lips pressing tightly together as she thought about it before finally turning to them.

"I don't know," 21 admitted, "I was knocked out until I woke up to Shikuro taking me to a safer spot. . .I don't know what happened during that time." Her eyes glanced down as she thought about it.

"Is it possible that something happened within the Hyperbolic Time Chamber that we aren't aware of?" Yamcha inquired.

21 shook her head, "No. . .at least I don't think so. Shikuro has never mentioned him having this kind of power, and it'd be pretty pointless not to. . .Besides, I was there with him for the entire year."

"Could he have been hiding it then?" Tien asked.

"No, he has no reason to hide something like this," Piccolo noted before narrowing his eyes back to the sky, "Something happened recently after that explosion. Whatever it did must of triggered this kind of power."

Krillin nodded, "Then, we just have to hope for now that Shikuro can keep up with that power. Otherwise. . .we're screwed." In agreement, they all nodded, but 21 could only stare back toward the sky, her mind focused on one thing alone.

"Shikuro. . ." She muttered.

As the shockwaves continued, and the group watched the lights that reflected through the clouds, an individual who watched them from afar floated above undetected. His ragged cloak and straw hat still concealed his features as his eyes focused on the auburn-haired girl among them. His eyes narrowed on her, and he muttered, "Interesting. . .I'll have to keep an eye on her." He turned back to the sky above, his hand moving to the straw hat on his head before pulling it down to cover his eyes.

"The boy is putting on a show, at least. Removing the first seal has done wonders for him. But. . ." The man sighed, crossed his arms with an unamused frown, and thought, "He's taking too long. He does know that power is only temporary, right? Once it's gone, he'll have to learn how to draw it out, and without the proper teacher. . that's impossible. I can't aid him in that either as well. . despite being the only one currently stationed in this realm who knows its true nature and wouldn't kill him. If the Grand Priest finds out. . that'll be a problem."

The wind blew against his body as another shockwave shook the Earth. The cloak covering his body fluttered, revealing, for a brief moment, a mark present on the back of his hand that looked like a black circle with a star in the center of it. Protruding from the circle were folded wings, and in the star itself was a small dot with another smaller star. The man sighed, "I should take my leave. I've stayed enough. The boy will win. . .he is the golden child after all." With that, he vanished, the wind still blowing as dark green feathers were all that was left behind. . .

~~~~~Scenery Change: Back To The Fight Above The Clouds~~~~~

What does it mean to be born with purpose? To live your life as nothing more than a pawn to someone else's desire. What does it mean to be born a monster? To be viewed as a being of evil and destroy all that is good in the world. What does it mean to be a god? To stand above all and rule over everything beneath you. Those were answers that one being was born into this world with the sole purpose of living up to those three titles. A perfect being has been given the name of one of the fundamental building blocks of all lifeforms: Cell. But what is perfection? That question is the answer to why he exists. To be perfect is to be complete. To truly reach the end. The place where nothing else is after and everything is before. The being known as Cell was born with that one drive and the mentality of kill or be killed. . .eat or be eaten. All for the sake of being perfect. It was either that or. His existence has no meaning. That's the only conclusion he can draw.

His very first memory. . was of him being held in a vat of liquid. Then his next memory. . well, he killed Future Trunks. Then, from there, he went back in time, hibernated, woke up, killed more people. . then killed an entire town. All until he finally absorbed 17 and 18 and transformed into his Perfect form. Then, the real fun began. At the height of hubris, he held the Cell games in hopes of enjoying his form of perfection. It was going as he expected, his vision coming to life and his purpose seemingly being satisfied. Until some raging teenage boy going through puberty for the first time shattered his perception. A single tantrum and poof. . .gone. It was all gone. It was as if the Earth was punishing him for his perfection. For achieving what was desired. He worked so hard, waited so damn long, and for what? To be surpassed by a raging monkey? A half-breed, no less!?

Then, he found himself in hell for seven long years. Seven years and he finds himself staring at another fight, this time between a stronger Goku fighting the pink bubblegum demon who terroized the universe hundreds of years ago. Another being. . .surpassing all of his capabilities and views on perfection. Frustration welled inside of him as he watched the fight between Goku and Majin Buu. Not once did he expect to see someone else. Someone who can usurp his throne of being the pinnacle. To easily strip his purpose and title. What was his purpose then? Was it to experience disappointment? Over and over. . .Over and over. . .Over and over, and over, and over again! Just over and over! Just! What is he? What is he supposed to be? Just what is he!?

It ranged for god who knows how many hours, weeks, or months since then. But when he finally got a second chance thanks to some god-sent contingency plan by Dr.Gero. . .he took action. He will reclaim his throne. . .his purpose. First, he'll finish up Earth once and for all. Then he'll use Celluar Fusion over and over again. .it doesn't matter how long it'll take; he'll keep doing it until not even god himself can stand against him. All it takes is one step, and his long-term dream and purpose will begin once again. Only that. . .this first step was stubborn. . .

*BOOOOM!*

A torrent of Ki that divided into two separate colors erupted like a Gamma Ray had burst from the sky. However, it completely dispersed, and two figures came flying out of it in opposing directions. Supreme Cell panted, his hands crossing as he could see his opponent already dashing toward him while his thoughts remained, "I'm faster, and my technique is definitely superior. . .but. . ."

The blazing trail that moved at speeds that would make lightning freeze in place changed its trajectory quickly. It created a square-like spiral behind him before delivering an unseen blow that broke his guard while flying past him. Cell glanced behind him and saw Shikuro's eyes glaring at him from above; his body turned upside down before bursting at him once more.

"I'm superior on paper yet. . ." Cell continued his thoughts as Shikuro went for an axe kick that slammed into his sudden raised guard. A burst of blazing Ki erupted on contact, and in just an instant, Supreme Cell's guard was broken once more. Shikuro's heel slammed right into his right shoulder blade and caused his upper right to crack and snap off. But Cell wasn't going to let this continue as he quickly swung his tail in hopes of hitting him. Still, it was too late as Shikuro telegraphed his attack and barreled over it with a spin and followed it with a roundhouse kick to the neck that sent Cell flying across the space above Earth. He grunted, his eyes noticing Shikuro's hands placed together. The signature blue orb forming in between the palms of his hands at his waist, "I've been gassed for a while while he's still climbing. . .! He's long lost those limits. . .He's. . ."

Shikuro's pupils and iris went completely blank, his eyes now full white and glowing a soft gold glow. The young Saiyan's aura flared, the blue orb in his hands blazing a flaming gold, and a whirlwind of Ki erupted around his body. Cell's eyes widened as he tried to push himself to go faster. Still, Shikuro was already one step ahead, the power of the attack reaching heights that Cell couldn't have foreseen he could have.

"An inexhaustible freak!"

"Jetburn Kamehameha!"

*ZRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!*

Cell's eyes shot open, and a beam of pure blue and golden energy erupted from the palms of Shikuro's hands and flew toward him. Flames spiraled around the massive wave of energy before engulfing it and turning it into a blazing torrent. With no way to evade it, Supreme Cell's mouth was agape, a feeling that he had experienced once before, and so, the thought came into his head, "I will die. . .won't I?"

History was repeating itself, a boy with unforeseen potential. One potentially greater than himself and a few moments away from finishing him for good. Just like that day. .that fateful day. . .a boy with hair as golden as the sun. A tinge of hatred rose from the depth of his very being as the image of that day played in his head. Everything was going to go to hell again! His plans, his dreams, his hard work, and his purpose. . all of it! Just like that. . it was going to be over. He was a genius! A GENIUS! He refused to accept it! He had him beat! He had all of them beat! So how. . ., "What makes you so different!? All that potential and talent would make you a genius like myself! Someone who can reach perfection! Yet you waste that potential on those weaklings below! We have the same potential, so why? Why are you so much stronger!? What do you have that I don't. . ." It was as if time was slowing for him moments before death, his vision of Shikuro standing on a platform of his creation. High above and beyond everything.

However, in his moment of desperation, a small spark ignited within the pit of his being. It was small, barely noticeable, but it was there. What did he have. . .? That's the main question that repeated in his head. The boy was Saiyan; that was true, and in a way, so was Cell. He had Saiyan cells inside him, and Saiyans. . .are a bundle of power waiting to be unlocked. They just need. . .a trigger. Something to push him. That's when it hit him. . ., "A world of perfection. . .is boring." He was a genius. But not an ordinary one. He was overflowing with talent and potential. But because of his design, his predetermined purpose. . it blinded him from self-reflecting. In theory, he could defeat the strongest out there back then. When he supposedly defeated Son Goku, who gave up in replacement for his son, at that moment, perfection was achieved. He defeated the strongest on Earth, and no one else could rival him. That was supposed to be it. But that mentality stifled him unknowingly. The hubris of being perfection hindered his growth. He stopped questioning. He stopped thinking. In the end, that stagnation was what made him unable to defeat Son Gohan and now Shikuro as well.

That's why. .for the sake of survival. . .he must change. The little distance he had left before and even before that. . had now become as large as the sea. That feeling was. . .the best and to rise to the occasion like a Saiyan. Well, it's as they say. . .

You need someone as strong as you to bring out the best in you. . .

* BOOOOM !*

Shikuro's eyes widened as the large blazing gold energy wave engulfed the self-proclaimed supreme being. A massive explosion followed suit, and a burst of wind rushed toward him. The young Saiyan closed his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him, the burning aura around him blocking the scorching heat and gust. Before it settled, he lowered his arms to get a better look. Smoke and spiraling wind from the clouds below swirled around in a vortex and obscured his vision. He had done it, hadn't he? No. . .that feeling he felt, "Something happened. . ."

His eyes narrowed, and he steeled himself as he saw a figure appear from the smoke. Supreme Cell was still standing. . .or that who he thought he was. Shikuro's eyes widened; the figure in front of him was different. It was still Cell but. . .the appearance and aura he was giving of was different.

His body, from his shoulders and along his arms, were curved black blades with cybernetic red lining. They looked like wings, but. . .it wasn't. The rest of his body was covered by a red and black metal bodysuit with a similar cybernetic lining, and his pupils were cross-shape. Flowing behind him, as well as his tail that became a metallic black, the tip changed from its syringe shape to a blade. He floated in silence as Shikuro stared at him with a puzzled expression, "What did he. . ?" Supreme Cell's eyes glanced over to the young Saiyan and narrowed his eyes.

"Get ready. . ." He warned and raised his right arm across his body. Suddenly, his hand shape-shifted into a long and curved black blade. Immense pressure and killing intent rushed toward the young Saiyan, who quickly reacted by crossing his arms as soon as he saw a red slash cut through the space in front of him. It was so fast that he didn't even process being hit; his arms burned despite exerting his Ki to try and dampen the force. It felt as if he had been whipped, and that was only the after-effects. Shikuro's eyes darted forward as Supreme Cell raised his other hand and fired a barrage of energy blasts that encased him in just a blink of an eye.

A curse came through Shikuro's teeth before everyone went white. An explosion erupted like an exploding star in the distance. Though the light was beginning to fade, the young Saiyan's burned body was falling backward for a bit until he gritted his teeth and flared his Ki. Flipping himself back onto his feet, his eyes aimed to lock on Cell who. . wasn't there anymore? He looked around only to sense him from behind, and the moment he turned, Cell grabbed a fist full of his hair and swung his bladed hand down toward Shikuro's neck. Whether it was desperate thinking or adrenaline, the young Saiyan reached out and caught the blade with his left hand, blood spurting out as he held it in place before he felt his body get pushed down towards Earth, a red trail of immense speed left behind with crackling green electricity to follow.

~~~~~Scenery Change: Back To The Remaining Z-Fighters. . .~~~~~

They were all shocked at what they saw: a massive bolt of red lighting that shot through the clouds and crashed into the center of the crater. A massive dome-like explosion of raw, raging power erupted and forced them to cover their eyes. However, in the midst of the chaos, Piccolo used his hearing to listen in on what was happening and picked up the sound of someone skidding to a stop within the crater. Then, as the light dimmed and all of their vision returned, their eyes widened as they heard the proclamation coming from the center of the crater, "You impress me, boy, to alter the trajectory of the slash to avoid a fatal blow. . ." Their eyes widened at Cell's new form, and high above as if his body was slowly descending to the ground, was Shikuro with a clear gash running vertically down his right side. His eyes were white as if he had fainted, and blood spewed out of his mouth.

"You have my gratitude, because without you. . ." Cell turned to the remaining Z-fighter, his back facing Shikuro, who was falling from above, "I wouldn't have become absolute. With this power and some time, I could even defeat Goku as he is now--!?"

*POW!*

Cell's body was suddenly sent flying to the left by a strong kick to the face. The Z-Fighters and 21's eyes widened as they watched Shikuro standing where Cell once was and breathing heavily. Despite that, his eyes. . were furious and steeled with resolve as he watched the former Supreme Cell and now Absolute Cell crash into the crater wall. The young Saiyan straightened himself and cracked his neck while ignoring the blood leaking from his wound, "You, kill Goku with that power. .? Like you'll even get the chance!" The smoke acted as a veil for a moment before a burst of a Kiai blew it away to reveal Absolute Cell walking out of the rubble casually and unfazed. However, his eyes narrowed on the young Saiyan, whose fight never seemed to run out.

"What are you, invincible? At this moment, I've managed to force another evolution. Don't you see? This is no longer mere perfection. I am absolute. My esteem self has been elevated to a god-like state. I have achieved divinity through my own strength alone." He explained, a smirk plastered across his face, "My goal is within sight, and there's nothing you can do. But don't worry, since you seem to have some more youthful energy, I'll play with you. What will you pull out of your hat next? A new form? Speed? A Technique? With you, it feels like the possibilities are--!"

"Shut up!"

Cell's eyes widened at the sudden sensation he was feeling, and he noticed the young Saiyan take a stance. His fist was clenched tightly at his waist while his other hand was outstretched forward in a claw-like pose. The lotus flower insignia from before formed in his eyes, and the outline was burning as bright as his glare, "That absolute strength you keep going on and on about has been nothing more than prattling! How about you put your money where your mouth is. . .!" The gold and white flame-like aura flared around him in a whirlwind that made his hair rustle.

"Come! I'll crush that delusion of yours here and now!"

That statement alone made Cell. . .estatic? The wide grin on his face was a clear sign of how much he was enjoying this. His body tensed, and his feet squatted as the arm blade cocked back to aim its point at the Saiyan's chest. A soft glow emitted around it, one that 21 immediately recognized, "He copied my move. . .!?" Shikuro narrowed his eyes and remained rooted in his spot while Cell continued to charge. The gesture alone made Absolute Cell snicker to himself and in his head.

"He's planning to take it head-on. He's putting whatever minuscule power he has left into one attack. It's probably the same one from before that nearly did me in. This means he's risking it all on one strike. Fine, I'll give him what he wants," Absolute Cell thought as the energy around the arm blade began to crackle and spark, "I'll take it up a notch as well. With the very same technique Android 21 used earlier. I already understand the workings, a technique similar to yours, but instead of increasing the damage, she increases the speed. Well then, let's see which one is better. My version of it or his last ditch effort."

Absolute Cell took one step forward, and that was all he needed to become a blur to the naked eye. He formed nothing more than one stream of light that rushed forward at full speed. All of his innate talents, all of the cells in his body, all of the things he's seized up until now and made his own. . .was all put into this one moment. One final trial. He just had to run the Saiyan through, and it'll be all over. He'd win. Everything would be his. For him, that was a fact because the current him. . was absolute.

As Absolute Cell approached, Shikuro's eyes never seemed to blink. His focus was on that red slash that was only a few inches away. He could hear the static from the blade, the whistling of the air from the sheer velocity it was moving, and the sound of his crackling, flame-like ki, the air from the sheer velocity it was moving, and the sound of his crackling, flame-like ki, "Absolute? Absolute of what? I have no clue, nor do I care. Absolute to you means something entirely different from what I see. To never lose something again. No matter what may come to take it away from you, they can never reach it. That is what it means to be absolute. . .!" Shikuro's aura flared as if it were a raging fire and focused quickly into his fist at his waist.

"A regular Shinkusen isn't enough. His current self is an entirely new beast. To match him, I need to go beyond that. Shinkusen exponentially increases the strength of my attack to the power of 2. . .Going beyond that is fatal, and I already used it once today," His fist grew brighter as his thoughts ran a million miles a second, "For certain, I won't be able to fight back after this. I need this to work. So I'll risk it. A Shinkusen applied faster than a regular Shinkusen. Even if I can only do it once in my lifetime. I need an attack that means certain death. All of my power is concentrated on impact. Not unleashed and activating Kaioken in fractions of a second. . .It has to be in a single moment. . .a. . ."

Instant

*POW!*

In just a single moment, before even time itself could process it. A single punch landed square in the abdomen, and from it came bursting out an immense wave of crackling red Ki from the other side. Like a Gamma Ray Burst had erupted on impact from the punch, and the one who received it. . was blown back by the power generated. The deluded absolute being, the one who sought perfection since birth. . was baffled. He saw it, every movement, every ounce of power. Yet. . .he couldn't react. The young Saiyan had been too fast for him to react. No, that wasn't just it. It was a feat that he didn't think was possible. All of the power built up was unleashed, and not even a single drop was lost. That, combined with the Shinkusen, made it. .devastating, the unleashed torrent of energy stretching miles away. His eyes were wide as he stared back at the Saiyan through the light of the energy that engulfed him. His body. . was breaking apart slowly, his cells disintegrating little by little.

"What was that? That power was way too much for him to have had. I gained so much power. . .I was stronger in every way. But in this single moment, he jumped to a temporary level of this magnitude," Cell lamented in his head and clicked his tongue, "All of my cells and genetics. Everything I've gained and there's no way I can imagine myself accomplishing whatever this is. I've. . .lost. . ."

His body was already half broken, his mind slowly going along with it and at the edge of his vision. He could see his opponent, who had done the finishing blow. As his eyes crumbled away as well from the blast, his mouth was all that remained, and a smirk formed on his lips. His breathing slowed, and only a single thought came to mind in his end. . .

" Perfect . . ."

Then, the last bits of his body crumbled away and were turned into nothing by the ensuing torrent of Ki that could be seen stretching from Earth's horizon and into the distance. Soon enough, it faded away, a small red twinkle being all that remained before it vanished. Leaving nothing behind but silence. The only sound accompanying it was Shikuro's slow breathing before gulping down some saliva and muttering weakly, " Shinkusen: Shōgeki. "

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off. . .)

Like flowing fireflies caught in the wind, a calm breeze after the raging storm, red motes of Ki rose to the parting sky above. . .the sun slowly descending to allow the moon to take its place. One by one, they faded away, and as if they were an indicator of time, the orange sky became darker as each one passed into the aether. The clouds were no longer in sight, and standing at the very center of the scene was a lone Saiyan. His sizzling fist was outstretched in front of him, and blood was spewing out of his overstrained muscles. His breathing was calm but weak, the sweat from his face pouring down his cheek as he tried to catch his breath. His was blurry, and his mind weak to the point that he couldn't really discern his surroundings, "Did I win. . .?" That was the only thought that managed to come through.

His red, powered eyes faded back to pure black, and his spiky golden hair reverted to his normal color as well. However, it became messy to where his bangs covered his eyes. Though, despite his current state, he managed to take notice of one thing. The sky. . .he looked up at the night sky above. A crescent moon was present, but surrounding it. . .were the twinkling stars above. A calmness that he has felt before since he was a kid.

"What a beautiful sky."

At that moment, the sky seemed so vast and endless to the Saiyan. But that moment wasn't something he could enjoy fully. His feet wobbled, and he felt himself fall forward, but instead of feeling the rough and cold ground, he was caught by a strong hand, and he heard a familiar voice speak.

"You did good, kid."

Shikuro turned his head weakly though he squinted, his vision still incredibly blurry, "Tien. . .?" However, he heard a short laugh.

"No, Piccolo," The Namekian corrected.

"Mhm. . ." Shikuro didn't have much to say to that, the fatigue overtaking him. But he needed some confirmation before he was allowed to pass out, "Did I. . .win. . .?"

"Yeah. . you won, Shikuro." Piccolo confirmed and added, "Cell's Ki is completely gone. There is no trace of it."

Hearing this, the young Saiyan nodded weakly and continued asking, "How. . .about everyone else. . .they good. . .?"

"We're good, Shikuro."

He blinked and raised his head while still being held up by Piccolo's forearm. He could barely make out their faces, but from just how many there were, it was everyone. Krillin. . .Yamcha. . .Tien. . .and 21. . They were all roughed up but were alive. He didn't lose anyone. . .Not a single person died. Seeing that, even if not clearly, made him smile just a bit, and his body relaxed. The adrenaline washed off, his arms going limp at his side, "That's good. . .that's good. . ."

With his consciousness fading fast, Piccolo asked in concern, "Hey, you okay?" Shikuro didn't answer. All they could hear was soft but weak breathing coming from his mouth, his head hanging as his body hunched over Piccolo's forearm. This was to be expected.

The Namekian sighed, "I guess he passed out." That said, Krillin approached and examined him carefully.

"Well, it's not like he had much left in him after that last one. Must say, this kid is really amazing," Krillin remarked before noting, "Still, we better get him to Dende at least. We're out of Senzu beans until they grow back."

"Right. But where did that come from?" Tien asked and then mentioned, "Sure, he had a lot of power before, but it was nothing like that."

In contrast, Yamcha stretched his arms and hummed, "Who cares? Another threat bites the dust in my book. I'd say a job well done no matter how it gets done."

"Yeah, like you did much to begin with. It was mostly Shikuro and Shoko doing the work," Krillin muttered.

Yamcha nearly blushed in embarrassment and winced as if he was stabbed in the gut, "Y-yeah. . .well. . .I came fresh out of retirement. You can't expect me to be that much use."

"Mhm, sure. . .," Krillin folded his arms and turned to 21. He walked over to her, and her surprise, his hand extended out as he smiled, "Thanks for everything. You were amazing out there, too, not just Shikuro. We'd appreciate it if you'd stick around, you know. Earth always needs strong fighters."

"H-huh?" that took aback 21, but she looked down at Krillin's hand. It was a gesture that she hadn't been really prepared for. This was. . well, the first time in a long while since someone offered something like that. And he said she was amazing. . that was a foreign feeling to her. For her, she had always thought she'd be nothing more than a potential psychopathic murderer who was the euphemized equivalent of a cannibal. But due to everyone's help. .from Bulma, who gave her the pills to suppress her hunger entirely, and to Shikuro, who. . .gave her the courage to move past what she had been built for. She felt like she could be someone else. That she could be happy, she was happy. Her eyes narrowed with serenity, and she thought, "16. . was this what you wanted me to feel? All this time, I thought I only needed you. That I only deserved you. Because you were different from other androids. A machine with a heart and not a cyborg or artificial lifeform like the rest of us. But. . beyond that, I always thought because you were simply a machine, that would be the closest thing to a bond. But now. . .I realize. It's not true. Maybe, 16. . you always knew that."

For others, it may sound stupid. To think about an Android that was mostly robot as if he was human. But to her, that was the greatest thing anyone could ever give her. 16 was there, and that was a fact. He was a part of her life, and the proof of that was. . .

"Live. Android 21. . ."

She smiled warmly and took Krillin's hand; the gesture was accepted, and the two shook hands, "Thank you. I will."

Krillin chuckled, "Nice, so what should we call you? Android 21 or what Shikuro calls you? Shoko, was it?"

"I'd prefer that if you don't mind. It'll make things easier," 21 answered, and Piccolo nodded.

"Right. So, now that that's out of the way. Let's--" The Namekian halted his sentence the moment he heard the rumbling of a car engine. They all turned to the edge of the crater, only to see a vehicle drive down as they heard Bulma's voice.

"HEEEEEEEEEEY!"

They all watched as the car approached them at high speeds. Piccolo sighed and shook his head while everyone waited patiently for her to arrive. However, they could see she wasn't alone; the group of teens who were Shikuro's classmates were peeking over the windows of the car. Soon enough, they stopped and joined them in the center of the crater, doors opening and shutting as they gathered around to examine the aftermath. They had to take a moment to stare at the destruction before them. It was hard to believe this was the same place that was once known as West City, now a massive crater that might as well be the new location for Mt. Paouzu.

"Wow, so uh. . .you guys don't have any special powers that could restore a city, right?" Kize awed and jested while holding Vincent up so he could take the pressure off his leg.

Krillin chuckled at that and scratched his bald head, "No, but we know a dragon that can."

"Right, that magic orb 21. . or Shoko gave Bulma, right was one of those Dragon Balls, correct?" Elizabeta inquired.

The former monk nodded, "Yup, that's one of them. But finding all seven may take a while with. . well, you know. The Dragon Radar is likely getting reduced to atoms." However, Bulma shook her head at this and shoved her hands in her pocket.

"No, the radar is fine. Did you think I'd send Trunks to Goten and Chi Chi's with my grandparents as well to keep them safe? The boys are currently searching for the rest of them as we speak. We should have all seven by tomorrow if they didn't mess around." Bulma informed, before noting, "Though, we better chose our wishes wisely. For one, we need to definitely restore West City and all the people who were killed in this. We only got two wishes too, which is a problem. . ."

Ace raised an eyebrow as, in the background, Ryusika was poking Shikuro's cheek while 21 was politely pleading for her to stop, "How come?"

"We still need to wish our friends from whatever dimension Cell made to contain them. Plus, Planet Namek was destroyed as well, so that's another wish that needs to be made. There are simply too many things to be done." Bulma explained and sighed, "We can do some fancy wordplay like we did after we dealt with Majin Buu. You know, 'Restore everything that has been destroyed or killed in the past 72 hours.' should cut it. That's taking care of two wishes in one. But that leaves us with Planet Namek or our friends. I'm not comfortable with leaving the people of Namek hanging since we have a good relationship with them and they are also another set of Dragon Balls we can use as well."

"Well, then, how about this. We wish Planet Namek back to life and bring all of its inhabitants back. That way, we can use their Dragon Balls to bring Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta out of their prison?" Tien suggested.

Though, Piccolo was quick to dimiss that, "That won't work. Cell had already used all of Porunga's wishes. Meaning we'll have to wait for them to recharge."

"Damn," Tien clicked his tongue, "This is difficult to decide. The one moment we won without Goku or Vegeta is where we are left with a dilemma?"

"Oh, you guys won already?"

A voice interrupted, and the sound of static filling their ears caused them all to turn behind them. Appearing right along with them was the man himself dressed in his trademark orange Gi, and right beside him was his son, who looked exhausted, and his long-time rival, who was just as tired as the latter. However, Son Goku was the only one full of energy as he greeted with a salute and goofy grin, "Heya! Did we miss much!"

"Goku!" Krillin exclaimed and jumped over into a bear hug.

The hero of Earth chuckled and rubbed under his nose, "Oof! Hey there, Krillin. Been a while, huh?"

"A while!? Goku, you were trapped in another dimension due to Cell!" Krillin pointed out.

Goku blinked for a moment, and a light bulb in his head just lit up, "Oh, so that's what happened? We were wondering what caused that. Though, we broke out in like 5 minutes." A rustle of wind mixed with baffled silence came at the mention of that.

". . .Then what about the last 71 hours and 55 minutes?" Piccolo questioned with a shaky fist.

Vegeta stepped forward and shared the same sentiment, "Yeah, Kakarot, explain that!"

"Oh, so after we--"

"HE!" Vegeta corrected, "I told him to wait, but he just fired a Kamehameha without thinking!"

"But Vegeta, I had to make sure!" Goku protested.

The Saiyan Prince sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "You had to make sure that what? That we fell into that. . .hell. ." The prince shivered at the very thought of it, and it made everyone confused for Vegeta to be like this. . it was unusual for him. The prideful prince of Saiyans and one of the strongest in Universe 7 . .to show weakness. This was a rare moment indeed.

Krillin decided to ask the obvious, "What did you see in there?"

"A board game," Goku answered bluntly.

Vegeta immediately smacked him over the head, "Will you stop saying that! I don't want to hear you mention that accursed place again!"

"Okay, what the hell are you talking about?" Bulma asked, a bit irritated at Vegeta's reaction.

Finally, to explain properly, the smartest of the three decided to explain to everyone. Gohan took in a breath and sighed, "So after dad 'broke' the dimension, we got sucked out into a space in between dimensions, or that's what we think. From what we learned, it was called Sugoroku Space, and it's apparently a 'game' where the winner gets to leave. But the game itself. . let's say it was like the worst board game you'll ever play in your life. You roll a die and advance spaces. But some spots have penalties and benefits. The benefits were fine, but the penalties. . ." the half-Saiyan shuddered.

"So what was the penalty?" Krillin inquired.

Gohan didn't answer as Vegeta's mumbling said it all, "Worms. . .so many worms. . ." They all cringed as if they got the picture, though it wasn't all that. However, it was still an odd thing to think about.

"So what did you win to get out?" Yamcha inquired further.

"We didn't. Dad cheated at one point, which broke a rule that gave everyone the death penalty. So, Dad broke out with force again and got us sucked into another void in space, not even a few seconds ago. Luckily, we were close by to sense you guys, Ki, so that he could teleport us here," Gohan explained.

With the final pieces of the story put together, they all nodded as Goku chuckled with his hands on his hips, "See, it worked out in the end!"

"Goku, the Earth was nearly destroyed," Piccolo pointed out as he shook his head. The Namekian pointed to Shikuro, who was still unconscious, "If it weren't for Shikuro pulling a miracle out of his ass, we'd all be dead."

Goku's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh! He beat Cell!" He rushed over and picked Shikuro's unconscious body up before tossing him up and down like a ragdoll.

"Haha! I bet Cell got a lot stronger, too, and he still managed to win!? From the looks of it, it was one heck of a fight, was it!? Man, I wish I was there to see it!" Goku laughed.

Although, 21 paled as she watched Shikuro get thrown around like that. She was pretty sure foam was coming out of his mouth, and the fact no one was stopping him made her nervous. Was this normal? Well, probably to them. This is her first time meeting the great Son Goku in person. From the data, she heard his personality was. . unique. Like carefree, always happy and smiling, and a love for fighting. . so very different from her creator. Still, she had to step in, "A-Ah, uh, I wouldn't do that. Shikuro's still hurt. . .and--"

"Hmm? Who are you?" Goku blinked while catching Shikuro once more without looking. The young Saiyan's body went limp backward as the hero of Earth stared at her, "One of Shikuro's friends? I see several other unfamiliar faces as well."

"Classmates, sir. . ." Ace clarified as he pointed to himself and the three other teens.

However, 21 was the one to separate herself and introduce, "I'm. .well, Android 21. But you can call me Shoko. I was designed to stop Cell when he was revived."

"Yeah, and she fought just as well as Shikuro did," Krillin added.

But. . that was a mistake, seeing that Goku's brain was processing the new information and filtering out some words. "Classmates"? Gone. "Friends"? Noted. "Fought as well"? Something had just exploded in his head, and 21 could have sworn he saw steam come out of his ears. Before anyone could react, Goku's eyes went wide and began to sparkle. His pupils turned into stars, and he nearly dropped Shikuro in his excitement, "A-another, strong fighter! Hey, do you want to spar right now!? Oh wait, you're tired, aren't you? How about some other time, then!? Tomorrow? Next Week? In ten minutes? What kind of abilities can you use? Any cool techniques?"

"Kakarot, that's enough!" Vegeta grabbed Goku's head and yanked him back, "Can't you see they are tired!? Calm your battle junkie ass down!"

Goku chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry. I guess I got a little too excited."

"Hmph, besides. . ." Vegeta crossed his arms and looked at 21, who flinched under his stern gaze, "She's nowhere near the level of strength where it'd be even worth a spar."

"What was that!?" Kize shouted as he stepped forward.

"Don't," Krillin stopped him by extending his arm out. The blond blinked for a moment as Krillin gave him a knowing smirk, "Trust me when I say this, but when we said Goku and Vegeta could have taken care of Cell by themselves, we mean it. They are in a league of their own that it's not even fair to compare them to the rest of us."

"Hey, don't say that. I spar anyone. Anytime, anywhere," Goku pouted with his hands on his hips. However, it was clear he forgot he was holding Shikuro, so when he did that. . .well, the unconscious Saiyan fell face-first onto the ground. The loud thud made 21 flinch and rush to his side before propping him up.

Annoyed by how they've been handling him, she shot a stern glare at the hero of Earth, "Be more careful. He's still injured."

"Injured? Oh. . right!" Goku smacked his forehead and rubbed it sheepishly, "My bad. Sorry, sorry."

Though, with everything now set and done, Krillin decided to steer everyone back to the main issues, "Well, since they found their way back, I guess we got our two wishes set in stone."

"Wait, how about everyone's memories? Should we wipe them like we did with Majin Buu?" Yamcha asked.

Everyone thought for a moment before an idea clicked into Gohan's head and offered, "No, I think that won't be needed. We did that only because Good Majin Buu needed to walk around freely without causing fear to everyone who saw him anyway. But we'll just go with the good old reliable."

"And what's that?" Vincent asked with a raised eyebrow.

Hearing the question he was waiting for, the half-breed adjusted his glasses, and a white glint appeared on them, "Don't worry about that. Let's say I got. . .connections." The teens raised an eyebrow at what he meant along with 21. But for the Z-Fighters. . they knew exactly what he was going to do. All they could wonder now was. . .how much money will Mr.Satan make this time?

[- - - -]

(Hours Later, Capsule Corporation Home In Central City. . .)

"Let me know if you need anything. Though I doubt it since this room is one of my favorites to sleep in when I visit."

21 turned to the door to face Bulma, her clothes freshly changed into a new set of casual wear that Bulma provided for her. She was a bit taller than the blue-haired genius, so they weren't the same size, but it was better than walking around in torn rags. A simple nightgown and some comfy slippers were better than anything she had on prior, anyway. After everything was settled, everyone went their separate ways. Shikuro's classmates were put into a hotel in Central City nearby until their parents could come and get them. Bulma also helped them out by calling them and 'explaining' the situation so that way, there'd be no need for the kids to worry about it. However for her, she was offered to join Bulma and her family at their Capsule Corp Home in Central City for the time being until they can use the Dragon Balls in the morning. After some small talk, well. . she was offered to be an assistant to the great scientist herself, which was an honor to her. She accepted the offer, of course. An opportunity not to be wasted after everything that had happened.

The rest of the gang was simple. Yamcha went back to his home, Tien went back to Chiaotzu to do whatever he was doing prior, Piccolo. . well, he's anywhere on Earth, and that was all they needed to know. Gohan, Krillin, and Goku returned to their families, the latter likely getting scolded at this very moment by his wife while Krillin was crashing at Kame House for the time being until everything gets wished back. The only one that was left was. . .well Shikuro. From what she heard, Piccolo took him to Dende to get some treatment, but he still needed to be bandaged and rested once he was taken back to his home. A small sigh escaped her lips at that, and Bulma took notice as she asked, "Is something wrong?"

21 looked back at Bulma and shook her head, "Oh, no. I'm just tired, thank you."

Bulma giggled at that, "Oh, that's good. Don't let it get to you; you've done a lot for us today. So get some rest. You'll need it."

"Likewise," 21 smiled before asking, "Umm before we turn in for the night. Do you know where Shikuro lives by any chance? He left something behind, and I wanted to return it."

"Hmm?" Bulma blinked before she nodded, "Yeah, I got a general idea of where he lives. It's a bit far from here. If you remember where Satan City is, it's North from there, and you should see Mount Paoz, too. Just head to the bottom of the mountain, and you'll see a stream coming down. There, you'll see Shikuro's cabin."

"Okay, I'll go drop it off tomorrow then," 21 nodded with a smile.

Bulma returned the gesture and turned with her hand on the knob, "Right, I'll leave you be then. Have a nice night." With that said, Bulma exited the room and shut the door behind her, leaving 21 alone. She sighed and turned around before walking over to the desk at the edge of the room. The window was open, and the curtains pulled back. A cool breeze entered the room and brushed past her face as she sat down on the chair and began rummaging through the dresser, muttering, "Sorry. . had to tell a little lie Ms.Bulma." She took out what looked to be a piece of paper and a pen.

Turning on the lamp, she took the cap off the pen and clicked it, the tip poking out as she sat down. She relaxed, taking in a breath as she tried to put her words into writing.

~Dear Shikuro

'I'm sure if you're reading this letter, you'll find it weird why I'm writing to you. In this day and age, texting is likely faster, but I lost my phone in the middle of the entire ordeal. Since you likely won't be awake for a while, you probably would have a lot of questions that no one would be around to answer. So, to get the big one out of the way, Cell was defeated, thanks to you, and everyone is fine. Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan seemed to have found their way back as well. The Dragon Balls have been collected, but we'll be using them in the morning. I'm not sure you'll be awake by then, but it's happening near Central City, of course. Before anyone wakes up, as well. I am surprised, though, that news can be manipulated and spread fast like wildfire. Your victory over Cell was covered up by using Mr.Satan. .. I still can't get used to that name. So, a message from Bulma would be that your privacy and identity are somewhat secure. Your classmates know the truth, but I'm sure you trust them even if you didn't say it to me. Well, I've been offered a job as Bulma's assistant in Capsule Corp. Shocker, right? I didn't think it'd come so easily, but I guess you're right that she is in desperate need of help. Why else would I be hired that fast, right? Aside from that, I've healed a bit, but not as fast as I hoped. Some areas feel sore, and I suppose my Majin Regeneration has a limit before it needs to heal naturally. Regardless, I plan to use this time to rest. Something I last really did a while ago. .even now that I'm writing this, I feel sleepy. . .

Oh, but that also goes for you too! You better take it easy, you hear!? Your injuries are way worse, and you fought so hard that you deserve it! For a moment, I thought about giving up. But you. .well, you were you. Like you said, you showed me a miracle and. . .'

Her eyes narrowed as she finished writing the last bit of her letter. She took a moment to skim through it for any mistakes before folding the piece of paper and stepping out of the window. The breeze blew past her as she looked up at the night sky, the crescent moon shining brightly above. A small smile came over her lips as she put the letter in her pocket and jumped before her Ki flared and took to the skies, her final words resonating in her head. The words were. . .

~~~~~~Time Skip/Scenery Change: Shikuro's Cabin Near Mount Paoz~~~~~

"Thank you for everything, huh?"

Shikuro sighed as he looked back down at the letter, his bandaged body leaning against a tree. A day has passed since then, and he was just recovering from the ordeal with Cell. His injuries have healed for the most part, but he was still stiff. Some parts of his body still ached, and he was told by Dende that he still needed to rest when he came through. He looked up through the tree branches above him, a few birds flying above and the sun rays seeping through the gaps.

So much had happened in such a short amount of time. He wasn't going to lie; he felt pretty exhausted as well, but at the same time. . .he felt fulfilled. That what he had done had been worth it. For one, he saved the Earth. That was something to be proud of, considering that no one else could. But that wasn't what fulfilled him. No. . .In the face of a crisis, a situation where the few people who cared about him were at risk of losing their lives. He managed to stop it. Unlike that time before, he didn't lose anyone. There was no one left behind, and there was no one he had to mourn for. There are only people that he can laugh with when looking back on it. It wasn't trauma for once. .it was a memory.

Still, one thing bugged him as he stared blankly through the tree leaves, his mind flashing back to the mysterious man from before, "Who was that guy?"  

It wasn't to say that he had any ill towards him. Without his intervention and doing what he did to give him the power he needed, they'd be dead for sure. So, he was grateful for that. However, his actions made him suspicious. Extremely suspicious. He was cryptic and very vague with how he chose his words. But at the same time, Shikuro felt like the man knew him directly. How? He doesn't know. He never met him in his life. Still, one thing stood out. . .

"Once you accept this, your life will become far more complicated than you realize. You may even make enemies you don't want or can't even hope to defeat."

Shikuro couldn't help but frown as he mulled those words over. That was the most important bit. But how is it complicated? Honestly, it sounded like typical edgy teenager nonsense. Though, then again, that's what he is right now. An edgy teen with a tragic backstory. Frustrated that he just couldn't figure it out, he shook his head and placed the letter in the pocket of his Gi pants. He stood up and stretched his arms, his Saiyan tail swaying behind him, "Mhhhh, ah well! Whatever! It sounds like Future Me's problem! Until then. . ." He stopped stretching for a moment and smirked before taking off sprinting down the hill.

"Time for a run."

~~~~~Scenery Change: At The Top Of Mount Paoz~~~~~

The top of Mount Paoz. . .a place that isn't visited by many and was only inhabited by one for years. Then, after some time, it became a population of two: a boy with a monkey's tail that came from the sky and an old man who taught him everything he needed to know about Earth. The two were a small family that lived here in peace and tranquility, and it was all Gohan wanted. Now, the years had passed, the once home that housed the two as vacant as it was the day the boy left it. But these days, the same boy was now older. He has a family of his own and is a father of two boys of his own, still, during his downtime, when he's not farming or training. The boy tends to the old home and makes sure it is clean. Since the day he got married to Chi Chi. . .a shrine put together by his wife as an anniversary was made in the center of the small house.

That's where he prayed. But soon enough, as he sat in silent prayer, he finished with his usual goofy smile on his face before bowing one last time, standing up, and turning toward the exit. Stepping outside, he jumped into the air and landed on one of the many tall trees that he and his grandfather used to sit on. It was his favorite. Why? Because he could overlook the entirety of the wildlife below Mount Paoz and the far horizon beyond. Though, the mountain range nearby was still in view, and so was the distant sea. He couldn't help but chuckle as he saw a few birds flying by and the trees swaying in the wind. But one figure stood out below. Another boy with a Saiyan tail that he once had ran through the forest trail and towards the nearby lake.

He grinned, his trademark orange gi rustling a bit as if he were looking in a mirror before hearing a voice behind him.

"You sure love taking care of this crummy place, Kakarot."

Goku turned and saw his long-time rival, the Prince of Saiyans himself, landing on the same branch as well next to him. The hero of Earth chuckled, "Yeah, I really do. Got to make sure it stays up and running, you know?"

"Hmph, yeah, right," Vegeta rolled his eyes before sitting down next to his rival and looking out into the distance with him before spotting Shikuro's from afar. They sat in silence, the wind passing by, before Vegeta continued, "You think the boy will make a better punching bag soon? Better than your son, at least?"

The hero of Earth held his smile, "Maybe, who knows, Vegeta. The future seems pretty difficult for us to tell. Shikuro's got some great potential."

"Obviously, nitwit. I'm only asking because you seem overly cheerful about his recent achievement," Vegeta remarked.

Goku let out a hearty laugh and leaned back, "Well, when you say it like that, I guess it is weird." The prince raised an eyebrow and waited for him to continue. Stifling his laughter, a warm smile formed on Goku's face as he elaborated.

"You and I can't be the only ones capable of beating the big bad. I mean, I don't mind since that's more strong guys for me. But it's refreshing, you know?" Goku tried to explain, "For once, we have a new challenger."

Vegeta scoffed and turned his head, "Hmph, if you're getting too old for this, just say that."

"He-Hey!? Heheh! Don't put words in my mouth. I'll fight till the day I die, ya know?" Goku laughed it off while scratching his head.

Vegeta didn't respond to that, and the two rivals just looked out into the distance, a moment of peace. A peace well earned. . .

~~~~~Scenery Change: Meanwhile At Capsule Corporation HQ Home~~~~~

"Hey, Shoko! It's about time you take a break! You should have gone on one two hours ago!"

"Ah, sorry. I just wanted to finish this little experiment before I forgot," 21 smiled apologetically at Bulma, who had just entered her lab. The blue-haired scientist sighed and placed her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed.

"Look, I appreciate the dedication. I really do, but you need to take care of yourself," Bulma scolded, "In fact, take the day off. There's no rush on this experiment just yet. I still need to get some material ordered."

21 blinked for a moment before looking over at the project she was working on. She nodded, "Yeah, you're right. I will." She stood up from the roller chair and took off her lab coat to reveal her black turtle neck sweater. After hanging it up on the rack, she reached for the cloth-wrapped box on the desk and bowed.

"I'll be heading out for lunch then," 21 informed.

Bulma raised an eyebrow as she stared at the box, "Right, but that much food? It looks like you're going on a picnic or something."

"Oh, this?" 21 held up the box and explained, "I just thought I'd go see how Shikuro's doing. I heard he's woken up, so I thought I'd stop by with some food. He's likely starving."

"Right, that boy's appetite is as monstrous as his strength," Bulma nodded before cheekily grinning, "But you seem pretty close to him. You've only known each other for what? Three days? And you're already visiting him like this."

21 blushed at Bulma's comment before turning away, "Wh-what are you getting at? Technically, we have known each other for a year. We did train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, after all."

"Right~. Anyway, I'll be sure to get you a new phone by the end of the day. That way, you and Shikuro can stay in touch," Bulma winked and nudged.

21 groaned and pulled away a bit, "Seriously, I don't know what you're talking about. I. . .I better go." She bolted out of the room and left Bulma amused with her hands on her hips. The conversation was a bit uncomfortable for her as she strode down the hallway and exited out the front of the house. She looked left and right before taking off into the sky, the wind brushing across her face as she headed Northeast.

But for some reason, her mind couldn't stop thinking about it. The teasing from Bulma, that is. She felt like she was being pushed in some direction that she didn't understand. However, the fact she didn't understand made her pout before shaking her head in frustration. Eventually, after passing over many cities, mountains, rivers, and towns, she saw the familiar tall mountain peak in the distance. The stream flowed down the bottom of the mountain with a cabin nearby. Her pace hastened, and she landed near the window where Shikuro's roomed lied to see if he was home. However, it was empty, the bed made. The Saiyan must have been out and about then, which made her frown a bit, "Really. . .he couldn't have healed that fast."

A gust of wind blew past her as she took in a breath and let it go. It was better to start searching rather than mald over it. So, she took to the skies once more and began searching the area, knowing full well that he couldn't have gone that far. However, after searching for what felt like hours, she was about to give up due to her ki-sensing skills lacking in some departments. Still, she managed to see a figure at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the flowing river below. Seeing this, she landed just a few meters behind as the young Saiyan did some dynamic stretching. She stared confusingly at him for a moment until he muttered something out loud to no one in particular, "Well, let's see how loose I am now. . ."

She was confused by this until he got into a stance, his fist clenched tightly. The sound of the crashing water and waves coming from the river was all he could hear. He was completely ignorant of the artificial lifeform standing behind him as she watched with curiosity. Meanwhile, Shikuro's eyes narrowed in focus, his mind wandering on a memory of the past. The time when he was just a boy on another planet next to an old man way past any human's age. As they sat under the night sky while the old man shared his wisdom and stories with his young self. He didn't know why back then, but now he knew. .it was clear to him. To mold the future into who he is today.

"Your heart is what is what paints the sky and leaves its mark on the world. That way, you'd know you live a life truth,"

*POW!*

21's eyes widened and brightened. The single yet simple fist struck out and rang its voice. The crashing waves split in two and the droplets of water were sent flying through the air as they reflected the sun's rays. But what got her the most was the power and energy that resonated throughout. It was small, yet it was present. An unspoken message from the past brought to the future. Leaving its voice to ring out to the world. Shikuro's fist was still and stretched out in front of him, his eyes focused on the tip of his knuckle before pulling it back in front of him. His eyes glued to it in deep thought before smirking, "Still a long way to go, huh? Nowhere close to how his back then. . ."

As the sun's rays continued to brighten with the passing clouds fading to be more clear, 21 somehow found herself smiling and not saying a word. The gentle breeze between the two came, causing their respective hair to sway in tempo. There was a moment of peace and silence between them as they gazed at the horizon. The future beyond seemed bright as a single train of thought ran through Shikuro's head as he balled a fist full of cloth stemming from his white T-shirt near his heart.

"Just sit and watch; I'll show you how I live."

Super Dragon Ball: Redux Kazen Arc 1: End. . .

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(One Week Later: Satan City)

"Well, back to the usual, I guess. . ."

A spiky black-haired boy stood in front of the gates of Orange Star Highschool, his bag over his shoulder as he wore a black and white fleece jacket with a hood along with simple black sweats and sneakers to match. The Orange Star, High School badge, was sticking out the side of his waist to show he was a student of this fine school despite all the chaos that happened a week ago. Shikuro Yagi, the one who brought Cell's second defeat and went unknown, was finally back to taking classes after recovering from his injuries. Well, most of them, anyway. His arms, at least, were still healing from the burns and bruises he sustained from overexerting himself, but he was, for the most part, fine. As long as some superpower alien threat doesn't come down from the sky for the millionth time and proves too much for Goku and Vegeta to handle alone, then he'll be good. Granted, he was partially thankful for being so injured, given that he used it as a good excuse to skip classes for a while. He needed a breather, some time to himself, and to relax. Saving the world was far more taxing than he had thought, and sometimes, he wondered how someone like Goku and Vegeta were capable of taking on the weight of everyone's lives. Granted, they were more interested in fighting strong opponents rather than actually caring about the planet itself. Such is the mentality of a battle junkie and a former eradicator of planets.

Shikuro sighed as he walked towards the entrance and took his first steps inside the school, hoping that the day would go by quickly. His wounds were still sore, but that didn't stop him from wanting to at least focus on himself in terms of fighting. Ever since that fight against Cell, the irking feeling of wanting to improve and reach the same level as that time was forever on his mind. It was a taste, but it was enough to make him hungry, if that made sense. Was that the Saiyan in his talking? Perhaps, but in his defense, unlike Gohan, Goten, and Trunks, he was a pure-blooded Saiyan born and bred. He could understand why he felt like he did. It was something that was in his blood, after all. As he walked the halls, he looked down at his fist, his mind wandering to the power he gained after that mysterious man showed up, "Whatever he did. . .I can't seem to obtain that same level. I did get stronger, it seems, but not at that level. He said I could after removing whatever he was talking about, but how long would that take?"

It was his little dilemma for the past week. Something that he kept pondering over and over again for the past week. He tried training normally which felt like he wasn't getting anywhere. They tried meditating like Piccolo, which only led to him falling asleep. Hell, he considered going to Master Roshi's. Still, he was blocked off because the old master of martial arts seemed 'preoccupied' with his own 'training.' If you know the old man personally, then you'd know what he meant by that, and Shikuro wasn't going to mull over it. That just left Goku and Vegeta, but since they weren't there to witness the fight, it was too much of a hassle to explain and try to recreate it. Besides, they're busy with their own lives since after getting separated from their wives for three days, Chi-Chi has Goku working double the work on the farm and Vegeta. . .well, he's a shopping slave to his wife at the moment. So, there went that idea out the window. Shikuro sighed again before taking a turn around the corner of the hallway to the first class of the day.

He stopped in front of the classroom door and muttered to himself as he slid it open, "Guess I'll have to find something else then. . ."

He looked around the room; the classroom was half-filled despite it being a week after the chaos caused by Project: Festival and Cell. Granted, he couldn't blame them as everyone was still recovering from the shock of numerous super-human clones of the Z-Fighters literally blowing up cities and towns all over the planet. But after that, most of the world had already settled back to normalcy, and the Z-Fighter's scapegoat, Mr.Satan himself, had been trending. Almost ten times more than usual. He couldn't fathom how much money he was making now after "defeating Cell" for the second time. At this point, he might as well have his own country with the rate it's going. Hell, make him the new king of the world and replace King Furry.

Regardless, he couldn't care less and turned his eyes to his usual seat. As usual, Ace was there, but much to his surprise, Kize and Vincent were there too. .and Elizabeta. Shikuro blinked a couple of times before making his way to his seat and greeted, "Uh. . what you guys doing in my English class?"

They all turned to see the young Saiyan stare at him questionably before Kize greeted him with a grin, "Yo! Shikuro, my man! Been a while, hasn't it!"

"Yeah, it has," Shikuro nodded and noted, "That still didn't answer my question, though."

Vincent sighed and leaned forward on the desk before answering, "New schedule changes and class adjustments were made during the first day of the school's reopening. However, I think Ms.Briefs had pulled some strings for you to have all of us in the same class." Shikuro nodded before noticing Vincent's leg in a cast.

"I see. I guess I'll have to thank Bulma when I stop by later. Anywho, how's your leg?"

Vincent shrugged, "It's healing, just slow, that's all. The football team is going to miss me for a while, but we are pretty high in the standings, so we won't miss playoffs even if we lose a couple of games."

"Right, that's good," Shikuro remarked.

However, Kize wrapped his arm over his shoulder and joked, "Well, it's not like Vincent was needed anyway. Blue Hal High is our only real competition. That said, I'm surprised you're even back so soon with the injuries that you have sustained. I would have thought we wouldn't see you for a month. Must be that Sai--"

"Kize, shush!" Shikuro stopped him from continuing that sentence, "That's not something you can say in public."

"Oh, right," Kize laughed nervously, "Sorry, it just slipped out of my mind. Still, I've been wondering about it ever since I found out from Bulma and Krillin. Like, since you have a--"

"Later. I'll answer those questions later." Shikuro groaned.

"Gotcha," Kize nodded.

Sighing heavily, he walked passed him and went for his seat only to finally realize that. . .it was occupied. Elizabeth's eyes met his, the two frozen for a moment until Shikuro's narrowed, "My seat?"

Elizabeth blinked twice before shrugging nonchalantly, "Yeah, what of it?"

"That's been my spot since the start of the school year. I always sat next to Ace," Shikuro pointed out.

"Huh. . .I guess you do," She shrugged again before looking to her left, "Oh, well. Go sit somewhere else, then."

"What. . .!? Why I oughtta--" Shikuro growled, but Elizabeta cut him off with a smug smirk.

Her arms folded across her chest as if she had already won, "Go on, Mr. Strongman. Show everyone how you really are."

He stared at her for a moment before looking around the room. Almost immediately, he saw some looking directly at him. He turned to Ace for some form of support, but the latter only whistled while giving an apologetic look. He seriously got to ask him about her because, for some reason, it felt like they were close and closer to the point that she held authority over his own as 'Ace's best friend'! It was weird, to say the least. Shikuro turned his head back to the girl who was waiting for his next move with a cocky smirk, "Fine, have it your way." He walked over and took the seat on the opposite side of Ace, his luck somewhat playing out for him despite losing his old spot. It'll just take some time getting used to being at the edge of the row.

"Damn, the superpowered alien gets his ass handed to him by a chick," Kize mumbled, "That's got to hurt the male ego, right?"

"You'd be surprised," Vincent noted, "Some guys like that kind of stuff."

Shikuro sighed heavily and relaxed as he rested his arms on the desk. He got ready to do his daily routine of dozing off, "Let's not paint any ideas, you two." However, as they all settled into their seats, the last few students passed through the door and into the classroom, some going to their seats while others standing near the board. Although, once they had all settled, the last two students who walked in were. . well, making sure they were known. The young Saiyan's ears twitched a bit from the familiar sound of the male football co-star Vincent behind the classroom door. However, as soon as it slid open, everyone's eyes were locked on Ryusika, who was calmly walking with her back turned towards Glade, who was trying to catch up with her.

"Woah, hey, wait up, Ryusika!" The girl didn't bother looking back as she walked up the stairs of the lecture hall. Glade continued, "Look, babe, I'm sorry. I--"

*SLAP!*

Everyone's, including Shikuro's eyes widened as Ryusika slapped Glade across the face, causing everyone to stare at the two in shock. Well, almost everyone. Elizabeta was chuckling to herself, but Ryusika glared at him as the silence rang loud, "I said we're through, Glade. How could you ditch me and leave me to die? You heartless piece of shit. . ."

Glade's eyes widened a bit before he looked away, "I know I fucked up. I was just scared and--"

"Yeah, right, you took off the second you had the chance. You didn't even look back," Ryusika growled and pushed him away from her, "I don't want to see you, ever."

She walked past him and ignored his pleading proclamations. She huffed and continued walking as everyone's eyes were glued to her every move. However, despite the moody aura she was exuding, her eyes trailed over to the young Saiyan who had stared at her blankly the entire altercation. Ryusika stared back for a few seconds as if she was slowly registering. His attendance after a whole week of absences before her face lit up, and a smile formed on her face, much to Shikuro's confusion. The girl waved happily at him, "Hey, Shikuro! You're back!"

He blinked once, then twice, and then a few more times, "Uh. . yeah, I am?" Then, much to everyone's surprise and to Shikuro himself, she ran up a few more steps and sat down next to him.

After recent events from a week ago, where Shikuro had saved her after being abandoned by Glade, they could probably have expected them to be on better terms. In public hover? That was a question that was assumed she'd keep up the image everyone had of her. However, Shikuro's whole assumption was thrown straight through the window, and all eyes were on him. He knew what everyone else was thinking. What the hell did he do to deserve that?! It was something he didn't understand himself. Why sit next to him and act like they were close friends? Sure, he saved her, but that didn't mean he knew her long enough to be her friend.

While the Saiyan was trying to process things, Elizabeta already knew the answer from the moment she saw her interactions with Shikuro during those chaotic three days. From being saved by said nemesis, who so happens to be the superhero Saint in disguised as a high school student as well as an alien warrior race on top of that. . .Yeah, pretty safe to assume that, "She's obviously got a crush on him. He just doesn't realize it." She shook her head in disappointment.

For someone who holds the top spot in their class, he was so slow.

"Shikuro, how's your arms doing?" She asked him with a warm smile.

"Uhh, they're fine?" Shikuro raised his right arm and pulled the sleeve back to reveal the bandages wrapped around his forearm, "Still healing, but I can move them at least."

"I see. I'm glad," She replied with her smile still there.

Alright, now Shikuro was officially lost. He couldn't tell if she was faking her concern or not. It was just so weird to him. Why was she suddenly being nice to him after months of arguing and fighting with him? Many would have probably guessed it, but saving one's life would pose the chance of the person you saved either owing you something or even catching feelings. But for the young Saiyan who has not only been in life-threatening fights a few times in his life, stories that are set for another time, saving someone once, hasn't necessarily led to one of those situations. So, with years of piled-on missing cues or just straight-up being hardwired to not really pursue that, Shikuro had mastered the art of being a dense dumbass in this field.

On the other hand, as everyone was talking amongst themselves on trying to figure out what the hell had happened for Ryusika to turn over a new leaf towards the guy she hated most of her life, Glade had a blank stare on his face. It was like he was having trouble processing what was happening. Did he just get dumped by his girlfriend? No, there was more to it than that. Did his girlfriend just dump him for that asshole who she always picked fights with? The freaking nerd of all people!? Was he in a bad dream? Or did he accidentally take something that he shouldn't have last night? Whatever it was, he had to fix it, "Hey, wait, Ryusika!"

"Alright, class, I'm here! Sorry for the delay, I got caught in traffic,"

Glade stopped mid-sentence as the entire class turned to the homeroom teacher who walked through the door. Ms.Laurie adjusted her glass a bit before taking out her clipboard as she examined the room, "Alright, time for attendance. Oh! Is that Mr.Yagi!? I thought your guardian said you'd be out for another week?"

Shikuro rose from his seat and answered, "I was, but I managed to convince her that I should return to classes early." Ms.Laurie smiled warmly and nodded.

"Ah, I see. I was under the impression you'd take that second week off, considering you sleep through my class in particular," She teased. Everyone chuckled as Shikuro's face heated up.

He sheepishly scratched the back of his head and chuckled a bit, "Heheh, yeah. . .Well, it's not like I'm not paying attention. I DO have the top grades in my class, after all."

"That's true, but try to pay attention regardless," Ms. Laurie told him, "Alright then, let's get started with attendance. Is Nicole here? Anderson? Detra. . ."

As she went down the list, Glade sucked his teeth and went for the empty seat at the top of the lecture hall. It was a missed chance, but he'll get his way later. His eyes were glued to the back of the young Saiyan's skull as he sat down, and they seemed to have grown angrier as Ryusika tried to strike up a conversation with Shikuro. The fact that he was even looking at her made him growl under his breath, "That piece of shit. I've had it. I'm finally going to take care of this little squabble of ours today. . ." Thus, that's when Glade pulled out his phone and began texting away. The time for class was the time to plot. And that was what he was going to do.

[- - - -]

(Hours Later Into The School Day, Lunch Time. . .)

"So. . why are you all following me to the roof?"

Shikuro stared at the five people who walked behind him with bags of food in their hands. He was making his way to the school rooftop for lunch as he usually did before last week's fiasco. Mainly because it was the one place where he could get privacy to eat to his heart's content without getting looks. A Saiyan's appetite was abnormal, of course. Though, for some reason, as soon as he started walking towards the roof, the group decided to follow him as well.

"I don't see the problem," Ace shrugged as he pointed out, "We all know your secret at this point. So we figured the reason why you eat up there is to not raise suspicion, right?"

Shikuro couldn't really argue against that logic and sighed, "Well, you guessed right. I'm not used to eating around people other than the Z-Fighters and their families. Then again, they are just as weird as I am."

"You can say that again. Super Genius Scientist, a green man, two bald-headed humans that can fly, and surprisingly, a relatively normal-looking guy with similar abilities as well. That's not counting those supposed three other Saiyans or whatever that came at the end," Elizabeta counted before adding, "I can hardly imagine the rest of them."

Shikuro sighed as they continued to walk up the stairs before stopping at the roof's door. He turned the knob and opened it as he agreed, "If it's to give you a better idea. The most skilled martial artist on this planet is an old man who lives on an isolated island in the middle of the ocean with a talking turtle."

They stared at him blankly as he walked out onto the roof and closed the door behind him. They followed him outside as he went to his usual spot on the ledge that overlooked the city before sitting down by the fence to pull out a capsule. Ace, Kize, and Vincent were still in disbelief at the words that came out of their friend's mouth. However, Elizabeta nodded a few times and cupped her chin, "Alright. . .so things can get weirder." The young Saiyan didn't react to that and just pressed the button on the capsule and tossed it lightly in front of him. A cloud of smoke appeared and unveiled a bunch of bento boxes stacked neatly and tied with some cloth.

"Umm. . .you going to eat all that?" Vincent asked, "Like, I do need some extra calories, and that seems like a lot. You could--"

"I'm eating all this," Shikuro interrupted.

". . .You have a stomach of steel, then," Vincent wryly smiled.

They all started to sit around in a circle as Shikuro opened one of the bentos. As expected, Chi-Chi's cooking was fit for a Saiyan. A lot of meat, a few vegetables, and rice to top it off. As he started to chow down, everyone else opened their respective bento as well. Some were basic lunchboxes from convenience stores or local markets, while others had the works. The only thing close was what Shikuro was eating was Ryusika's and Ace's, who were only able to have fancy lunches due to them being rich. Thus, a collective thought came to Elizabeta, Vincent, and Kize's mind.

"I hate the rich," Elizabeta frowned.

"Agreed," Kize and Vincent nodded.

Shikuro couldn't blame them as he glanced over to his friend, who was eating a fancy salad that was probably worth more than their clothes. Though, he couldn't help but remark, "Well, I'm not rich. Technically, Bulma only gives me a small allowance to buy what I need. The food came from Goku's wife, Chi-Chi."

"That's. . an interesting name," Ryusika commented.

"Mhm, but she's a hard worker. Goku's family isn't wealthy, I believe. They live in a house in the woods near Mount Paoz and Goku's recently been starting a farming business by himself on Chi-Chi's orders. On the other hand, Chi-Chi handles all the chores and cooking by herself, so you can imagine what it's like having to feed three Saiyans every day," Shikuro remarked as he took a bite out of the meat.

"It must be rough then," Vincent noted.

"It is," Shikuro nodded, "You should see their dinners. This much here is nothing compared to what they usually eat. I only come and take the leftovers."

They all stared at him as Vincent nervously gulped a bit, "Leftovers, huh. . ." Changing the topic, Shikuro continued to chew on his food before noticing Ryusika. . trying to take a peek behind him? He blinked and swallowed his food.

"What are you looking for?" He asked.

"Oh, it's nothing," Ryusika said, "Didn't you have a tail?"

Shikuro raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, it's in my pants. Don't want people asking questions. Trying to keep a low profile, remember?"

"Right, that makes sense," Ryusika nodded.

However, as the fact of his tail being brought up came to mind, Ace decided to ask one of his own. The big question he's been having since he found out about Shikuro's real identity is, "Since we're asking questions and you don't mind answering. . mind telling us about yourself?" Everyone went silent, and Shikuro paused his chewing to look at Ace. His eyes were cold and emotionless for a second before sighing through his nose and swallowing. He pulled the chopsticks from his mouth and stared at them for a moment before responding.

"That's pretty vague," Shikuro pointed out, "What do you want to know?"

"Like where you come from, for starters. You said you weren't originally from Earth," Ace replied, "So where are you from? And why are you here?"

"That's a hard question to answer," Shikuro noted as he scratched the back of his head and sighed, "But if you really want to know the full story, then be ready for a talk."

Everyone nodded as they waited for him to continue, and Shikuro started, "Alright. . .I'll start with the basics. So, obviously, Saiyans aren't from Earth. They came from a different planet called Planet Vegeta. Do you remember the other Saiyan next to Goku when they teleported inside the crater of West City? He's actually the former Prince of Saiyans."

"Whoa, for real?!" Kize exclaimed.

"Yep, but anyways, the Saiyans, as I mentioned once before, are well. . known for being a race of barbarians. They like fighting but during the time it was around, they worked under a tyrant who used them for capturing planets to either sell or subjugate. That tyrant's name was Frieza," Shikuro answered.

"Frieza. . ." Vincent murmured before he asked, "And you're not allied with him, right?"

"Huh? Of course not; Frieza is the one who destroyed Planet Vegeta," Shikuro responded and took another bite out of his lunch as everyone went quiet.

"Wait, what?" Elizabeta exclaimed, "He destroyed your home planet!?"

"Yeah, from what I was told, Frieza had a hidden fear of a Saiyan legend. A Saiyan strong enough to overpower even him. The Super Saiyan." Shikuro said as he pointed to his hair, "You remember my hair turning gold? That's called the Super Saiyan transformation. Goku was the first to achieve it a while back on Planet Namek, according to Gohan, and he defeated Frieza with it. Ever since practically every Saiyan currently alive on Earth learned how to transform into a Super Saiyan."

"Okay, so you were from Planet Vegeta originally and came to Earth due to Planet Vegeta's destruction?" Elizabeta tried to summarize.

However, Shikuros shook his head, "No, I was born way after Planet Vegeta was destroyed."

"Then how are you a Saiyan if Planet Vegeta was destroyed before you were born?" Vincent asked.

"That's a question that I still haven't figured out in detail," Shikuro sighed and admitted, "But from what details I do know is that I am much younger than Goku and Vegeta; of course, they are close to their 50s at this point, and I'm 18 technically 19 after my Hyperbolic Time Chamber training. Which means--"

"Your parents must have been sent to another planet, correct?" Elizabeta noted as Shikuro nodded and leaned his back against the fence.

"But even then, I don't know who they were exactly. Because likely after I was born, I was sent to another planet called Codia. From there, I don't know who my mother or father was, and I still don't," He answered.

"An orphan. . ." Ryusika murmured.

"Basically, yeah. But whatever reason why I was sent to Codia was all but a mystery to me. All I knew was that it was likely the worst place to send me since Codia has had a bad history with Saiyans since ancient times. So. . .yeah, I could have been dead if it wasn't for the village elder taking me in," Shikuro remarked, "Most of my childhood was spent on that planet. Still, I often got into fights with the local adults and stuff. Sometimes, they started it, but I also started a few as well, so I couldn't say I was completely innocent. Looking back, I was just frustrated by their own stereotypes of me, so I lashed out from time to time."

"I can only imagine," Ace shook his head, "I guess they treated you more like a stray rabid dog rather than a kid."

Shikuro nodded before pointing out, "Mhm, but I did have Koshu and Nana. Nana was Koshu's granddaughter and was more like an elder sister to me. In fact, when Koshu got busy being the elder, she did the majority of the raising."

"So she took care of you while Koshu worked," Vincent surmised.

Shikuro nodded and smiled a bit, "Yeah, but to me, it was more like Koshu didn't know how to raise a kid. Koshu was. . well, the village elder for the reason. He's old, but he was also very strong too. From all the stories I've heard about him, he's considered a hero to Planet Codia, like Mr.Satan is a 'hero' to Earth. Except his feats are real. Back in ancient times, Koshu was around and fought off an army of Saiyans by himself."

"Ancient times? So, like, how old is he?" Kize asked.

"I don't know exactly, but I believe he's somewhere in his 1020's? Maybe more?" Shikuro answered.

"Oh my god. . .he's a freakin' mummy at this point," Elizabeta commented in disbelief.

The young Saiyan shook his head, "No, that's pretty normal for a Codian. They live for a long time and the longest one lived was 2000 years. You can't expect them to have the same lifespan as humans. Even Saiyans maintain their youth until we're like 80, according to Vegeta, and that's not factoring outside factors that could prolong life even longer."

"Wait, so that means you. . ." Ryusika muttered in realization.

"Yeah, I'll be young way longer than you guys," Shikuro pointed out as he took another mouth fool of meat, "Plus, my hair will stay the same, too."

"That's unfair!" Ryusika and Elizabeta were accused.

Shikuro shrugged and continued on with his story, "Maybe, but everything may not have been perfect, but with those two around, it was bearable. While most days I lived in a monastery, some days I'd visit Koshu's house in the mountains to listen to his stories and watch him train. He trained me a bit, too, but stopped because I was too stubborn to really listen to what he was teaching me. I just punched the air with a dumb smile on my face."

"So how'd you end up here then? Seems pretty peaceful life to me," Kize noted.

At that moment, the air around Shikuro became thicker, and his eyes narrowed as if he were looking at something else as he stared at his food. His chopstick tightened in his hand as he recalled the details, "Well, one night, mercenaries attack the village. It was the middle of the night, and mostly everyone was asleep. We were all so confused as to what happened, and when I woke up, the entire village was on fire. At first, I did what I was told in emergencies since I was the longest-staying member at the monastery and took the kids to the emergency path out of the village. But Nana wasn't around, so I went looking for her in the village. We found each other eventually, but she immediately took me into the forest in a hurry, saying that the mercenaries were originally after me. . ."

Shikuro stopped himself, but the others were still able to understand what he meant, "You. . .were the target?" Vincent asked.

"Yeah. . .I was. . ." Shikuro reaffirmed.

"Why?" Kize questioned, "Did you piss someone off?"

"No," Shikuro shook his head as he recalled the fight against Cell. That mysterious man and the power that he gained came to mind. However, he shook his head, deciding that was something personal between him and himself, "We don't know why or what they wanted me for. All I know is that when Koshu had likely refused, they decided to resort to violence. As we ran, Nana took me to the ship that well. . .I originally came from when I landed on Codia as a baby and attempted to take me off the planet. However, Nana must have sensed one of them coming and hid me in the cabinet and locked it. I don't know what she did, but no matter how much I yelled, they couldn't hear me. But I saw it. The man that came through the door and I heard the conversation between them. Nana tricked him into thinking the ship was a decoy while I escaped on the real one. So, in a temper, he shot Nana right through the chest and left as the engine started due to Nana putting in the coordinates to Earth. She just didn't expect that I'd be going to Earth alone. . ."

"Oh. . .shit," Kize cursed, "That got real heavy real fast. . ."

Ace ignored that as he stared at Shikuro directly. Hearing the story now made some things about him make sense. His behavior and his own reasons. . it was starting to line up. All he needed was to confirm it from the source itself, "Shikuro. . .is the reason why you didn't tell me about his because you were afraid of me viewing you differently?"

Shikuro remained quiet for a moment before looking at the blue sky above. The clouds passed by like usual, and the sun continued to shine. The breeze felt nice against his skin as it rustled his hair a bit, "Yeah. . that's one of the reasons, I guess. Compared to you guys, the Z-Fighters are as normal to me as you. For someone who likely lived most of their life not really knowing about planet-destroying aliens, pillaging, and mass murder firsthand, then can I be comfortable letting you know who I really am without being weirded out? Truthfully. . .I was just trying to be considerate and keep you from treating me differently than you would any other human."

"I see," Ace nodded.

However, Ryusika tried to lighten the mood as she noted, "Still, I didn't think someone like you would have something like this underneath your sleeve. An alien from another planet with superhuman strength. Honestly, I think it's pretty cool."

"That's if you overlook the fact that his race can destroy planets," Vincent pointed out, which only earned him a glare from Elizabeta, "What? I'm just saying."

Shikuro smirked a bit before noting, "To be fair, some of my human friends can do the same. Like Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, shoot, I heard Master Roshi destroyed the moon once before they wished it back."

"The old man that lives on the island with a turtle?" Vincent asked before shaking his head, "Nah, I don't buy it."

"I mean, it isn't far-fetched. He's Goku's master, after all. Being the master of one of the strongest beings in the universe means you have to be at least able to do that," Shikuro remarked, "But enough about that, you guys haven't even touched your food since I started talking."

"Oh, yeah, you're right. We don't get long for lunch. Let's hurry up," Ace insisted before noticing Kize already munching down on a stolen piece of chicken from his box, "Kize, you son of a. . ."

Shikuro smiled a bit as the group started to talk amongst themselves as they ate. For once, he didn't feel like he had to be careful around them. Granted, he was still being careful since he was at school, but having a group of normal people to actually talk to. . it felt nice. To have normal conversation and banter with people who don't view you as. . well, an anomaly. He looked down at his food, the chopsticks hovering over his box of food. His eyes narrowed a bit, his smile mixed with emotions that he couldn't really understand, "Koshu. . .Nana. . .Is this what you wanted me to have. . .?"

[- - - -]

(Hours Later: After School Hours At Orange Star High. . .)

"Man, I'm beat! First day back, and I'm already sick of this school stuff again,"

Shikuro walked out the front entrance, his bag slouched over his shoulder as he yawned his stretched his arms. It was a long day for him, to say the least. Mainly the fact that he wasn't used to sitting in a chair for 8 hours straight. Though, throughout the entire day, it seemed pretty chill for the most part. Hell, he even managed to slip away from his gym period, which was a bonus for him in his books. Though, as the day finished, he was still accompanied by Ryusika, Ace, Vincent, Kize, and Elizabeta, who were not even a few feet behind him. As they all made their way towards the school gate, Shikuro paused and turned to wave.

"Well, this is where I bounce. Bulma actually called me over for something," The young Saiyan noted.

Kize eyes widened a bit before complaining, "Really? Dude, we needed one more person for the arcade. We were about the invite, you know?" Shikuro crossed his arms and tilted his head a bit.

"Just ask Ryusika," Shikuro pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

Everyone but the girl herself flinched at the suggestion, completely unsure whether they wanted to even be left alone with the girl in general without Shikuro in toe. For Kize, Ace, and Vincent. . well, Ryusika was every bit of a typical school diva. The popular girl who thinks she's better than anyone else and the type of girl who has little to no concern for the opinions of others. That was the image she had painted for herself, and well. . they all guessed the only reason why she even dumped Glade and seemingly wiggled her way into their group was because she felt gratitude. That or, in Elizabeta's own accurate guess. .. she was infatuated, which was heavily ironic.

So, Kize crossed his arms in an 'X' and refused, "Yeah, no. Only the boys."

Ryusika puffed her cheeks in a pout, "Hey! What does that mean?"

"I mean that only the boys are invited, right Ace?" Kize countered with a chuckle.

The heir of the Sojiro family sighed and shook his head, "Then what about Liz? She's a girl, and I'm bringing her along. You gotta come up with a better excuse, Kize."

"Well, she's your girlfriend, so it's fine," Kize remarked

Ace's face flushed a shade of pink as he stammered out a response, "W-what?"

"Dude, it's not a secret to me and Vincent," Kize pointed out while Vincent nodded behind him.

"Yeah, like Ryusika is one thing, but we've never seen her before. The fact that you said you knew her and brought her into our group means she's more than just a friend," Vincent added on.

Kize smirked, "Besides, we've all known each other since we were kids. You don't take a liking to just about any--"

"Alright, I get it. Just keep this between us," Ace interrupted as he pulled Elizabeta into a half hug. "She's not used to attention like this, so let's not overwhelm her."

Elizabeta blinked a few times before pinching Ace's ear a bit, "Watch your hands, dimwit." Ace yelped in pain in a way that made Shikuro snort for a moment.

"Hehe, well. I'll leave you guys to sort yourselves out. I'm going to head out; see yah!" Shikuro waved once again as he took off down the sidewalk to find some alleyway to use. Whatever pleas for him to wait fell deaf to his ears as the wind whip across his face. He was being careful not to appear too fast, relatively running at a human speed to keep suspicion on the low. Just because his school friends knew about him didn't mean everyone else should. Otherwise, he'd have TV cameras and news reporters lined up at the school entrance every single day. And no amount of 'It's all Mr.Satan' would fix that. It'll take another wish from the Dragon Balls to erase memories again to fix that.

Seeing an open corner between shops, he made a quick turn and went into the alley. He skidded to a complete stop, and whatever dirt or litter flew away from where his feet were. He set his bag on the floor and cracked his knuckles before stretching his arms up. Taking one look behind him. Good, no one was there. Then, taking another look in front of him. No one there? Well. . at least it was. It was just one and one he was confused to see. Glade, not even a few feet away from standing in front of a fence, had his hands in his pocket. His back turned to Shikuro as if he was waiting for something. Was this planned? Probably, and how'd he know which alleyway he was going to make a turn into? God only knows and even he was either looking at everything else on Earth or just helping his assistant with watering flowers. So, Shikuro sighed in defeat and placed a hand on his hip.

"Okay, what do you want? I'm in a hurry," Shikuro asked.

Glade slowly turned and didn't say a word. Instead, he pulled out a pistol and pointed it straight at the young Saiyan, who just blinked a bit in surprise. But classically, the young Saiyan let out another sigh that was heavier than the last, "Really? What the hell. . ."

"Silence! I've had it with you. I don't know what your game is, but you dare swoon in and take MY girl?" Glade shouted.

Shikuro crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently, "First off, I don't know what you're talking about. Second, from what I heard, you abandoned Ryusika to die in that three-day-long incident last week? If that were me, I'd likely cave whatever manhood you have in. You got off easy with a slap, in my opinion."

"Shut up! You don't know a thing!" Glade shouted once again.

"Oh, I know enough," Shikuro remarked while shrugging his shoulders, "Glade, one of Orange Star Highschool's Ace football players. Son of the Global Football League. Mr.Big Shot of Orange Star High School, whose only competition was Ace. Strongest high schooler in the world? You have a lot of self-proclamation that the list just goes on. But you know what that tells me?"

Glade didn't answer, but his face told it all. He was growing furious, his finger twitching above the trigger, and his face was flushed red from embarrassment and anger. So, Shikuro, who was showing flashes of his younger boy self, decided to tip the iceberg, "Someone's got an ego."

"You! You! Shut up!" Glade screamed as he began pulling the trigger rapidly.

The trigger clicked a few times as he fired bullets that barely grazed the sides of Shikuro's head or missed. The young Saiyan's face was calm and collected before dashing in and vanishing right in front of Glade's eyes. Before he knew it, he felt a hand tightly grab his gun hand and squeeze just enough for him to drop the firearm before being pinned to the ground the second his feet were kicked off the ground. Glade groaned, his head turning over his shoulder despite his face being pressed into the dirt as Shikuro glared down at him. He growled, ". . .The hell. . are you? You freak. . .!"

"Freak, huh?" Shikuro muttered. It's been a long time since anyone had called him that. In fact, the last time he's been insulted directly that way was on Codia. But this time around, even if it was just for this moment, he didn't feel hurt. Instead, he relished in it for a change and smirked, "Yeah, I'm your freak."

"What the hell are you talking about? You're crazy--gragh!" Glade exclaimed, but his sentence was cut short by a swift chop to the back of the neck. His body fell limp against the ground, his eyes closed shut.

Shikuro released his hold and sighed while scratching his head, "Really, I'm crazy? Says the one trying to kill someone over. . .I don't even know what." As he scratched his head pondering on what to do with him, the young Saiyan didn't realize it. That he was being watched from above on top of a building.

"Recruit assessment. . .complete."

~~~~~Time Skip: A Few Moments Later. . .~~~~~

"Okay, that was a bit of a hassle, but I'm finally here."

Shikuro stood at the front of the Capsule Corp building. It was good to see that the building had been completely restored thanks to shenron wish. Surprisingly, people didn't question how an entire city that was erased like a nuclear warhead crashed into it mysteriously reappeared out of thin air like nothing happened. The young Saiyan couldn't fathom how the people of this planet could just. . .well, be so damn ignorant about things. Sometimes, he feels like they are doing it on purpose. As if to repress the memory, which was understandable but still. Everything should have a limit.

He sighed, his mind shifting back to well. . .Glade. After knocking him out and debating for like thirty whole minutes on what to do with him. He just simply called the cops and left the scene before they could arrive. After that? Well, they will decide on what to do with a kid holding a firearm. Hopefully, it wouldn't get out of hand and would just be another one of those things that are swept under the rug. Regardless, he was here as promised. Just needed to get whatever Bulma had in store for him out of the way and head home for the day. It's been a long day, and he wants to sleep off whatever he feels right now.

He walked through the front door and showed his V.I.P ID to the receptionist, who immediately waved him through. The young Saiyan made his way into the elevator, where he rode down to the basement floor of the building. He couldn't sense Vegeta, which was good for him. The last thing he needed was another 'training arc' that so happens to be him used as a punching bag again. With his injuries currently just healing. . well, he'd likely die this time around. No thanks, and that wasn't a joke.

Once a short ding made it to his ears, he stepped out of the elevator. He walked down the long hallway that was the laboratory where the Briefs worked on projects that needed to be prepared to be shared with the public. Mainly things that Bulma didn't want others to see, such as well. . the Time Machine. He only knew the story, but even something like the Time Machine was too dangerous for anyone to have, even though it was just the old, rusted version of it Cell used to come through. From what he remembered, she kept it so she could examine the design her future self made. It was a bit of a pain to understand, even for her, so he had no hope of even getting an idea of how exactly his functions. Just that her future self was a genius in her own right.

Shikuro rounded the corner, his mind so absorbed in his own thoughts that he didn't even register the sound of one of the doors opening before him. Thus, he felt himself bump into something or, well, someone rather. Their frame was smaller than his now that they weren't wearing heels for a change. In fact, when his eyes looked down at them and took a closer look, they were most certainly around 5'8 or 5'7, if he was being accurate. He is still tall for a woman in her early 20s, but he's seen taller.

Still, as she groaned a bit and shook her head, they looked up at him with surprise, "Shikuro. . .?" Shikuro waved casually.

"Yo, been a minute, hasn't it, Shoko," Shikuro greeted.

21 took a moment to process things before looking down at her attire. She had just gotten done putting things away, her coverall dirty and hot to the point she had to unzip it down to where it fell off her shoulders and around her waist. She wore a white tank top underneath it, which was drenched in sweat, and her hair was a bit messier than usual despite tying it back into a bushy ponytail. Then her azure eyes turned to Shikuro, who was looking right at her, finally fully registering his presence. The artificial majin suddenly grew a conscience and shrieked, "Agh!".

She quickly pulled up her coveralls and zipped them up, hiding her attire from the young Saiyan's sight. Shikuro blinked in confusion before clearing his throat and trying again.

"Hi," Shikuro greeted once more.

21, still a bit embarrassed, waved back, "Hi. . ."

The two stood there for a moment, a bit awkward since Shikuro was unsure what to say, but decided to go with the first thing that came to mind, "So, uh. Bulma's been working you pretty hard, huh?"

"Yes. . well, kind of. I've been volunteering to work a bit longer. Bulma was actually the first to leave the lab. I just got done a few minutes ago," 21 replied while rubbing her arm sheepishly.

Shikuro nodded, "Mhm, but what could you two be working on that you feel the--oh. . .wait. Let me guess. The Time Machine?"

"You knew?" 21 asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I've seen it," Shikuro pointed out, "It's really the only thing Bulma would be willing to work on down here of all places. Most of her normal work happens upstairs."

"I see," 21 murmured, "She didn't mention anything about you knowing."

Shikuro shrugged, "Pretty much everyone she knows knew. That time machine is the same one Cell came in years ago. The story on that is a bit complicated. Still, from what I understand, the Cell we fought a week ago killed a version of Trunks in the future and took his Time Machine because 17 and 18 were already destroyed. He then came to this timeline and, well, the rest you already know. The problem was that the Time Machine had been here for years, so the parts had deteriorated, hence why Bulma is trying to fix it for whatever reason she may have. Probably to sedate her lust for science."

"That makes sense. Ms.Bulma seems more focused on it rather than on other projects. Though, I'm having a hard time keeping up with her theories. I guess the only person who can understand the Time Machine is the same one who created it," 21 noted.

"Yeah, I wouldn't doubt it," Shikuro nodded before looking around a bit, "So speaking of Bulma, know where she is? I sense her Ki around, but she doesn't look to be down here."

"She's likely back upstairs. Do you need her for something?" 21 asked.

Shikuro shook his head, "More like she wanted me. She wasn't specific, but considering she gives me allowances. . .I can't really refute her. But if she isn't down here, then I'll check upstairs, then in the family quarters."

"Oh, then I can come along. I was just about to head to my room," 21 offered.

Shikuro didn't pay much mind to that and shrugged, "Sure, convenience is always good, right? Let's move."

He began walking back towards the elevator. However, 21 stood there for a moment, her eyes glued to his back as he walked away. His presence was larger than usual, but perhaps that was just due to her nervousness. She was still trying to figure out how exactly to act around him. Which was strange to her since last week they both trained together in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for one whole year. You'd think that'd be long enough to get used to someone, which it was. But. . .each time she saw him, she couldn't help but think back to the fight against Apex. . .or was it Supreme. . .or Abso--whatever. He was evolving so much in that fight that you'd think he'd start growing hair from his bald head.

"Don't worry, I got it from here. If we're going to lose, it'll be on our terms and not Cell's."

"You've done enough, so thank you for everything. . ."

Then, after a long battle. . .he managed to pull off that miracle right in front of her eyes just like he said. Even though he was injured. . even though he was weak and looked like he was going to die at any moment. He had this mysterious aura shrouding him. As if their fate was to lose to Cell then. . .Shikuro had the power to change that outcome. He fought through the pain, overcoming it with his sheer will alone. The fight had been fierce to the point that it felt like both of them were in a realm of their own. He fought so hard, and even in a moment where it looked like he'd lose, he turned it around in an instant and won in exchange for pushing himself way too far. Though 21 understood why after learning more about Shikuro in that 1-year training in the chamber. Shikuro was simply protecting his new home. The people that bring light to his life. Because before all that, he'd had very few and practically lost them all assumingly. But on the other hand. . .21 felt there was another reason. . that he was simply too heroic at times.

"You said we needed a miracle, right? Well. . .Just sit and watch; I'll show you a miracle."

"What am I thinking. . .?" She asked herself, "We were only training partners. . .there's no need to overthink it. I blame Bulma."

"Hey, 21, are you coming?" Shikuro called out from the elevator.

"Oh, yes, I'm coming," 21 replied, shaking her head a bit as she walked towards the elevator, where she stepped in and stood right next to Shikuro. He pressed the button for the top floor and sighed as he leaned back against the rail. His eyes glanced over at the artificial majin, who was looking down at the ground and playing with the zipper to her coveralls before looking up at the elevator ceiling lights.

He couldn't help but wonder to himself, "What's up with her?"

Meanwhile, 21 was doing her best to try and ignore him. However, she was hyper-aware of his presence, and her cheeks were heating up for some reason. If this feeling could manifest in person then she'd beat it senseless, but it wasn't that easy. Instead, she settled on trying to distract herself. Perhaps ignoring him wasn't the best option. She'll try light chatter again. That worked earlier, "Did you just get out of school?"

"Yeah, it's been a long day, to say the least. But it was a chill first day back," Shikuro answered but nervously smirked at what happened earlier, "Well, chill for most of it. Got a gun pulled on me after school, though."

"A gun?" 21 repeated in disbelief, "You mean. . .a firearm?"

Shikuro nodded, "Yep, basically some classmate big shot football guy that didn't like me before the whole Cell fiasco. Honestly, I had a feeling he was crazy and stuck-up, but not to that degree."

"Why?" 21 asked.

"Hmm? Not sure? Something about Ryusika and stuff?" Shikuro hummed and cupped his chin before dismissing it, "Eh, I suppose it doesn't matter much. He can't really harm me."

21 tilted her head a bit, "Ryusika?"

"Oh, yeah, you don't know her directly, but she was that girl with the blond hair that I saved before I came to well. . save you, I guess, the first time. She also had a problem with me that led to Glade having a problem with me. Granted, it was a simple accident that caused this, but today, she weirdly sat and hung out with me at school. Honestly, it was weird, but I let it slide," Shikuro explained, "But why do you ask?"

21 shook her head and smiled, "It's nothing." Yeah. . .nothing. Most certainly nothing, as in that she was clenching the rail in the elevator as tightly as she could so she wouldn't lose her temper. Her azure eyes glared at the ceiling above as if trying to find the source of her frustrations before shaking her head and calming herself down. The door to the elevator opened as soon as it stopped, leaving the two to exit the small room and make their way out into the hallway.

As they walked, Shikuro felt a similar case of deja vu'. He could feel Bulma's Ki get warmer as they made their way to the living room, and Trunks's Ki was also there. So, he assumed that they were likely watching TV. But that's the issue. .minus Goten's presence, this felt all too familiar. He looked around, his eyes darting back and forth for Vegeta's Ki. He hadn't sensed it earlier, but he had a nagging feeling that he could have come back already and was just hiding his Ki to ambush him. However, as the automatic door slid open moments before they could even enter, they walked through. They immediately saw Bulma sitting at the alcohol table and sipping a glass as Trunks was busy playing video games. However, the game was immediately paused as Trunks looked over at his shoulder to spot the Saiyan.

"Ah, Shikuro! What's up!" Trunks greeted as he walked over.

Shikuro chuckled, "Yo, Trunks! How's it been?"

"Good, good, and hey, thanks for saving mom. I would have done it if they had let me join the fight," Trunks thanked with an extended fist.

Shikuro met the fist with his own, "Don't mention it. I only did what any other decent person would have done."

"Right, what brings you here? Finally ready to get whooped in a 1v1?" Trunks asked.

Shikuro shook his head, and before he could answer, Bulma got up from the stool to greet him, "No, I called him over."

Trunks turned to her, "Really, why?"

"Yeah, why?" Shikuro asked with a hand on his hip, "It feels out of the blue, you know? I doubt it's to retrieve some special material somewhere you can't reach. Vegeta's still here."

Bulma nodded, "Well. . .it's not that but something else. . ."

"Mom, what do you mean?" Trunks asked.

21, who had been quiet this entire time, raised an eyebrow, "I don't understand."

Shikuro had a bad feeling about this. The blue-haired scientist had cues that she was up to something. It was as if she was hiding a secret or perhaps was just unsure of how to explain it. Her eyes moved to the right corner of her eyes, fingers pressing together and twiddling nervously. A nervous bead of sweat--okay, something was seriously up, and Shikuro showed he knew as he crossed his arms, "Bulma. . ." The tone he said it in was a trademark of his own. One that held little patience, but his face was neutral.

"Okay, okay, before you guys get mad at me," Bulma began while waving her hand dismissively, "I called you here for a reason. So, uh, you remember Jaco?"

"The Galatic Patrol guy? Yeah, what about him?" Shikuro asked.

"Well. . we made a deal. You know the Time Machine is kind of. . illegal in the universe. Well, at least the production of one," Bulma pointed out.

"Really?" Shikuro asked, surprised.

Bulma nodded, "Yeah, which is why I keep it locked up down in the basement."

"Go on. . ." the young Saiyan muttered as he knew those details already.

"So. . me and Jaco are. .well friends. But not friends in a way where things are free. You know Jaco. He takes his job very seriously," Bulma continued as she rubbed her neck.

The young Saiyan nodded, "As I remember. Someone willing to wear that goofy-looking uniform has to like that job."

"Exactly. Anyway, so, I need you to do something for him," Bulma finally revealed.

Shikuro narrowed his eyes, "And there it is. What, help him stop some crime on some mission?"

"Not just that. . .," Bulma grew more nervous and turned her head, "You'll be uh, recruited. . ."

Shikuro was silent for a moment before he sighed, "Bulma, you're not making sense. Recruit me for what?"

"FOR THE NEW ORGANIZATION OF ELITE CRIME STOPPERS!"

Shikuro groaned as the door behind him opened and closed. He didn't even need to turn around like everyone else did to know who it was. Anyone with that voice is easily recognizable. . .in the worst way possible. He reluctantly faced the Galatic Patrol man, who stood with pride. Jaco smiled, showing his teeth as he looked over at Shikuro, who was unamused.

"Shikuro! It's been a while! But as you heard, Bulma has provided me with my last recruit!" Jaco exclaimed.

The young Saiyan sighed and scratched his head, irritated, while 21 was just flat-out confused as to what was happening. So she turned to Bulma for answers, "What's the Galatic Patrol?"

Bulma, who was trying to keep her composure, began to explain, "The Galatic Patrol is a law enforcement organization that's meant to keep order in the North Quadrant of the universe. Basically, they are space cops if it helps simplify things."

"Oh. . .I see," 21 murmured, "But why Shikuro? I mean, he isn't part of the law enforcement, is he?"

"I'm not. I'm in high school," Shikuro groaned.

"Yeah. . .and Goku was 12 when defeating an entire military," Bulma countered.

Shikuro countered with a hint of venom, "And Goku was raised on a mountain as a child. He was practically unhinged."

"That's. . .actually now that I think about it. . ." Bulma came to a sudden realization, which Shikuro left her to her thoughts.

"I'm not joining," Shikuro pointed out as he crossed his arms.

"You don't got much of a choice, Shikuro. Bulma made a deal," Jaco cheekily grinned.

Shikuro's eye twitched. He couldn't help but think to himself, "Goddamnit. . ." He could try to argue further, but Bulma making a deal means she has full reign over his answer. He could stand his ground and say no, but. . that means no food due to no allowance. If only this happened after he finished High school then he'd be able to take care of himself. But for now, he's a minor on Earth. That means it'd be hard to make a living from retail work or the like. So, with no choice. . .

"Fine. . what's this 'new coalition of crime stoppers' or whatever?" Shikuro frowned.

Jaco chuckled before putting his hands on his hips, "I'm glad you asked. Over the past couple of Earth months, the Galatic Patrol found another organization similar to them. They are called the Universal Cosmic Patrol Union . Or the U.C.P.U for short."

Shikuro, who had been trying to stay calm this whole time, raised an eyebrow, "Okay. . .the difference?"

"The difference is that the Galatic Patrol focuses on the North Quadrant of the Universe. The U.C.P.U focuses on the entirety of the Universe. Recently, the U.C.P.U came into contact with the Galatic Patrol. After some negotiation with the Galatic King, they both agreed to an organizational merger. The Galatic Patrol and the U.C.P.U will come together to form a single entity that will bring order to the entire universe. A new patrol group to combat universal threats," Jaco explained, "However, the Galatic Patrol will still exist to help levitate the burden. The universe is vast and infinite. So keeping most of the Galatic Patrol members stationed in the North Quadrant is needed. Especially our best members. However, compared to the U.C.P.U, the quality and strength of the Galatic Patrol is lacking. To help balance things out, the U.C.P.U demanded we transfer at least two of our elite patrollers. Originally, it was going to be me and our best patroller. However, in order to keep a veteran member in the Galatic Patrol, we needed someone at least or stronger than me to take my place in the transfer."

Shikuro sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Bulma. . .is it really that worth it to keep the Time Machine under wraps?"

"What!? It could prove useful in the future!" Bulma exclaimed. Shikuro sighed at that and turned back to Jaco.

He wasn't pleased with the circumstances, but he had to ask the question that would at least make this bearable, "Do I have to wear a uniform like. . that. . ."

Jaco shook his head, "No. The U.C.P.U is much more lenient than the Galatic Patrol. In fact, the only thing you need is this." He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out what looked to be a badge. It was circular, with an eight-pronged star in the center of it. The color of the badge was a dull white but had a golden outline to it. On the back of the badge was a serial number and the words 'Galactic Patrol'. The badge was at least the size of a standard phone, but that wasn't a problem.

Shikuro reluctantly took the badge and held it in his hand, "This is it? I can work with this, at least. But still, I'm in high school. What about that?"

"It's fine. The U.C.P.U doesn't necessarily call a random member for a mission that takes an entire trip to the other side of the universe to do. Only one's close by. With the equipment provided by them along with the Galatic Patrol equipment, you should be given missions close by your area that would take only 20 minutes to get to," Jaco reassured.

Bulma also chimed in and added, "If it helps, I can modify one of the spare ships I made based on Jaco's to move faster. In fact, they even got my unique design to it."

Shikuro sighed, ". . .I'm gonna be out there a lot, aren't I?"

"Not necessarily," Jaco alleviated, "Do remember that you are still working mostly in the area of the Galatic Patrol. You'll only be called if the problem is closer to you or if it requires your assistance. Plus, considering your age, you'll be considered a rookie. Meaning it'll take some time before they actually consider you as a first option for missions."

"That doesn't make sense, though. If Shikuro's supposed to join the U.C.P.U as an elite member of the Galatic Patrol as a rookie, then would they even allow him?" Trunks pointed out.

Jaco waved his finger as he already had an idea in mind, "Simple, I already assessed his strength earlier today. My eyes can easily discern he's stronger than me. That's a given. But I arranged something to prove himself as a worthy transfer to the U.C.P.U organization and system." Shikuro scratched his head for a moment.

"That is?" The young Saiyan asked.

Jaco smirked as the revelation was simple but seemed like the worst timing imaginable, "A spar against another member of the U.C.P.U." Thus Shikuro faces palmed. Of course, it'd get worse, and for a moment. . .: He'd wish Vegeta would come through that door right now and drag him to another training boot camp. With that in mind, he looked up and stared at the door, waiting for that to happen. Two seconds. . nothing happened. Five. Ten. Still nothing. Thus, a single thought passed through his head.

"This just isn't fair. . ."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From the Last Chapter: Meanwhile On Another Planet In The Universe. . .)

"That should be the last of them. . ."

Planet Aceric. A planet whose terrain had little civilization and was mostly rocky terrain with vast mountains. Due to the lack of life on the planet thus, meaning the source of food was low, no civilizations could form there. Thus making it a perfect spot for a hideout. Throughout the entire known solar system that Planet Aceric resided in, it was home to a space gang that caused trouble for the fifty other planets in this solar system that surrounded the enormous sun of Solar System Cervius. Nightclaw was what they were called. . .emphasis on were, of course. Outside of a makeshift hideout carved into a large rock, piles upon piles of bodies were spread throughout the area. The entire gang was wiped out clean by seemingly one individual and his partner.

The man sighed, seemingly older with spiky red hair that pointed upward and angled themselves in numerous directions. His skin indicated he wasn't human as well, but humanoid, of course. Pinkish in color with black nails. He wore a red, baggy gi torn in some places and no undershirt that showed bits of his pectoral. His were short, the muscles of his biceps also prominent, with one of them wrapped in a black cloth that matched his pants and shoes. He had nubs of hair on his chin as well as a patch underneath his lips with a line above his lip connected to it. His red eyes looked down at one of the gang members who was twitching from the pain and sighed. He turned behind him to his partner, who was leaning against some red rock formation nearby, "You went overboard with this one. We're supposed to bring them back alive, not kill them."

His partner was younger and actually looked more human. She had black, spiky and scruffy hair that was only about neck length toward the back. The color of obsidian matching from hair to eyes as well. Furthermore, her clothing showed that she had quite a strong build. A sleeveless mustard yellow crop-top hoodie that allowed her muscular arms and toned-abs to show that she was most certainly not scrawny in any way. To match, she wore black baggy pants held by a black belt to blend in with a gold buckle in the center along with a matching yellow sash around her waist that went down just above her ankle behind her. The sand didn't seem to bother her sandaled feet as she crossed her arms with a neutral frown.

For the most part, she looked normal aside. . .from the monkey's tail that swayed behind her.

"Punk ass. He deserved it for trying to be fresh," She remarked.

The man let out an exasperated sigh, "That was part of the job, Kyuria. You were supposed to infiltrate and gather more information. Not wipe them out just because they tried to hit on you."

Kyuria crossed her arms, "So? Gang annihilated. Problem solved. That's a win in my book, Rigo." Her remark did not amuse Rigo. Instead, he pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

"You're only saying that because you never have to file the reports. The high-ups are going to chew me out again," Rigo sighed, "You know I'm the one in charge of you."

Kyuria snickered at that remark, "You say that like that ever really bothered you." Rigo just frowned and gave another sigh.

"Where did I go wrong with raising you. .? You're just like your mother," He remarked.

"And that's a bad thing?" Kyuria asked.

"No, it's not, I suppose. Proves that you are indeed her child," Rigo said before dusting himself off, "Brushing that aside, after we finish tying these guys up and calling the retrieval team, we have to make another trip before we head back to base."

"For what?" Kyuria questioned, raising a brow.

Rigo's expression changed as he looked up at the sky, "If you've been paying attention to the debriefings or meetings, the U.C.P.U has merged with the Galactic Patrol within the North Quadrant. They finally filed their transfers, but one has yet to be evaluated. From what I heard, the last-minute transfer they chose was a special case. Some recruit in their ranks that they claim have immense potential."

Kyuria was a bit confused by this, "So why does that matter to us?"

"It shouldn't, but you've been chosen to evaluate the transfer. To see if they really are as promising as they say," Rigo explained.

"Why me?" Kyuria asked, crossing her arms.

"Because I suppose they wanted to see if their youth officers are just as good as ours," Rigo said as he put his hands on his hips, "And don't think you can skip out on this one. They'll half your payout if you don't."

Kyuria frowned at that and just sighed with a shrug, "Fine, fine, whatever. All I gotta do is ruff up some punk who thinks they are full of themself. No biggie."

"The irony in that is astonishing," Rigo muttered.

"Ah! What was that!?" Kyuria glared.

"Oh, nothing," Rigo said calmly and ignoring her glare.

Kyuria frown deepened as she huffed, "Just hurry up so we can get this over with. I want to go home." Rigo nodded as the two began to gather up the gang members to tie up.

[- - - -]

(Back On Earth, Three Days Later. . .)

"Jaco. . .is there a chance if I--"

"No."

". . ."

Shikuro clicked his tongue as the idea was shot down before he could finish his sentence. He didn't have any room to argue against him as he knew the other was right. There was no way Jaco would leave him alone on this, as things were practically settled right then and there. Three days of trying, and that was it. The 'evaluation spar' that he was forced into had come. Granted, during that time, he was able to get a hold of a Senzu bean after they had finally regrew Korin's Tower. It was just a few of them but enough to last them till a decent supply would remerge. Now, here he was, in the middle of some rocky plains with Jaco as they waited next to his ship. Shikuro was still stretching, but he was already loose due to him killing time with just that for over an hour.

In all honesty, it was really starting to tick him off that something he was forced into was taking so long to even start. So, he turned to Jaco with an annoyed tone, "Are they even going to show up? They are wasting my time."

"Patience is a virtue. . .just a little longer," Jaco remarked.

"And now we're at 62. . ." Shikuro muttered as that was the 62nd consecutive time Jaco said that to him. Shikuro swapped from stretching his arms to his legs again and continued, "Still, couldn't you have scheduled this a lot later? Like a month? I just got out of a whole life-and-death fight over a week ago."

Jaco continued, staring at the sky above, "That just means your battle instincts and power haven't dulled. If anything, you should be better than when you last fought."

"I am, but not to the same extent," Shikuro noted.

Jaco raised an eyebrow at this, "Aren't you Saiyan?" Shikuro flinched at his words as he knew without context, he wouldn't get it.

"It's. .complicated," Shikuro muttered and fixed his eyes on the blades of grass. He had gotten stronger, but the same power he fought Cell strong? Not even close. At this point, it felt like it was a one time thing or well. . .something he can't do on his own even though the guy said it was "his power".

"Ah, well, I guess you could use this as an opportunity to test your strength. Think of it as a friendly meet-up." Jaco suggested.

"Yeah, for you," Shikuro muttered. The young Saiyan stopped stretching and took the chance to relax a bit as he leaned against the ship. He wore his typical simple clothing. A simple black shirt, red weighted scarf, and black Gi pants held up by a red obi sash tied into a flowing fabric at the side. His Saiyan tail wiggled a bit as he was annoyed by this, "Who even is this person anyway?"

"Ah, yes, about that," Jaco started, "From what I heard, they are pretty tough. In the U.C.P.U, they have a youth division ranking, and they are said to be in the top 4. They are constantly paired with an elite member that acts as a supervisor to keep them in check."

"Keep them in check?" Shikuro repeated as a question.

Jaco nodded and elaborated, "Yeah, they're a bit of a loose cannon. The rumors say they disobey orders and wind up causing injuries to criminals during missions that give their medical team a hassle. Their supervisor seems to have a deep history with them as well. If I remember correctly. . .hmmm. . .more like a parental figure."

"Great. . ." Shikuro groaned, "You set me up to fight a nutcase."

"I'm sure you'll do fine," Jaco shrugged, but before he could continue his sentence, his sharp eyes spotted something coming and warned, "Oh, they're here."

Shikuro pushed himself off the ship as he followed Jaco's gaze to the sky. They both looked up at the clouds as something broke through them. A ship that looked like a race car, if anything. Just that it was bigger in size and could fly in the air. It looked pretty advanced, too, as it had a blue paint job with yellow on the front of the ship. The back of the ship had a large thruster that had the same color scheme. Once it landed, it parked itself near the two of them, and the hatch opened up.

Shikuro and Jaco waited as two figures stepped out and walked up to them. Shikuro's eyes were immediately drawn to the taller one. An older-looking alien that seemed pretty well-experienced judging from his appearance. His eyes darted to Jaco as he introduced himself, his tone stern like a veteran, "Are you, Jaco? Member of the Galatic Patrol?"

"That's me. You are?" Jaco questioned.

"Rigo, Commander of the Strix Division in the U.C.P.U," Rigo said as he put a hand on his hip and pointed to the smaller figure next to him, "This here is Kyuria. She'll be the one partaking in the spar."

Shikuro looked over behind Rigo to see Kyuria who stood with her arms folded. He blinked a few times before his eyes wandered to her. . .tail!? Surprised, Shikuro pointed and exclaimed, "Hey!" Rigo and Jaco were both confused while Kyuria raised an eyebrow. However, for Rigo, the moment Shikuro made his presence known, his eyes widened at the sight of him similarly. Just that he didn't voice it, as Shikuro pointed out.

"She's a Saiyan like me!" the young Saiyan male exclaimed. Kyuria blinked in surprise at this statement before finally noticing a tail just like hers sticking out from underneath his sash. Shikuro then looked at Jaco with a bewildered tone, "Jaco, why the hell did you omit this detail!?"

"I didn't, I just didn't know your opponent was a Saiyan!" Jaco defended.

Shikuro was not convinced by that but instead turned his attention back to Rigo and Kyuria as he had more questions. However, before he asked, he noticed Rigo's gaze fixed on his as the man spoke, "You there, boy. How old are you?" Shikuro was confused by the question but answered reluctantly.

"19, but that's only because I trained in a room where time moves faster. If we're being accurate out here, I'm supposed to be 18," Shikuro explained. Rigo's expression didn't change, but he remained silent for a moment. It was almost like he was thinking about something.

However, in a short amount of time after putting some thought into it, Rigo questioned him further, "Were you born on this planet? If not, then were you found in a ship? What was the model id?"

"No, I wasn't. I'm not sure where I was born," Shikuro answered truthfully, "I was raised on a Planet called Codia when I was a baby. But if I remember, there was an ID on the ship I was found in. AJ405X ---"

"That means! You're. . .!" Rigo exclaimed loudly before quickly cutting himself off. His eyes narrowed before he looked down at the ground and closed his eyes, "I see. The resemblance is definitely there. You're her child. . ." Rigo muttered.

Shikuro raised an eyebrow at this, "Huh? Her child? What are you talking about?" Rigo blinked and pulled away to clear his throat. He could already feel Kyuria's gaze piercing into him from behind as she was staring at him.

"Apologies, allow me to explain," Rigo began before stepping to the side to show Kyuria, who looked just as confused, "This here is your. . .twin sister."

"My. . .what?" Shikuro tilted his head. He clearly didn't hear that right or. . .rather he did but he was so baffled that he could hardly react.

Kyuria crossed her arms with a slight frown, "Well, ain't that some shi--"

"Kyuria!" Rigo exclaimed loudly as he cut her off, "Please, keep it civil."

Kyuria just rolled her eyes as Rigo gave a sigh before continuing, "Yes, your twin sister. Your mother, Elery, gave birth to you two, but shortly after her pregnancy, the planet she lived on. . .my planet, was attacked. She was a strong woman. Even amongst the chaos, she managed to get to me despite just giving birth. However, after handing Kyuria to me, an explosion caused us to separate. After that. . .I'm unsure what happened, but she must have managed to get you on an escape ship to an unidentified planet."

Shikuro nodded before asking, a hint of some anxiousness in his voice, "Is she. . ."

"She's dead. I most certainly sensed her Ki vanish along with my planet," Rigo confirmed.

"Oh. . ." Shikuro sighed, "I see. .then. . .where's my father?"

Rigo narrowed his eyes at the mention of that before answering, "We don't know who your father is. . only Elery knew, but she didn't give an answer." Shikuro raised an eyebrow at this.

"That doesn't make sense? We ran a blood test here on Earth, and I'm 100% Saiyan. Meaning my dad has to be Saiyan too," Shikuro stated.

Rigo shook his head at this, "That's the strange part. . .the only hint Elery gave us about your father's identity was that. . .he wasn't a Saiyan or at least he is but not in the normal sense. But you both were born full-fledged Saiyans from a similar blood test."

The young male Saiyan felt his head begin to hurt from trying to make sense of this. His mother was a Saiyan. . yet his dad wasn't? But his blood test says he's a pure-blooded Saiyan? What the hell is going on here? Though, as he tried to wrap his head around it, Rigo decided to pull the young male from his thoughts and ask, "So. . .I'll let you go by the name Shikuro, correct?"

". . .Yeah, Shikuro is the name I was given by the ones who took me in on Codia," Shikuro answered with a bit of delay, "Why did my. . .uh, mom give me another name when I was born?"

"Elery didn't get a chance to, but I have an idea of what she'd name you. .," Rigo remarked before answering, "Kolard. According to her, that was the name of your great-grandfather back when Planet Vegeta was still around. According to what she told me before about herself, she was a high-class Saiyan back on Planet Vegeta. However, despite being born into nobility, her power was by far from representing that class. You'd think with her personality, she'd be a lot more powerful. But, Elery always had one knack about her that helped keep the gap close between other nobles. Something she didn't have to brag about for me to quickly pick up."

"What was it?" Shikuro asked.

Rigo gave a small smirk before answering, "She was incredibly gifted as a fighter. She had instincts that most veteran warriors won't gain even if they train their entire lives. I'm not sure about you, but Kyuria, as brash as she is, has inherited that talent at the very least. That and well. . .her mother's personality." Rigo said the last part with a sigh.

"You mean me being a pain in the ass?" Kyuria questioned with a smirk and shrug, "Can't help something I'm so good at."

Rigo didn't reply and simply pointed his thumb behind him to add, "But she's way cockier than her. I can tell you that much." Shikuro glanced over at Kyuria and then back at Rigo as he continued.

"Before Planet Vegeta was destroyed, Elery was sent on a mission about a week prior. It was her first solo mission back when she was a child. You probably don't know, but--" Rigo tried to explain, but Shikuro affirmed the details.

"Yeah, Saiyans are typically fit for combat at a very young age. Especially the nobles. They always got sent on missions first, but never alone. There was always a veteran or experienced soldier that was sent with them," Shikuro explained.

Rigo nodded, "So you do know. . .In Elery's case, like I said, Kyuria's personality is like your mother's. Meaning. . ."

"She skipped ahead and went on her own?" Shikuro finished.

"Yeah. . she did," Rigo remarked with a sigh, "But that's how she landed on my planet. Originally, she was to conquer it, but she crashed and got heavily injured. I was the one who nursed her back to health. I was a teenager back then, and over... .well, with no home to return to, she settled on Planet Atam until its destruction."

Rigo paused for a moment as he turned his head to the sky above. The wind blew against his face as his eyes wandered back to the past. The time when he was just a teen walking through the forest of planet Atam. Where he found a Saiyan spaceship crashed and found a Saiyan girl not too much younger than himself sprawled out on the ground. Since that day he found her, his life was filled with. . .interesting and fun times. As Rigo recounted his memories, Shikuro couldn't help but feel the mood change a bit. But, the veteran commander of the Strix unit snapped out of his thoughts and confirmed, "She was a great person. I'll tell you that. . ." Shikuro stared silently at him before nodding in understanding. However, losing her patience, Kyuria let out a huff as she was tired of waiting.

"Can we get this show on the road?" Kyuria asked loudly as everyone present turned around in her direction. She was tapping her foot impatiently, and her frown was evident, "All this talk about Ma or whatever is starting to make me sick. We came here to fight, right?"

"Kyuria! Have some respect!" Rigo exclaimed.

"What? Just Sayin," Kyuria shrugged before pointing at Shikuro, "You!"

Shikuro blinked as he pointed at himself, "Me?"

"No, the doofus in that get-up next to you," She said sarcastically, which earned her a snarl from Jaco. However, she ignored him and rolled her eyes, "Not like I care if you're my twin brother or whatever, but you're looking to join this little organization of ours, right?"

"How many times do I have to say it? Stop belittling the U.C.P.U, Kyuria. They quite literally provide you a roof and food," Rigo groaned.

Kyuria ignored the remark and asked again, "Well, do yah?" Shikuro sighed and scratched his head. No use lying, he guesses.

"To be honest, I got roped into this due to a certain someone that I won't name. If I had it my way, I would have declined to be some space cop or whatever," Shikuro admitted before stretching his legs again, "But. . ."

"But?" Kyuria questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I suppose I got something out of it. Some closure, some new information, and well. . .," Shikuro paused before smirking, "To think I at least had one biological family alive. Honestly, it feels a bit surreal. Not like I expected to find anyone who knew my mom."

Kyuria scoffed at that with a smirk of her own, "Is that right. . ." She began pacing towards the open field, beckoning Shikuro to follow with a simple motion of her finger. Shikuro nodded and followed her, their movements almost identical but perpendicular to each other. Once they were a few meters apart, Kyuria stopped and turned to face him, the wind rustling her hair a bit as she eyed him up and down.

"Is that the end goal?" Kyuria asked as she noted, "You look like you've put in some work. At least you're not scrawny."

"Yeah, you could say I've been working on myself for a while," Shikuro admitted as he stretched his arms, "I just got out of a pretty nasty fight last week, so I'll ask: how are we doing this? Starting small or going in guns blazing?"

Kyuria chuckled lightly to herself, and her eyes sharpened, "Making excuses already? I'm here to do a job and go home. Whether you're fully able to make this a decent spar or become a good punching bag is none of my concern." Her hands tightened and cracked a bit, the veins showing. Meanwhile, Jaco and Rigo stood by the ship as the latter could only shake his head. Of course, Kyuria, of all people, would be the type to see her long-lost brother for the first time, and the urge to bash his face was the first thing she'd want to do.

"So the rumors of her being a loose cannon are true. . .," Jaco noted as Rigo could only nod.

"Unfortunately. . .," Rigo sighed, "Let's just hope she doesn't end up killing him. I can imagine Elery is spinning in her grave."

Jaco rocked his head side to side for a moment before confidently stating, "Shikuro will be fine."

"What makes you so sure?" Rigo questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"The U.C.P.U are indeed far superior of a force compared to the Galactic Patrol overall but. . .," Jaco turned to him with a smirk, "The Galactic Patrol knows more about the fighters of Earth than the U.C.P.U. These fighters' fighting forces, with just two of them, are far superior to anything that both our organizations have to offer. In fact, Shikuro isn't the only Saiyan on Earth."

Rigo was taken aback by this, "Really now, there were more survivors?" Jaco nodded.

"Yes, and the two other pure-bloods reproduced half-breeds from my knowledge. Still, those two in particular, Son Goku and Vegeta, have reached a power that we could only dream of reaching," Jaco explained further, "In fact, not too long ago, the one called Son Goku survived an actual fight against the God of Destruction."

Rigo's eyes widened, "That's impossible. Surely you jest?"

"I don't make jokes. Shikuro may not be at their level, but. . .," Jaco's sentence stopped as. . .

*WHOOSH!*

Kyuria sprung forward, her feet kicking off the ground with power that caused the dirt to rise and blades of grass to fly in the air. Shikuro remained on guard, his eyes following Kyuria's afterimages before raising his left arm as he telegraphed the blow. Successfully, he blocked the swift kick and ducked under the following reverse roundhouse kick coming from the other side before kicking Kyuria's leg to throw her balance off. Her eyes blinked in surprise until a fist connected right underneath her jaw. They sent her somersaulting in the air right back where she started, her feet barely regaining footing from a blow so fast.

Jaco smirked a bit and finished his previous sentence, "Shikuro's trained under them. Could say, they are his mentors along with everyone else on Earth. Which means he's no pushover."

Rigo remained silent for a moment as he watched Kyuria regain her balance and brush herself off. She smirked and chuckled a bit before licking the blood that dribbled down the side of her lips, "Okay, so you at least know how to fight."

"I mean. . yeah, but you were moving a bit slow, to be honest. I didn't have to focus on your Ki to see you move; I saw your faint clearly," Shikuro noted, "I guess you're holding back, aren't you?"

"No shit, Sherlock," Kyuria shrugged before cracking her neck a bit, "But then again, it wouldn't be a fun fight if I just knocked you out in one punch."

"In one punch, huh?" Shikuro thought for a moment. He had been trying to at least gain a glimpse of that power he used against Cell, but to no avail. He tried everything he could on his own, but perhaps. . ., "Maybe if I'm pushed to the limit, then it'll come back to me. . ."

It was a good thought, though he knew one thing was the case, "She's not as strong as Cell was either, which I can't blame her. Apex Cell or whatever was a monster in his own right. The bottom line is, I've fought stronger." However, as he was in his thoughts, he looked up to notice blades of grass floating down from where Kyuria previously stood. He paid it no mind, his senses already picking up that she was behind him, and proceeded to duck underneath the punch aimed at the back of his head before retaliating with a rising heel kick to the chin.

Kyuria groaned a bit, her body sent a bit upward before Shikuro spun around into a sidekick to the stomach that sent her flying into the air. Her eyes were closed for a moment until she opened them to see Shikuro disappearing from his spot and sensed him behind. She turned, the young male Saiyan's hand being all that she could see before a shockwave from a Kiai sent her rocketing toward the ground. She crashed with a small explosion of dirt and dust that rose up with the wind.

Meanwhile, Shikuro gently descended and landed lightly on his feet near Rigo and Jaco, his tail waving a bit, "Uh. . .my bad? Think I overdid it."

"That's an understatement," Jaco remarked with a frown.

Shikuro nodded before placing both his hands behind his head, his expression shifting to a bit of disappointment, "Still, all that talk, and that's it? To be honest, I was expecting more. . ."

"You should be careful of what you wish for. . ," Rigo warned with a sigh, "That much only. . .well. . .entices her."

Shikuro blinked for a moment, "Pardon--?"

*VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!*

The ground underneath his feet began to crack before he could finish his sentence, the pressure building up. He quickly whipped his face back to the dust cloud that was dispersed by a powerful surge of white Ki. A figure launched itself out of it with the speed of a bullet, and Shikuro only saw a fist heading straight for his face. He leaned backward, just narrowly dodging a direct hit before grabbing her wrist and pulling Kyuria into a strong knee to the gut. The blow connected but was met with Kyuria's own knee to the face. The two stumbled back, but Shikuro recovered quicker and rushed forward. His fist tightened and socked her hard across the jaw, where it sent her flying through several rock formations spread across the plains.

Shikuro let out a groan and shook the dizziness off from the trade they had, "Something's off. . where did all that power come from?" His eyes focused on the trail of smoke up ahead, the shadow of Kyuria's figure stepping through the smoke catching his eye. She was relatively normal, of course. Base form and all. She wasn't using some transformation, which meant. . .

"A technique?" Shikuro thought, "Kaioken? No, only those who trained with King Kai know that, so unless you have someone who can teleport to Otherworld or you die, then it's impossible. This is something different. . ."

The young male Saiyan tried to focus on the details. Eyes black? Check. Hair black? Check. Aura's normal? Check. Body changes? None noticeable. What could it be? He was starting to get annoyed trying to figure things out. So, he took the initiative and dashed right in. His fist reeled back with his right hand and went for a punch. But Kyuria's eyes didn't waver; instead, she dodged under it with a duck. Shikuro was caught by surprise. Her speed doubled again, and now he felt a sharp pain in his ribs. He grunted, a liver blow landing cleanly and fast enough for him to not process what was going on. The next thing he knew, he was being kicked away. A foot connected with his chin and sent him rocketing up.

However, he managed to gain some momentum and flipped in midair, his tail twitching as the danger was near. He turned into a spinning back fist that intercepted a punch and threw Kyuria off balance. Though, she still had a grin on her face as Shikuro was taking this more seriously. But unbeknownst to her, a glint in Shikuro's eye spotted something before they both vanished into blurs that clashed above the terrain. Jaco and Rigo watched from below as the two appeared and disappeared, their fight turning into a brawl where they weren't even sure if they were hitting each other. However, soon enough, one shockwave between exchanges sent one tumbling to the ground. Shikuro, who had landed on his feet, skidded to a stop.

The young Saiyan's breathing was a bit heavy as he looked up to see Kyuria descending with her arms crossed and a cocky smirk, "Had enough? If you forfeit now, then maybe you can get off at being my water boy." Shikuro didn't respond as he stood up and dusted himself off.

"No, I was just confirming something," He responded.

"Confirming? About what?" Kyuria asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shikuro sighed and put both hands on his hips, "The way you hold your fist. There was a time when one of my teachers fought someone from Universe 6. A legendary assassin or whatever. He held his fist the same way."

"Universe 6? What's that?" Kyuria questioned.

Shikuro shook his head, "It's a long story, but that's not important right now. It's not the same but. . .your technique revolves around pressure points, doesn't it."

Kyuria remained silent as her smirk faded into a slight frown. She knew that Shikuro could see through her fighting style now. So she shrugged it off and answered, "It does. Not like you know how it works, though." Shikuro sighed and scratched his head.

"Yeah, I don't. Striking vitals and pressure points is one thing but using it in a way that enhances yourself? That's just on another level, in all honesty," Shikuro admitted. He looked over at Rigo who seemed not surprised by the fight so far. If he was a betting man. . .he was the one that taught her how to use that. No matter, he has his own little trick, "Alright, you've seen enough, right? I'm ending this."

Rigo raised an eyebrow in confusion while Kyuria just laughed at the claim, "Pfftawahahaha! Hold on, did I hit you too hard? You're saying you're going to end it?"

Shikuro didn't answer and instead began to stretch his legs as he explained, "Yeah, I am. You showed me something interesting today. So let me pay you back."

The young Saiyan raised both his arms and stretched his right arm across his chest before relaxing it at his side. He took in a breath, the air around him growing hotter, before crossing his arms together. His hair began to rustle a bit, and the pebbles began to rise around him. Kyuria and Rigo watched in confusion at what he was doing, but Jaco knew. This fight was going to end in a second.

With a short roar, Shikuro uncrossed his arms, his aura flaring a brief blue before shifting to the trademark gold that now matched his golden hair. Black eyes shifted to emeralds and reflected the light of the aura of gold, and the ground was indented by the sheer force of the transformation. For Kyuria and Rigo, their eyes widened at the sharp increase in power that they had never experienced before. Even the nearby wildlife that was minding their business ran off in fear of the sudden shift. Shikuro smirked and relaxed a bit before dashing forward with any more words said.

Surprised, Kyuria already crossed her arms to defend herself, only for an afterimage to phase right through her, "Huh--ngh!"

Her body began to feel weak, her eyes blurring as she fell to one knee. She gritted her teeth, knowing full well what was happening, as she turned to her supposed twin brother towering over her with a tight grip around her tail.

"So. . .my win?" Shikuro asked as he gave her tail a tight squeeze that made Kyuria wince.

"Guh, you damn cheater! Going for the tail is cheap!" Kyuria exclaimed.

Shikuro shrugged at the accusation, "Not my problem. I had my tail grabbed so many times that I'm used to it. Sounds like a personal issue."

"Personal, my ass!" Kyuria shouted as she elbowed him in the gut. But, her blow did no damage. In fact, he didn't even flinch, "The hell. . .?"

The young male Saiyan knew she would be shocked and decided to elaborate, "I figure whatever you are doing will benefit you in long fights. So, I decided to just make the gap wide again and finish things before you pull it off. As I am now, you stand little to no chance."

"As you are now. . .ngh?!" Kyuria grunted, the feeling of her tail being grabbed becoming quite unbearable, "What are you. .?"

"A Super Saiyan," Shikuro answered as he slowly powered down and released his hold. Kyuria gasped for air, the relieving feeling of not having her tail squeezed akin to that of resurfacing from the depths. As she tried to regain her composure, the young male continued, "It's a transformation Saiyans can achieve to multiply their power. At first, it was a form of legend, but one of my mentors achieved it a long time ago. Since then, pretty much every Saiyan here on Earth is capable of transforming into the first stage of a Super Saiyan."

Kyuria shook her head a bit, "You mean to say you've all reached that level of strength?"

"Yeah, and even stronger than that. Even if you managed to close the gap on me in my Super Saiyan state, I still had Super Saiyan 2 to make sure I won," Shikuro stated.

Kyuria grunted at the mention of another trump, "What happened to not holding back. .jackass."

"Well, in your own words. 'It wouldn't be a fun fight if I knocked you out in one punch.'" Shikuro quoted as he raised his hand in quotations.

Kyuria growled at that and stood up to glare at him, "Ain't you a smartass. How about I--"

"Kyuria, that's enough," Rigo spoke up as he approached them.

"Huh?" Kyuria grunted before turning to the commander with a glare, "But--"

Rigo raised his hand and shook his head, "He bested you fair and square. Learn to take defeat and live with it." Kyuria frowned at this before sighing and rubbing her head.

"Fine," She replied as she turned back to Shikuro, "You won, so I guess you passed. . ."

Shikuro nodded before noticing Rigo approaching him, "I must say, you were more powerful than I thought. . .If I dare say, you're even stronger than I am. Elery must be smiling down at you." The young Saiyan rubbed the back of his head and shrugged.

"I mean. . .I don't know about that, but it's an honor to be compared to her," Shikuro blushed a bit before shaking off the flattery, "Anyways, I take I'm in?"

"Yes, you are," Rigo responded.

"Great. So what's next then?" Shikuro asked.

Rigo reached into his pocket and pulled out his badge, "Take your badge out for me." Shikuro nodded and took out his badge. Rigo pressed his badge against the young male Saiyan's badge. Without warning, the color shifted to match Rigo's, the white turning gold and the gold outline turning white. Shikuro blinked at the sudden change and pulled his badge back to examine it.

"Huh. . whoever programmed this thing must have needed five days' worth of coffee," Shikuro muttered.

Ignoring his self-made comment, Rigo placed his badge back in his pocket and explained, "That badge makes you an official officer of the U.C.P.U. More specifically, you're considered a youth officer due to your age. Essentially, you are the same rank as Kyuria based on the report I'll be filing. But do know, it'll take time to fully register you into the system to start earning money." Shikuro's ear twitched along with his tail.

"Hold up, money? How much are we talking about? Is there a currency exchange?" Shikuro asked with a sparkle in his eye.

Rigo sighed at that, "Yes, but that depends on the missions. At times, officers will be called into duty from time to time but they can also volunteer to take on missions on their own. That's where most of the work is done as an active officer. We mostly work off a reward system." Shikuro nodded as he took this in.

"Okay, so I get paid when I complete missions. What's the average?" Shikuro asked.

"Well, of course currency isn't universal but we can convert your pay into what you use on Earth. Zeni was it? In your terms, the minimum wage of officers who only go in on duty calls is roughly around 30,000 to 50,000 Zeni per duty call. However, volunteer missions pay more as the cuts are weighed more towards those who partake in them based on performance. D Rank is the same pay as duty call missions. C Rank pays about 100,000 to 150,000 Zeni per mission, B Rank 175,000 to 200,000 Zeni, and A Rank 250,000 to 500,000 Zeni. S rank is reserved to those chosen by the head commander but the payout is three times that of the most expensive A rank mission."

"Three times. . that's over a million Zeni," Shikuro mumbled to himself as he took it in. That's okay for one mission alone. Doing those types of missions consistently would be ideal since, in a year, he'd be considered high class on Earth, if anything. But before that could happen, he had to prove himself. Rigo must have noticed his face as he gave him a small pat on the shoulder.

"You need not fret about money like that. You're still young, so you have time," Rigo assured him, "But, there are some rules you need to know about as a U.C.P.U officer. One, we do not kill. We were arrested. Missions that involve exterminating life must be specifically stated in mission debriefing and are usually threats that are too dangerous to keep around. Two, avoid planetary destruction. That's the God of Destruction's job. Three, any---"

"Come on, old man, you're going to bore the guy with those 72 rules of nonsense," Kyuria interrupted with a hand hovering over her mouth as she yawned, "I'm sure he'll remember them soon enough."

Rigo turned to her, "You say that, but you fell asleep half way through when you joined."

"Did I?" Kyuria wiggled her finger in her ear, "Probably did. Maybe next time, you can recite them to me as a bedtime story."

Rigo frowned and just ignored her rudeness, "Pardon her, but perhaps it'll be best you'd read things over. You'll be sent the guidelines through your badge. The best you can do now is to rest and prepare. You'll be required to partake in a proctor mission to fully become an officer."

"Really. . .another initiation?" Shikuro asked with a groan.

Rigo shrugged at that, "That's the only way. As much as I hate to admit it, our head commander isn't all that fair. A lot of money goes to this organization, and it's an opportunity to make a good living. He can't just let anyone in."

"Yeah, anyone. . ." He emphasized as he glared at Jaco, who was whistling away.

Rigo sighed and shook his head, "Anyways, your mission will be announced later, so best to get yourself ready. Do you have a home here on Earth?"

"Hmm? A cabin, yeah. One of the people who took me in kind of pays for it. She's like the richest person on the planet," Shikuro answered.

"Richest person on the planet, huh," Rigo rubbed his chin at that, "How rich?"

"Rich enough that her father founded a corporation able to do this," Shikuro said as he pulled out a capsule. He pressed the button and tossed it on the ground, the smoke covering his hand. When the smoke dispersed, Rigo and Kyuria were surprised to see a generator in a black color with green details on it, "When it gets stormy, I do need power. But my place has no garage to really keep things so I had to get the capsule version. Her dad invented this technology that became revolutionary all over the planet. One of a kind only found on Earth. Not only that, she's also just as smart and took over the company in his stead. Since I'm pretty much stuck in the U.C.P.U, I guess I can get her to whip me up some equipment in capsule form that I need."

Rigo leaned forward to inspect the generator with curiosity, "I see this technology is most certainly beyond anything the U.C.P.U has."

*POOF!*

Rigo was taken aback by the sudden cloud of smoke caused by Shikuro pressing the button on the side. The once large generator for electricity was shrunk and turned back into a capsule. Shikuro caught it and put it back into his pocket, " Well, I guess that settles that then. . .Bulma really is the smartest person in the universe. . .Damn, that's going to take time getting used to."

Kyuria watched him in silence before she spoke up at Rigo, "Oi, old man!"

"Yes?" Rigo answered.

"I'm staying behind for a bit. Go on without me," Kyuria said.

Rigo raised an eyebrow at that, "Staying behind? Why?"

"Isn't it obvious?" She raised an eyebrow and pointed at Shikuro, "I want to learn what he has."

Shikuro blinked in realization, "You mean. . .you want me to teach you how to become Super Saiyan?" Kyuria nodded.

"Yes, and you're not going to deny me of it," She stated.

". . ." Shikuro didn't respond as he and Rigo exchanged looks. Even Jaco was on the same wavelength as them, as he knew that this was going to be a difficult task. As much as Kyuria hated to admit, she was nowhere near the power level needed to achieve such a feat. Especially since she didn't know the trigger. But underneath her own admittance, everyone else was clouded by another feeling; reluctance. Was it a good idea to teach someone as loose of a cannon as her? All that power in her hands would probably be. .nah. Perhaps he was overthinking that part. His main problem was. . ., "Where would you even stay?"

"Where else? You said you have a cabin, right? Let me crash with you." Kyuria raised an eyebrow.

Shikuro's eyebrow twitched a bit, "That's just. . .you sound so damn sure."

"Am I not allowed?" She asked.

"Damn straight. Look, right now, with school and the addition to being a whole-ass space cop, I'm not looking forward to the idea of having a roommate, let alone helping you learn Super Saiyan," Shikuro bluntly stated.

Kyuria frowned at that, "Don't be stingy. Besides, what are siblings for."

"Oh, don't pull that card now! We literally just met!" Shikuro exclaimed.

"Doesn't dispute a DNA test. Besides, the fucks a school? Sounds like a waste of time," Kyuria spat.

Shikuro immediately put two and two together right there. Of course, she wouldn't know what that is. Granted, he didn't either, like 7 years ago, but still. For someone who was raised in space with the only parental figure being a division commander. Training in combat was more important than an education. That paired with the lack of shame or care of a typical Saiyan, especially if the biological parent was the same. Well, you get this. Someone very unreasonable. Shikuro could only think of one way and turned to Rigo, "Please. . .handle this."

Rigo sighed and shook his head, "This isn't my problem anymore."

"Hahh?!" Shikuro's jaw dropped as Kyuria gave him a smirk.

The division commander continued and began walking towards the ship, "In my eyes, I need a break from raising her. Considering this, you two 'catching up' as one would say. I'll inform you about two or three weeks about your initiation mission. So in that time, relax and prepare. Get to know your sister more. Who knows, you may learn something."

"Wait. . .you can't--" Shikuro tried speaking almost in a defeated tone, but the division commander just hopped in the car-like ship and turned on the engine. Kyuria turned and gave him a peace sign as she stood next to Shikuro, the thrusters causing the grass to sway as the ship hovered a bit. All Shikuro could see was Rigo saluting him, not because he was a pending officer but. . .this was going to be one hell of a three weeks.

*VROOOOOOOOOM!*

Then, Rigo was gone, the ship rocketing back to space to where the U.C.P.U headquarters are. There was a breeze that passed by in the silence. Then Shikuro fell to his knees while Jaco, in the background, just stared at his defeated state. The Galactic Patroller shook his head and turned to his own respective ship, "So uh. . .I'll be leaving now. I got my own report to file. Take care, Shikuro." The young male Saiyan couldn't even process his words, let alone the sound of the ship leaving. Now, he was alone. . . With her. He didn't need to look up to know Kyuria was probably grinning from ear to ear.

"So. . .got anything to eat?" Kyuria asked.

Shikuro didn't respond immediately and just stared into the distance of the plain. He was waiting for something to wake him up, but nothing came. So, as he could feel Kyuria's smug smirk weighing down on him, his only response to everything that transpired was obvious.

"Shut up. . ."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, Three Days Later. . .)

"And, that's what happened. . ."

Shikuro leaned forward and propped his elbows on the park table as everyone's eyes were on him. It was a relatively normal day, and after finishing school, He, along with his school friends, all decided to go out for lunch together. So after settling on a burger joint, much to Ryusika's chagrin about eating it for the first time, they all found themselves at the Satan City park and had a picnic together. But of course, the moment they sat down and began to talk, Shikuro brought up the topic from the previous days. Simply because. It's been a nightmare of three days.

"So basically. . .you're going to be a cop? Space-cop, to be exact. Never thought that'd be on your list of career choices," Ace asked for confirmation before taking a sip of his drink.

Shikuro scratched his head and sighed, "Yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it. But I'll still be attending school as well. Just got to figure out how I'm going to balance that. . ."

"At this point, does school even do anything for you? You sleep through classes and still have top grades," Elizabeth noted, "To be honest, it feels like you're wasting your time."

Shikuro shrugged, "I just needed to paper. When Bulma tutors you, everything in High School feels easy. At this point, I just need to figure out what I want to do after High School."

"Well, I say go for it! Like, who can say they're a Space-cop?" Kize said with excitement in his voice and began pointing a finger gun to pretend he was shooting, "Like, I'd imagine something like this. A lone space cop goes from planet to planet looking for some criminal. He comes across a bar, and there he finds a smoking hot bartender who tells him that the guy he's looking for is on Planet X! So he jumps into his spaceship and travels to Planet X. And--"

"Alright, we get it. The movie was good," Vincent stopped him there and rolled his eyes as he watched Shikuro take a bite out of his 10th burger, "The space cop part isn't the issue, isn't it? It's what came with it."

Hearing this, Shikuro nodded and swallowed his food before speaking, "Yeah, and the issue persists even now. . ." They were all confused by what he meant by that until he pointed his thumb begrudgingly to the sky behind him. They all looked up only to see a figure floating above the tall buildings and staring directly at them. Well, not them, but at Shikuro in particular.

"TEACH ME!"

It echoed, causing all the bystanders who were passing by to look around in confusion while the teens at the table were cringing. Shikuro turned around quickly and growled before shouting back, "NO!"

There was no further conversation after that, only an angry Ki blast fired at his back that he deflected into the sky. It exploded, scaring the people below it, but Shikuro didn't care. He slammed his hand down onto the table and turned to his friends, who were looking at him with wide eyes, "She hasn't left me alone for three days straight. I'm about to lose my shit."

"Why not just teach her then?" Ryusika suggested, "I mean, what is she even trying to learn anyway?"

"She wants to learn how to transform into a Super Saiyan," Shikuro answered and took an aggressive bite out of his burger.

Ace raised an eyebrow, "Super Saiyan? Oh, the blond transformation thing. Is there any particular reason why you won't teach her that? She's your sister, after all. Even if you two never met in your life, the least you could do is try to bond with her." Shikuro stared at him, his reasoning having a sound argument, much to his dislike. He chewed his food and tried to recall back to what transpired over these three days of absolute hell.

After some thought, Shikuro swallowed his food once more and began listing, "Let's see, she's a total slob, and that's rich coming from me. In one day, she managed to turn my living room into a jungle. Nearly burnt my cabin down three times. Takes way too long in the bathroom. She keeps going into my room for some reason. Doesn't understand privacy. Eats everything in the fridge. Uses my toothbrush. She left the door open one time and allowed a whole bear to crawl its way in, and rummage through my fridge. She never helps around the house, and when she does, she breaks something. I got to buy new clothes because, for some reason, she thought it was smart to put bleach in the washer. Oh, and worst of all. . ." Shikuro frowned deeply at this one and was trying hard not to break the table.

"She managed to get onto my game console and deleted my save file on a game that I have 200 hours in. . ." Shikuro concluded.

"Oh, screw her."

"Yeah, I hope she stubs her toe in the morning."

"Hope her day goes well only for something bad to happen to ruin it."

All of the boys present seemed to agree wholeheartedly, while the two girls at the table were just confused as to what kind of game would take 200 hours to beat. But Shikuro wasn't thinking about that right now. He was just exhausted and was really wondering how Rigo managed to put up with this for. . .18 years. He shuddered at the thought, "My patience is starting to run thin." They all nodded understandingly until they went silent as soon as they noticed someone standing behind Shikuro. The young Saiyan didn't have to turn and could sense the Ki that was once so far was no breathing down his neck.

"She's right behind me, isn't she?" Shikuro sighed.

"Yup," Elizabeth answered, pointing casually.

Turning his neck behind him with an unamused expression on his face, Shikuro looked up to see his twin sister, Kyuria, who had frowned down at him with crossed arms, "You don't look busy."

"I'm eating?" Shikuro pointed at his burger.

Kyuria looked at the burger and back at Shikuro as she repeated, "Not busy at all. What's the big deal? Why are you hanging with these weaklings?" She motioned to the rest of the table, who were trying to hide the fact that they were offended by her words.

"These are my friends, and just because they can't bench a damn car doesn't mean you can just insult them like that," Shikuro frowned as he put his burger down, "Look, I can't teach you how to turn into a Super Saiyan."

Kyuria narrowed her eyes, "Why not?"

"Because it's not that simple. It's not something that. . .well, is easy to learn. It's a transformation that doesn't really derive from training," Shikuro tried to explain, "You need a trigger."

Kyuria raised and confused eyebrow, her expression mimicking the curiosity of the rest of the table as Ace asked, "What kind of trigger? You actually never mentioned how you, uh, Saiyans can transform and how it works. No offense, it feels kind of random that there's a whole race that can turn blond on the whim." Shikuro didn't respond to that, not even going to bother mentioning the whole lizard race known as Frost Demons, which have like four transformations that only serve to restrict their power. Let alone Frieza's Golden Form or whatever he called it. He wasn't there to see it, but he could just tell he was being petty. Nevertheless, Shikuro decided to explain just for the sake of his sanity. If he had to go another day of her bugging him about it, then he's probably going to snap.

"Look, it's weird, okay. From what I can guess, Super Saiyan is caused by. . well, an intense amount of emotions. It can be rage, sadness, grief, or anything that makes it emotionally intense. Even then, you still have to be somewhat strong yourself at the same time. Goku, the first one to unlock the form among us, had watched his best friend killed right in front of him. Vegeta felt immense inferiority and nearly died trying to train to achieve it just not to be left behind by Goku. Gohan was mentally and physically pushed to transform, but his trigger became the desire not to be useless. The only Saiyans that really had a natural gift for transforming were Goten and Trunks. Still, they are the exception," Shikuro explained briefly.

Ryusika cupped her chin before asking, "Then, your trigger was--"

"Recollection," Shikuro cut her off and sighed as he rested his chin on the table, "It happened a while ago. Somewhat a couple of years after I landed on Earth. I went on a little adventure and saw my memories like it was a movie. Some guy who used a mental trick to play mind games. Eventually, I snapped and transformed. The rest is history from there."

Vincent nodded, putting his own two cents in, "So for. . .sorry, what's your name?"

"Kyuria," Kyuria answered with an annoyed tone.

Vincent continued, "Right, she would need to have experienced trauma or be mentally unsound. Sounds like a pretty shitty requirement." Shikuro couldn't argue that. So far, the first stage of Super Saiyan really had some initial cons that, honestly, any normal person with emotions would realistically grow hysterical. But then again, that's what made the Saiyans on Earth strong in their unique way. Experiencing suffering, relishing in it, and then moving on to become strong enough to beat it down. If anything could be attributed to their rapid growth, it'd be that distinct trait. Turning wild emotions into raw power.

"Pretty much, which that said. . .," Shikuro turned to Kyuria, who blinked in confusion from his gaze, "Have you ever seen someone you care for die?"

Kyuria's expression turned from confusion to a frown, "No."

"Then how about doubts about your ability? Anxiety? Worries? Self hatred? Anything like that?" Shikuro furthered

Kyuria was silent for a moment but then shook her head, "No. I'm confident in my abilities and never worry about anything." Shikuro took a long pause before shrugging.

"Alright, then I'm out of ideas," Shikuro admitted and turned back to his burger, "You're not going to transform any time soon."

Kyuria didn't like that answer and stomped her foot on the ground like a child, making some people wince as the force of his foot striking the ground made an earthquake. She began to pout, "What, so you think you're better than me just because you went through shit? Fuck that! Who's to say that I need to go through hell just to unlock my potential literally?"

"I mean, you're welcome to find another method, but I'm not willing to find it for you. You already wiggled and made yourself home at my cabin. You already went through my fridge at your leisure, and you already deleted my 200-hour playthrough--" Shikuro started to add venom to that last part before Kyuria began waving her hand dismissively.

Her eyes rolled and she crossed her arms, "You're still upset about that dumb game or whatever. If it makes you feel better, the box doesn't even work anymore." Shikuro paused the next bite, and his eyes froze at the mention of that. His grip on his burger tightened to the point where he was crushing it, but the food was still edible. They all stared at him as he didn't move, only staring down at the table in silence.

"What was that. . .?" He muttered, but no one was sure if he was talking to himself or them.

However, Kyuria was about the only one who didn't notice his eyebrow twitching, "I said it's broken, dimwit—turned off while I was playing and wouldn't turn back on. So I banged on the box, and it was smashed flat like a pancake. Should probably make it more durable 'cause, man, it was fragile as hell."

Shikuro didn't respond, only putting the burger down and slowly stood up from his seat. The table had turned dead silent as they watched him. He had a nagging feeling in the back of his head, so he just needed to confirm it. . ., "Kyuria. . ."

"What?" She answered back.

"Was the cord unplugged before you smashed it?" Shikuro asked.

She paused before answering, "Now that you mention it, that long wire thingy was detached from the wall. Why?" Shikuro was silent for a moment. He took a deep breath and held his hand out to her. He swore if he didn't control himself here that, he was about to achieve Super Saiyan 3 or something. The amount of sheer anger that was rushing through his veins was beyond the point of rage, and he felt his body temperature rising. Kyuria was about to ask why when he finally spoke.

"Kyuria. . .it's an electronic. What do electronics need?" He asked in a low tone.

"Uh. . .electricity? Duh, what does-oh shit," Kyuria's eyes widened as she realized her mistake.

Shikuro sucked a breath and exhaled, "You and I are going to have a serious talk about personal boundaries. Because I'm not too sure how much longer I can hold my fist back from colliding with the back of your skull."

Kyuria immediately understood what he meant and began to back away slowly. She didn't know it, but it was a sibling moment they were having. Someone rather common in the modern world. Where one sibling knows they screwed up and anything that happens to them afterward is rightfully justified. So, as a countermeasure, whether it was instinct or not, Kyuria tried to sway him. It was the first time she'd ever felt. . .intiminated, "Ri-Right. . look, how about I make it up to you?"

"With what money or time? Because you can't bring back saved files that have been SMASHED to bits," Shikuro growled, but Kyuria didn't seem to give up just yet.

She quickly walked forward, and with the tip of her index finger, she poked several points from his chest, shoulder, and forehead. The action itself confused Shikuro as he tried to figure out why she was doing that before he felt. . incredibly loose. It was almost like any stiffness was removed from his body. He took a step back in shock and looked at his body and then at her, "What the hell?"

"I'll teach you," Kyuria said, thus gaining everyone's attention at the table, but mostly Shikuro's. She sighed and placed a hand on her hip before continuing, "You noticed my fighting style back when we sparred, right? I'll show you in exchange for you helping me become a Super Saiyan. Rigo's race specialized in martial arts and medical techniques. . ."

Kyuria took a long sigh of regret. She normally didn't want to expose this type of information. Still, she figured it would be the only way to convince Shikuro to teach her. She just hoped this wouldn't backfire on her. She raised her thumb to point at her face with a cocky smirk, the expression making Shikuro a little more interested.

"The Atam's Springful Acupuncture."

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile Elsewhere In Universe 7, U.C.P.U HQ. . .)

The Universal Cosmic Patrol Union Headquarters, otherwise known as the U.C.P.U. An organization whose headquarters resided in the central portion of the universe on a planet designated as Skyrus. A planet akin to that of planet Jupiter but more habital with the right technology. A planet mostly composed of blue sky and white clouds. No land was below and the deeper one goes down, the more chaotic the air becomes, with lightning flashing and thunder roaring. Thus, the operations of the U.C.P.U were conducted above the clouds, a seemingly floating giant mass of white metal akin to the same size as a city. All while smaller-sized space stations surrounded them in a ring formation around the city-sized base.

As for the inside of the base, it was like an endless labyrinth of hallways and rooms. Each one catering to a specific need. Entertainment, multiple cafeterias, lounges, libraries, bedrooms, laboratories, hangars, medical wards, offices, training rooms, and much more. Anything to help their personnel perform their best. Members were diverse in species, each coming or hailing from various planets spread throughout the cosmos. However, everyone treated each other the same, thus creating a harmonic work environment for those who simply sought to work for a good cause or just wanted to make money to reap the benefits of living in the universal utopia. For something so grand, one would want to know about the person responsible for its creation.

Platform Alpha-Ø or, more commonly addressed as simply Alpha-Ø, was the name of the central platform of the base. Surrounded by various advanced buildings, each one designated for different departments of work. In short, Alpha-Ø was the main part of the base where most of the work was done. If there was any department of the U.C.P.U, it was probably found on this platform, and standing in the middle of it all was probably the largest tower of the entire base: Haval. A grand structure that was on the verge of blocking out the sun for those who stood below, and at the top of such a structure was the office of the CEO/Leader of the U.C.P.U.

A man who looked up there in age, purple skin, and slightly spiky gray hair. He had pointed ears that were akin to an ancient race of old who fought the giant beasts while his reddish-purple eyes were covered by shades. As for his attire, he wasn't one for suits. He was a traditional old-timer who wore a brown Gi with white lining, gold clips running down the middle to fasten it together, and a white obi sash around his waist. To at least adhere to a somewhat professional look, the man at least wore matching brown dress pants. That was it, the finishing touches to his attire being traditional martial arts shoes colored black and white.

Sheng was his name, a man of very few words and had almost a permanent stern expression on his face. His desk was neatly stacked with paperwork, but his eyes were glued onto only two files presented to him. After skimming through the first file, he placed it down and grabbed the second one. This one was far more significant to him than the other that caught his attention when he first got it. So, he looked up at the person who faced him, Rigo, commander of the Strix division and one of his more trusted members.

"Is that all?" Sheng asked.

Rigo nodded, "Yes, as you can see, the evaluation went in his favor. Personally, I recommend him myself." Sheng placed the paper down and leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving the photo of the young Saiyan himself, known as Shikuro Yagi.

"Personally, huh. . .?" Sheng asked rhetorically, "Of course you would. . ."

Rigo raised a confused eyebrow at this before asking, "Pardon, sir?"

"Roughly 10 years ago, on the 22nd day of the month of Turmarian on this planet, you recall the authorization I gave you to head out on recon for someone you were searching for while I took care of that problem child of yours in your place?" Sheng asked.

Rigo nodded, "Yes, I remember. But I couldn't find--"

"And now you did?" Sheng remarked at the irony of it all while the Strix Commander stared at him. The U.C.P.U Owner sighed and leaned back in his chair to continue, "If I had known this boy was the one you were looking for, I might have pointed you in the right direction."

"How so?" Rigo asked in confusion.

"Planet Codia was the place he landed on. That happened to be my home planet before I started the U.C.P.U," Sheng answered as he tapped his finger on Shikuro's photo, eyes narrowing in remembrance, "Years ago, before you even went on Recon that day, I visited an old friend. The village Elder, in fact. He was raising a boy with this same hairstyle and had a monkey's tail. There's no question about it. By a stroke of luck, you found him, didn't you?"

Rigo didn't know what to say, his eyes widening as he realized how it all worked out. Still, he wasn't sure why this was important, "But, sir, what does that have to do with anything?"

"Nothing. . ." Sheng answered while creaking his chair from leaning back, "Just something to point out. Just keep in mind to be more specific with personal requests in the future. But I'm sure having another Saiyan in our ranks will boost our quality. His evaluation in his spar against his sister shows he has more potential than even her, correct?"

"Indeed, sir," Rigo nodded, "However, might I add, according to Shikuro himself, there are more Saiyans on the planet he currently lives on. From what he claims, these Saiyans are older but more powerful than even him. So much so that one of them survived a fight against the God of Destruction and earned the favor of training under his angel. Shall I try to recruit them as well?"

Sheng didn't seem fazed by that and only shook his head, "No."

"Might I ask why not?" Rigo inquired

"People that strong likely have no interest in joining a law enforcement organization such as ours. Knowing them, if there isn't a good opponent or test for them to overcome, they will get bored. It's not their style to stick around and act for the betterment," Sheng guessed before noting, "At the moment, I desire young recruits. If they are older as you say, they have already been developed to the point that our organization likely brings nothing to offer for them. Only the deities can keep up with their speed at the moment."

"I see. .," Rigo said as he looked down at the picture of Shikuro.

Sheng nodded, his leg folding over his knee as he waved a hand, "You are dismissed. I'll review your report and see what initiation mission I can give him."

Rigo bowed respectfully and turned to leave. His footsteps echoed, the eyes of the U.C.P.U leader on his back. But once he was just halfway, Sheng called out for one more question, "Rigo."

"Yes?" Rigo turned to face him.

Sheng's brow furrowed, "Might I ask? Where is the other one?"

There was a moment of silence until Rigo answered, "Earth, sir, I left her on Earth with Shikuro. After their spar, she insisted on staying behind to learn from him. I allowed it, seeing as a good way for brother and sister to bond for the first time in their lives."

"I see. .," Sheng said as he cupped his chin in thought, "I'll allow it as long as she doesn't cause a problem for the Galatic Patrol. We just merged organizations with them. I wish not for complications to rise under the cause of one of my personale."

Rigo bowed, "I understand. I'll be leaving then." Then, a moment later, the door opened and closed, the office now vacant with only Sheng sitting alone. He looked at the files once more, his finger tracing the photo of the young Saiyan. His lips curled into a smirk, one that could be described as amused. It was an emotion he hadn't felt in a long time, but he figured he'd have some sort of amusement for what was to come.

"Koshu's brat, huh? I got something special for you," Sheng muttered as he pulled out a mission file. Originally, this mission was supposed to be assigned to a more experienced unit; however, after constant failures, Sheng and the others in charge decided to let another team handle it. And now, a more capable candidate has come in to take it on. With a simple cross out of his pen and a quick scribble, the mission was reassigned. Eyes narrowed, and the pen was put down, "Let's see if you're worth it."

~~~~~Scenery Change/Time-Skip: Returning To Earth Hours Later~~~~~

". . .What the hell am I looking at?"

Hours had passed since the small after-school lunch, and the young Saiyan had already found himself rooted at the kitchen table of his cabin, the sunset peering through the glass-screen door leading outside to the backyard. Though currently, he felt like he had made a mistake. Accepting the. . well, the proposal from Kyuria out of pure curiosity led him here. Sitting across from Kyuria, who seemed to be growing impatient with crossed arms and a tapping finger while he was looking at the most complicated diagram of anatomy he'd ever seen. His brain was getting thrown in a loop, eyes darting back and forth from the paper to Kyuria. She stared at him with a raised eyebrow, confused as to why he looked so lost.

"What's the problem?" She asked.

Shikuro sucked in a breath, hands clasped together as he tried to find the right words, "Some of these aren't even actual pressure points."

"I don't get it. Explain what you mean?" Kyuria requested as she pointed to the diagram.

Shikuro scratched his head, "I mean, either this is wrong, or this Acupuncture or whatever it's called knows things that no one else in the universe knows. You can't just throw a piece of paper and expect me to understand the contents instantly." Kyuria didn't seem to respond to that and only sighed.

"Really? Fine, whatever," Kyuria leaned forward and began pointing at the important parts, "Do you at least have common knowledge of basic pressure points?"

The young Saiyan male nodded, "Solar plexus, temple, Femoral Nerve, Ulnar Nerve, Mastoid Process, Juglar--"

"It's a yes or no question. Didn't have to start flexing, jeez," Kyuria cut him off and crossed her arms, "But that's not what we're looking for. Look here. . ."

Shikuro watched as her finger trailed to white lines that stood out from the black ones, likely indicating that they were of great importance to the technique, "To understand these points, you first have to know about cores of Ki."

"Cores of Ki? You mean that's a thing?" Shikuro raised an eyebrow at this and leaned in with curiosity. Three large circles were highlighted on the body, the white lines seemingly connected to them.

"Yeah, these cores operate in unison. Technically, the top and chest core are connected to the one located in your stomach, but they share a purpose. To give life to all things. If you understand Ki, then the names of the cores each have unique functions," Kyuria explained as she leaned back into her chair and began listing, "Ki is composed of three things: Mind, Spirit, and Body. The core that's located where your brain is your mind. It's linked to our senses and nerves pretty much. Then you have the one located where your heart should be. That core represents the body. That's where all your Physical traits come from. Finally, the core is located in your stomach. This one serves as a balance between the two, mainly because the will of the body and the will of the mind can work in unison. It synchronizes them to operate on the same wavelength."

Shikuro cupped his chin and nodded, "I see. . .So what does this have to do with the techniques itself?" Kyuria lowered her fingers down before answering.

"Those white lines that lead to the words written in the same color are called Chi Point. Chi Points are essentially specialized nerves that can cause one of your cores to react in several ways. For instance," Kyuria paused before raising her hand with pressed fingers. A small glow of energy formed sharply before slicing a gash into her right bicep. Shikuro's eyes widened, an urge to protest against the blatant stupidity stifled by a sudden poke at a spot of her body with a finger coated in a soft glow of ki. Before his very eyes, the wound began to steam and heal like it was never there in the first place with a smirk, "Right there, I struck a Chi Point connected to my Body Core to speed up healing. It's much faster than those Ki healers or whatever."

Seeing this, Shikuro took mental note of what he saw. Based on everything that was said, it was similar to Namekian's regeneration. Tamed, but cellular reproduction was still cellular reproduction. Forcing the body to enforce that process at a faster rate was already worth the effort to learn. While they do have Senzu beans on Earth, those were always limited. There was no telling when they'd have more, so it was better to learn how to use them sparingly. Learning this can keep him going mid-battle without resorting to them. So, he asked, "I take targeting Chi Points leading to different cores lead to different effects?"

"Hmm, well, technically. Some of the Chi Points on the chart lead to the same three effects on yourself. Striking the Body's Core can obviously lead to better healing, while striking the Mind's Core leads to heightened senses through removing brain restrictions or even turn on or off certain nerves. Then, finally, striking the Spirit's Core which connects with the Mind and Body will simply remove the body's self-put limits for a period of time." Kyuria hummed as she tapped her chin, "Other than that, there are only a few other Chi Points that can lead to other effects, but those are harder to be precise. Do note that while you can use these techniques on yourself, you can also use them on allies or even opponents. You can guess what that means, right?"

"That the other Chi Points can lead to negative effects if I choose the wrong one?" Shikuro guessed.

"Pretty much," Kyuria smirked and poked the piece of paper, "For instance, if I had the opportunity, I could inflict Delayed Onset Ki Disorder with a simple touch. Temporary but effective."

Shikuro took a long pause. This all seemed too good to be true. His eyes darted from the diagram to Kyuria, who was waiting for his next question. It was such an extremely versatile technique, but there was only one question left in his mind: what were its limits? Surely, there had to be some.

"About the whole boosting effects and healing thing. Is there a limit?" Shikuro asked.

Kyuria nodded, "Of course, and it's quite simple. The more you strike, the less effective it becomes until it's no longer effective. The body can only use so much energy for recovery until it forces you to pass out for the day. The benefits are only as good as how strong the individual is." Daily limit. . good to know.

"Then the whole negative effects thing on my opponents. There's a way to counter it?"

Kyuria shrugged, "If you know where the Chi Points are, then you can find out how to reverse the effects. Other than that, I guess if someone is skilled enough to be aware of their Ki Cores as well as have good control, they can reverse the effects. All of the negative effects inflicted by Atam's Springful Acupuncture affect the user Ki first before the body. Fixing their Ki reverses the effect." Skill and control, huh? Shikuro could work with that.

For all the cons, it simply didn't outweigh the benefits. All he had to be was careful. That aside, one thing did come to mind. For Kyuria to know all this despite her personality, in some sense, she was a genius. Medical treatments today couldn't compare to a single consumption of a Senzu bean. If they were mass-produced, then life would be easier. But as the world would have it, Senzu beans weren't something that could be created in a factory. They take time to grow, and their growth rate could be faster. But this was a close second. So, he looked up at Kyuria, who finally asked a question herself.

"So, what you think?" She asked.

Shikuro sighed and scratched his head, "Fine, I'll try to get you to turn into a Super Saiyan in exchange for learning this."

"Alright! Score!" Kyuria exclaimed toothy grin while pumping her arms back and forth.

"Just one thing," Shikuro said, catching the female Saiyan's attention, "We start tomorrow morning. No complaints. If my idea doesn't work, don't go whining about getting ripped off."

Kyuria rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, whatever." As she said that, she stood up and began helping herself to his fridge and cabinets. All the while, Shikuro watched with a twitching eyebrow. He decided to ignore it, only folding the diagram for self-study and heading to his room. With things settled now, all that was left was some training and waiting for the initiation mission or whatever. But after recent events, he felt that nothing really could come close to what transpired a week ago. He may not be as strong as he was during that time, but he still got stronger nonetheless. So, once he entered his room and closed the door, he took and tossed his clothes to quickly change into some simple gray sweats and a T-shirt before plopping down on the bed with the diagram in hand. To block out the noise of Kyuria's antics fueled by her curiosity about Earth's food, Shikuro simply put on some earbuds with music to tune out the rest. Whatever happens, happens.

"Time to study, I guess. . ."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off; The Following Morning. . .)

". . .I thought you'd be teaching me how to become Super Saiyan?"

Shikuro looked next to him with a blank expression on his face. The morning was still young, the sun barely coming up over the horizon. While the sky was slowly lighting up with blue and orange, there was still a faint trace of dark blue that showed itself in the night's wake. The mere scene itself made it easy to understand why the very city known for being a metropolis, West City, was still sleeping. Even the most active cities knew their limits, especially the ones on Earth. And as such, the city was in a quiet slumber. But as of right now, the two stood in front of the most famed house and headquarters in the world. Capsule Corporation. He was in his well. . recent combat attire that was freshly repaired from the last battle—a simple black shirt and matching Gi pants. His red scarf wrapped around his neck to match his long boots, whose laces were tied into a not along the orange tongue. His Saiyan tail was loose behind him in a manner similar to his supposed twin sister standing next to him.

The young Saiyan ignored her twitching eyebrow and just answered, "I am."

"Sure you are. Punching and kicking each other's chins till I transform is most certainly happening right now," Kyuria snarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Shikuro rolled his eyes at the comment. He knew this was going to happen, but he figured that after yesterday's talk, she would've understood. He himself had yet to gain experience in teaching someone how to become Super Saiyan. That much was true, but he didn't lie about helping her. Help doesn't need to be direct, just guided and guided as into someone who was far more suited for the job than anyone else. . .He hopes.

He walked towards the door and pulled out his V.I.P. card. With a quick swipe, the door unlocked with just a click. He placed it back into his pocket and held the door open for Kyuria. He gestured for her to go in, "I know what I'm doing. Trust me, this is a better idea than me training you to transform."

Kyuria sighed, her hands on her hips as she stared at him blankly. A moment later, she finally relented, "Fine."

She followed her twin inside, the door shutting behind her. At the same time, he guided her to an elevator and motioned her to follow him in. The doors shut behind them, and the two were left in silence for a moment. Kyuria was curious as to where they were headed, but she didn't ask. The sound of the elevator music was the only thing making some noise, but it wasn't very pleasant. Whoever picked this tune had no taste. But as the elevator descended to a certain point, it stopped, the doors opening at the lower levels where they stepped out into a long hallway.

Shikuro turned his head toward one direction and could immediately pick up the Ki he was looking for, "Up bright and early as ever. . ."

"Are you going to tell me who you're taking me to see?" Kyuria asked as they turned the corner.

Though, her brother simply looked straight ahead while answering, "Remember how I mentioned some of the Saiyans on Earth trained me? I'm taking you to one of them. At first, I thought of taking you to Goku, but I can't feel his Ki. Probably training in secret at King Kai's or something. So I'm going to the next best thing."

"Next best thing, huh? Sounds good," Kyuria hummed as they continued walking until Shikuro stopped, "What's the problem?"

The young male Saiyan didn't answer immediately and turned around to look her dead in the eye with a warning, "Be sure not to say anything out of pocket. He's. . .temperamental."

Kyuria blinked, "Okay? Is it that bad?" Shikuro didn't answer, but the phantom pain from his ribs told him enough.

"Trust me," Shikuro answered back bluntly, but his tone spoke from experience.

And with that, they kept walking down the hallway. Until, at last, they reached the end of the hallway to a pair of sliding doors with a control panel on the side. Sounds of battle were heard inside, grunts and clashes of ki and metal resonating throughout the room. The sounds of combat were like music to Kyuria's ears, a small smirk forming on her lips. On the other hand, Shikuro's eyes rose with curiosity, "Two Ki's? Ah, that means. . ."

He slid open the door with a few presses of the controls, the door sliding open to reveal the recognizable circular room with a towering machine in the center. Red lights flared as clashing figures raced across the red flooring in an attempt to outmaneuver the other. To a normal human, their movement would be nearly impossible to track. It was like the two were teleporting from point to point before colliding in a flurry of fists until one figure was sent crashing into the wall with a loud thud. Shikuro winced a bit at the blow as he watched her body slide down the surface with a groan.

"That's all? You're more or less of a punching bag than the brat," The familiar voice of the Saiyan prince himself mocked. His finger pressed the button on the control panel, and the gravity of the room returned to normal while his gaze lingered on 21, who was rubbing her back. He scoffed, "Hmph."

With a quick turn, he diverted his attention to the two at the door, his eyes first landing on Shikuro. Then at Kyuria with a raised eyebrow before going back to Shikuro for answers, "Speak boy, you come barging in on my early morning training unannounced? Either you want to join, or you're here to ask me for something." Shikuro gulped at the first proposition as he didn't have time for that. His own 'training' involved literally studying rather than actually training.

Shikuro scratched the back of his head. "Not exactly; I have a favor. I was hoping that maybe you could train her for a bit." He pointed at Kyuria, and upon further inspection, Vegeta noticed the dangling tail behind her back. His eyes widened before he glared at Shikuro, who held his hands up defensively.

"Explain, boy, and it better be good," Vegeta growled.

"Umm? I got roped up in some Space-Cop stuff and got enlisted thanks to Bulma," Shikuro started.

Vegeta nodded, his expression stoic, "Makes sense."

"Right, right, and I had to be tested in some spar. Said sparring opponent is her right next to me," Shikuro continued to explain while sheepishly scratching his head, "At first glance, the obvious can be said; she's Saiyan, but the surprising part is, uh. .. she's my twin sister, hehe. .."

"What!?" 21 yelped out loud, her attention suddenly on them with wide eyes, "She's your what?"

Shikuro turned to her with a slight chuckle, "Shocker, right? Surprised me too,"

21 didn't say anything, just staring at the two before looking at Vegeta, who seemed stoic at the revelation. His eyes were locked on Kyuria's appearance, his immediate shift in gaze going straight to her tail for reassurance. After taking a minute to think, he continued his little interrogation, "You bring her here for what reason? To show that there are more Saiyans out there?"

Shikuro scratched his cheek and sighed a bit, "Not really. She just wants to become Super Saiyan. And well, I figured that the best teacher would be you." Vegeta didn't react to that and turned his attention to Kyuria.

"Is she strong?" The Saiyan prince asked.

"She's strong. I can confirm that" Shikuro answered, "She'll be able to handle the training. . .I think. . ."

Vegeta didn't say anything after that. His eyes locked on Kyuria, who stood her ground with her arms crossed. Despite not knowing the situation, she could tell she was being assessed, and she felt like she was being tested. But that wasn't something she was going to complain about, for she wasn't one to back down from a mean mug contest. So, she scoffed a bit and placed her hands on her hips challengely.

"Like what yah see, baldy." She smirked.

Shikuro immediately went pale, and his head turned next to him to give her an expression of pure panic, "I told you not to say anything out of pocket!"

Kyuria ignored him, her eyes locked on Vegeta's, who had his eyes closed. Still, his eyebrow was clearly twitching as he growled, "I'm not bald. . .It's called a receding hairline."

"Same thing," Kyuria shrugged.

Shikuro sucked in a breath and exhaled calmly. He knew it was already too late, so he walked over to 21 and helped her up with a difficult to read smile, "Morning, Shoko. I think we should leave now." 21 raised a confused eyebrow; the second he grabbed his hand, she was tugged towards the door as Kyuria looked back in complete confusion. The door closed shut, and the young female Saiyan just shrugged.

"I don't see the big deal. I was only stating what I see---" Kyuria said out loud.

However, the sound of a Z-vanish filled her ears behind her, and the hair on Kyuria's body stood up from the danger she felt. Vegeta had his arms crossed, his gaze stern but fierce as he claimed bluntly, "Training starts now."

"Wait, what!?" Kyuria yelped in surprise.

The Saiyan prince didn't say anything after and as Shikuro and 21 walked down the hall, all they could hear was a loud thud. Shikuro shivered at the impact that made both of them wince. But they ignored it; the constant noise of Kyuria likely getting tossed around was enough of an indicator that she was going to be fine. Though, as they approached the elevator, Shikuro couldn't help but finally ask.

"So. . you're actually keeping up with training?" Shikuro asked curiously.

21 flinched out of whatever train of thought she was in and nodded, "I am. It wasn't planned, but Vegeta seemed adamant on needing a sparring partner. Since I technically live here for work. . .I've been his replacement for a while."

"More like a punching bag," Shikuro snarked, earning a light punch in the arm, which made him laugh a bit, "I'm just saying. I've been in the same predicament at one point. At your level, you won't make that much use as a sparring partner against someone like Vegeta. He's likely just trying to toughen you up."

21 sighed and rubbed the sweat on her cheek in an attempt to get it off, "I guess so, but I have work in about an hour with Miss Bulma. Now I'm all sweaty."

"Hmm, is it important? You're going to be covered in filth afterward anyway," Shikuro remarked as the door opened as they approached. The two stepped into the elevator and made their way back to the main floor while 21 leaned back against the railing to rest her legs.

"I'd rather be fresh and clean before getting even filthier. Plus, having hot running water feels nice for a change," 21 answered.

The young Saiyan shrugged, "Eh, I get that." 21 nodded and stared at him for a moment.

"Do you not have anything planned for today?" 21 asked.

Shikuro shook his head, "No, nothing really. Just studying something I got yesterday."

21 tilted her head, "Studying? What is it?" Shikuro waited to answer and rummaged through his pockets before pulling out a folded piece of paper. He unfolded it for her to see and held it up.

"In exchange for helping her learn how to transform, Kyuria gave me this. Believe it or not, she has a unique technique passed on to her from her caretaker, who is also part of the U.C.P.U. Some very complicated forms of Acupuncture that are useful for combat," Shikuro explained. At the same time, 21 looked at the diagram with curious eyes, "This is supposed to be some sort of anatomy diagram with specific pressure points that lead to different effects."

The young male Saiyan handed it to her for further inspection, her brow furrowing a bit. "Ki Cores. . .Chi Points? I don't understand. When did the body have those?" Shikuro shrugged as she handed the paper back. The elevator door opened as soon as it stopped, thus allowing them to exit.

"I said the same thing myself, but I witnessed it in action during my spar with Kyuria," Shikuro remarked, the two walking down the hall toward her room, "If I do it right, even Senzu Beans won't be all that necessary for me. We can save on them more."

21 hummed and rubbed her chin. "That's why you're so adamant about learning it. . . Do you think everyone can learn it?"

"Not sure; Goku would likely have his brain exploded from trying to understand the concept, and Vegeta would probably stare at the diagram for thirty minutes and walk away," Shikuro deadpanned as they walked through the doorway leading to a small hallway that ended in a T-shaped split, "But, I don't mind learning it together with someone. If you're down and free, I can get you up to speed with what I got up to so far."

21 looked at him as if he offered her a bag of candy, "Really?"

"Yeah, just--oh, hey! Bulma!" Shikuro answered but called out when spotting the blue-haired scientist in his peripherals.

The sound of the woman herself could be heard coming from down the left, the familiar white lab coat open, but her pajamas were still seen. She had a mug of coffee in her hand while she was reading a sheet of paper before looking up to see the two and waving, "Ah! Hey, you two!" Her pace quickened to meet up with them.

"What brings you here, Shikuro? Did everything go right with the evaluation thingy Jaco spoke about?" Bulma asked curiously.

Shikuro nodded, "It went fine. Everything is sorted out now." Bulma smiled and winked apologetically.

"Great. Again, sorry to spring that on you. I owe you one," Bulma said as she took a sip of her coffee.

"Right. . ." Shikuro strained in agreement, "To answer the other question, I just got done asking Vegeta a favor. As you can hear, he's already at work with it. . ."

The young male Saiyan pointed down toward the basement where they had just come from. The sounds of clashes and yelling could be heard, though the words themselves were muffled despite the literal gap between floors being at least four levels. The constant shaking of the building was an obvious indicator that they weren't taking it easy. Bulma looked at the ceiling and sighed, "Typical. I really need to get started on moving the Gravity Room outside. Perhaps a whole hanger to keep him both busy and give him plenty of room. . ."

"Good luck with that," Shikuro chuckled, "If you need any help with construction, let me know."

Bulma smiled at that and patted his shoulder, "Aw, at least one Pure-Saiyan is a sweetheart." Shikuro rolled his eyes playfully at the comment. Pulling back, the blue-haired scientist giggled to herself a bit until she finally took notice of 21's attire.

"Oh, and morning to you, Shoko. Vegeta's dragged you out of bed again?" Bulma asked.

21 nodded sheepishly, "Yes, he has. I had a bit of a workout with him."

Bulma nodded and hummed as she took another sip of her coffee, "Hmm, I'll have a word with him later. Once you freshen up, we can start--" Bulma paused for a moment as she stared at the two of them, an idea popping into her head at that very moment. The young Saiyan and Majin experiment both blinked at her in confusion until a mischievous smile crept on her face.

"Shikuro, you don't have school today, correct?" Bulma asked a hint of mischief in her tone.

The young Saiyan scratched his head and raised an eyebrow at the question, "Umm. . obviously? I wouldn't be here this early in the morning if I did."

"Good, good, can you wait outside the building for me? Shoko will be right out," Bulma asked.

Shikuro lowered his hand from his head, scratching, "Huh, why---wait! Bulma!" He was given no time to inquire about her intentions. Only being pushed down the hall back to the elevator by Bulma, who seemed a bit too adamant.

"Go on, shu! Don't come back in unless I say so!" Bulma commanded as she pressed the button of the elevator, the doors opening up immediately for Shikuro to step in. With a light shove, Shikuro stumbled inside, and without wasting time, she pressed the button again to close the door. Sounds of gears turned, and the platform slowly descended from behind the doors. Now one was gone, she was left with the other, her turn toward 21 being a bit of a surprise as she handed her a towel and pointed down the hallway.

"Head to the showers and clean yourself up. You gotta look fresh," Bulma stated bluntly.

21 tilted her head in confusion, "I'm not following; what's going on?" Slapping her forehead, Bulma sighed before wrapping an arm around 21 and bringing her closer to listen. They were cheek to cheek as if this were some sort of championship match or some sort of sport. 21 felt awkward but let Bulma do what she had planned.

"Don't you see, this is your chance? I'm trying to help you out here," Bulma whispered into her ear, "Use that womanly charm you hide so much and get him."

"Get him?" 21 asked, raising an eyebrow, "I don't understand. Who's him? Get what?"

Bulma sighed and decided to be more direct, "It's been how many days now? Plus, you two spent one year in another dimension training together to fight Cell. Surely, you both had enough downtime to get used to each other."

"Well, yes," 21 confirmed.

"After all that you two have been through, you can't tell me you didn't catch some feels," the blue-haired scientist noted. Or are you just feigning ignorance?"

21 shook her head and pulled away, "I-I don't know. I don't think about that stuff. I. . .don't know how I feel about him. . ." Bulma looked at her and pursed her lips at what she saw. 21 genuinely looked confused, her expression drawing between contemplation and uncertainty. Mainly because this was likely a first for her, not the romantic type, Bulma concluded, but it didn't mean she couldn't be one. If anything, she would have to try a bit more but be less pushy.

"Okay, maybe I was a little too forward," Bulma reflected quickly and exhaled a breath, "How about you start with talking it out. Like how you feel about him in general."

"I guess that's a start," 21 nodded, her eyes darting down to look at her feet as she began, "Umm. . .He's encouraging. Like, during the whole time we trained, he motivated me to try harder. It seems like he cares about his friends deeply and puts them first. But at the same time, I think what stands out most to me is. .. He's impartial. Even to someone like me. . ."

"Hmm, so a little bit of admiration. . .That's good; continue," Bulma insisted.

21 nodded a bit hesitant but continued nonetheless, "Of course, that's something to admire. All this time, I've been afraid of letting my hunger take control and dictate my actions. I never wanted to hurt or eat people, so I hid and tried to shoulder my existence myself. But. . meeting him was sheer coincidence. Over and over again, it felt like I couldn't avoid him. Then was the incident of Project Festival. After 16 died trying to stop me from making a mistake against Cell. . .he showed up and fought on my behalf without a second thought. How could someone like that even exist? He didn't even question anything."

"Shoko. . .," Bulma muttered as she stared at the Majin girl.

"And. . .it just kept going. We talked and sparred in the other dimension; he told me about his past and tried empathizing with me. I. . never thought anyone else could ever understand in some way. . .," 21 said softly, "Not just him, but you all did. Without you, my hunger wouldn't have been controlled, and without Shikuro. . .I wouldn't have had the courage to continue living. So I devoted myself to working under you to repay the favor."

"And what about Shikuro?" Bulma asked, as if that wasn't the answer to her question, "This isn't about me I'm asking about. I can understand that much. What do you feel when you think back to all those things you mentioned about him just now? From what I am hearing, he may not have intended it, but he changed your life. . .For the better."

21 waited to answer. She had to think about it for a moment; her eyes closed to try and see the memories of Shikuro. He was always there, encouraging her to be better. Despite everything she was and has done, he was willing to give her a chance. He was the one who pushed her to continue living, the one who gave her a reason to fight. If not for him. . ., "I. . .-"

*Pat. . .*

21 flinched for a moment, not knowing the hand on her shoulder, as she looked up at Bulma, who smiled warmly at her. She blinked, her voice unable to escape her lips for a moment. It was like she had forgotten how to speak. But she swallowed and took a deep breath before Bulma beat her to it.

"You don't have to go on," Bulma assured with a wink. How about a word of advice? I've been through my round on the topic of liking some guy, and I'll tell you when it's hard to tell when he's the right one at first. I dated some guy back when I was younger—a bandit, in fact—but after two break-ups, I figured out how to tell when he's the one."

"But I'm--" 21 tried to reason.

"Not interested? Perhaps not now, at least," Bulma shrugged and smiled, "But you may want to find love one day and look back with regret. 'What if I said this?' or 'What if I just did that?'. 'Did we have something between us?'. Those are easy thoughts to have when you're unsure, but if you have that sort of feeling. You can always try, and if it doesn't work out, you move on. That's how I felt when I met Vegeta and looked at us. He's still grumpy, but he cares."

"Bulma. . ." 21 muttered.

Bulma pulled back and began walking down the hall, but she never looked away with her assuring smile as she waved goodbye, "Keep that in the back of your mind, okay? Take the day off and do whatever you want. But just know that Shikuro isn't obligated to wait whether you feel for him or not. Another girl can snatch him up."

The Majin girl flinched at the last sentence as she watched Bulma round the corner, leaving her alone to her own devices. All she could do was stare, her mind wandering on a perpetual loop of dwelling and uncertainty. However, after that last snippet from Bulma. . she subconsciously made a decision.

~~~~~Scenery Change/Time Skip: Roughly 20 Minutes Later: Outside of Capsule Corp Home~~~~~

"Man, what's Bulma up to?"

Shikuro tapped his foot impatiently, his arms crossed with the diagram of the technique held in hand. He had a confused frown on his face, his eyes glancing up at the building. The sun was fully risen now, the bright orange light shining down on the city that slowly awakened. He would have left right then and there, but out of respect for the person who was quite literally providing him the necessities to live on his own, he couldn't argue. Such was what Nana and Koshu taught him once. If someone offered you help, the least you could do to repay it is with equal gratitude. It's the polite thing to do.

However, that didn't stop his urge to turn around and walk out the front gate. After contemplating for a moment, his feet shifted, and he turned around with a sigh, only to be stopped by the sudden call from behind him.

"Hold up, wait for me!"

The young Saiyan perked up, and he turned his head around to see a familiar sight. But he was confused about one thing. . . A brown sleeveless sweater dress that would have showed off her shoulders if it wasn't for the lighter brown cardigan. Long black tights that covered her legs down to her feet, which were snuggled up in a pair of long black boots with tied laces. Her usually unkempt and bushy hair was the same for the most part, only tied up in a ponytail that was held by a purple scrunchy. But there was one more thing that made him raise an eyebrow. For once, she wasn't wearing her glasses. As she approached, she brushed her hands over her clothes in an attempt to get the wrinkles out before speaking.

"That. . .uh, offer to learn that technique with you. . .I can do it now if you'd like," 21 offered.

Shikuro raised an eyebrow and stared at her for a moment. " Are you sure? I thought you had work."

"Bulma gave me the day off," 21 averted her eyes. After everything she and Bulma talked about, she was beginning to feel a bit flustered. Even without her glasses on, she couldn't meet Shikuro's gaze for long. Made her question whether the famous Brief was a scientist or a witch.

However, Shikuro was as casual as he could be, "Ah, alright. Then how about breakfast? Working the brain to figure out this overly complicated anatomy chart can go well with food."

"Sounds good to me," 21 nodded.

Shikuro smirked and turned as he gestured for her to follow with his hand, "Nice, then come on. I know a good breakfast burrito joint around here that just loves making more than one order."

"Really? How many is that?" 21 asked.

"As many as Goku can eat. Need I say more?" Shikuro jested. 21 laughed a little and followed alongside him, but not before taking a glance back at the building behind them. For a split second, she saw Bulma peeking from behind the window, a smirk on her face as she took a sip of her coffee and waved.

Tentatively, 21 waved back and followed, not even paying attention to the blinds closing and leaving her be.

[- - - -]

(Meanwhile, With Kyuria and Vegeta, Hours Later. . .)

"Hah. . .Hah. . .Damn. . .Bald-ass-mother. . .-tch!"

Kyuria sat flat on the floor, drenched in sweat, so much so that droplets fell from her chin and onto the red flooring beneath her. Her breathing was erratic and strained. The machine was off, but she felt like her body weighed a ton, as if gravity itself was pulling her down. Not to mention how every bone in her body creaked from any attempt on trying to move. She clicked her tongue at that, 'I've already tried recovering six times. . .I'm at my limit in terms of using that anymore for the day. . .'

She looked up from her thoughts to see Vegeta standing across the room with his arms folded. It was as if he was observing her, his eyes unimpressed by what transpired so far. So far, the "training," if you can even call it, had consisted of her just getting her ass kicked. He didn't give her a moment's rest, constantly going at her with no hesitation. One of the things she quickly learned was that Vegeta was a no-holds-barred kind of guy. Those hands were clearly gender-neutral when it came to combat. But that only served to fuel her question. How was THIS supposed to help her transform!? Nevertheless, the fact he didn't come at her meant Vegeta was, for once, finally granting her time to rest. But only to just give her that damn look akin to what someone would give to some pest.

"I've noticed you strike yourself at certain points of the spar. Is there some technique, I guess, to help you last longer?" Vegeta inquired out of nowhere.

Kyuria pressed her lips in a frown but nodded, "Perhaps. Impressive, right?" Vegeta narrowed his gaze and scoffed at it.

"Maybe when used by someone else but on you? It only makes you a training toy with a self-repair function," Vegeta retorted.

The young female Saiyan growled at the comment and pushed herself off the floor, "What is with you!? I was under the impression that this was supposed to be some sort of training. What the fuck am I even here for if I'm not learning anything!?"

"Learn? You want to learn?" Vegeta repeated with a raised eyebrow. His arms unfolded across his chest, and he began walking toward her, his steps slow but threatening, "What is there to teach someone with a half-ass conviction and desire such as yourself?"

"Half-assed. . .You're calling me half-assed?" Kyuria repeated in disbelief.

Vegeta scoffed as he stopped just a foot in front of her. "That's right. You're subpar. Half-ass. Inadequate. Do I have to rephrase it some more for you to understand? Out of all the Saiyans I've seen, all I see from you is someone who thinks they can see the top but has no clue how far it really is. You must have been spoon-fed praise and reputation your whole life."

"Watch it. . .!" Kyuria growled in his face.

Though, the Saiyan prince didn't seem bothered. Not even a flinch as he continued, "So you developed an ego. Because you were given special treatment. You believe you are special, and progress will just waltz its way right into your hands. But let me ask you this: how did it feel losing to your brother, who IS a Super Saiyan? The difference between him and you is like night and day. While you can likely last longer as a punching bag due to whatever healing technique you're using, he's at least a moving one for me that can entertain."

Kyuria grits her teeth and swings at him. However, before her fist could even touch his face, his palm blocked the strike, stopping her fist in place without much effort. He pulled it down and glared at her, the action causing her to freeze as blue eyes began to shine, "I'll be blunt. For a Saiyan, you're average at best."

"What--GAHGH!" She couldn't finish her sentence as a firm knee struck her in the abdomen. She bent over, but she wasn't given a moment to recover as Vegeta lifted her by the back of her shirt and tossed her toward the wall. Her back collided with it, the air in her lungs knocked out of her, and to prevent her from taking it back, Vegeta sprung forth and closed the distance in less than a second. All Kyuria had to do was blink before his hand grabbed her by the neck and pinned her against the wall. At the same time, he continued his banter, "And because of that, you can't possibly be considered a true Saiyan. Not with such a narrow pride such as yours. Whoever trained you before you got here is just like you. A weakling."

Hearing that was enough for Kyuria to snap, finally. All her attempts to break free from Vegeta's hold were in vain. Not even her legs could hit him, as he used his other arm to block any potential kicks. She glared at him indignantly, her ki sparking as she snarled at him. Weakling? Rigo? As much as she tormented her caretaker, he was still, in fact.

"Rigo... he was not a weakling! You don't know anything about him!" Kyuria growled.

Vegeta knew he was close. Just one more push. . .An added signature of his to provoke someone. A smug smirk and a snarky remark, "Don't have to. I'm looking at what he produced." That was it. Her Aura flared in his grip, white shifting to complete gold as her hair followed suit by erasing the black color and replacing it with a matching gold color. Her teal eyes glared as she roared right in his face.

"EAT SHIT!"

In a burst of power, Vegeta was pressured a bit but remained firm where he stood, his grip around her neck still strong but amused by the outburst. Despite the energy she released, he didn't feel threatened in the slightest, "Congratulations." That was all he said when he released his grip.

Confused, Kyuria failed to catch herself from hitting the floor face-first. When she looked up, she was immediately met with the sight of Vegeta walking away toward the exit.

"Where are you going!?" Kyuria yelled as she got to her feet.

Vegeta didn't look back as he stepped out the doorway, "I'm done for the day. I've done what Shikuro wanted. Just look at yourself." He tossed her a pocket mirror from his pants. Catching it, she stared at her reflection, her eyes widening at her appearance while Vegeta explained himself.

"You remind me of my old self," He remarked, the comment garnering Kyuria's attention and curiosity, "Full of pride and thought he was destined for greatness. I believed power would come to me, and I never had to work for it truly. But that was just a shameful pride. Disgraceful even. It took a low-class Saiyan clown to make me realize that. Nothing comes easy. Some things take putting your life into achieving it. No matter how gifted you may be."

Kyuria stared at the mirror in her hands. Her eyes wandered across her image, her fingers tracing the surface of her reflection as the sound of the automatic door opened. Vegeta's last words rang in her ears, "Don't think achieving Super Saiyan is your limit. If you are Saiyan, I expect you to put your heart and soul into whatever you truly want to achieve."

The door closed, and she was alone. She continued staring at the mirror, a slight frown appearing on her lips as she contemplated. Goals? She. . had none. Not a single one came to mind. She was always told she'd be a great U.C.P.U Officer since she was young and being trained by Rigo. However, as time went on, she got complacent. Eventually, her missions were easy to handle, even on her own. Only a few challenged her either, and even when they did, they were no match for her eventually. But then, she was assigned to be the test proctor for her out of nowhere twin brother—the one who presented her with a brand new height.

Super Saiyan

She became fixated on it, believing that it was the new peak, only to be beaten into realization. These Saiyans on Earth, including her brother, don't settle. Whether presented with a new path to improve or they have to create a new one, they strive to make themselves better—to be stronger than ever before. The only difference between them all was simply motivation. So what was hers?

"You want to take over my position? Well, I'll let you if you become way stronger than I am. I need to retire anyway."

Her eyes narrowed at the sudden memory before she looked at the Gravity Room panel in the center of the room. Without a word and with silence to accompany her, she walked over and stared at the buttons. Then, a couple of presses, and the room was on. The only sound after that was grunting and groans heard from behind the door.

~~~~~Scenery Change/Time-Skip: Sometime Later With Shikuro and Android 21~~~~~

"So B6, B3, C2, D0. . ."

Shikuro mumbled to himself as he followed the technique diagram. The noon sun was in the middle of the sky, providing the sunlight needed to help him see as he traced the words and symbols marked on his arm. Of course, it was only for reference, easily washable with just water. 21 sat across from him, her arms crossed over her chest as she stared at the diagram. Unwrapped foil scattered across the grass as the two sat underneath a shady tree in the middle of a local park in the metropolises of West City.

Learning the technique so far felt more like a study session rather than actual training. 21 had to admit that it was quite a bit to take in; the complexity of the human body and the Ki Cores itself was no easy feat to grasp, even for her. She can easily code a supercomputer capable of complex tasks, help and understand Bulma's way of thinking when it comes to her projects, and has even helped with the Time Machine as of late. But as one could have it, everyone is a genius if put in the right field. Being smart in mathematics doesn't equate to being smart in medicine, and vice versa.

She sighed tiredly, her gesture causing Shikuro to look up curiously, "Bored?"

"Huh? Oh, no!" 21 quickly dismissed and added, "Just a little tired. Learning something like this is taking a pretty hefty toll on my thought process."

The young Saiyan male nodded, his tail scratching the top of his head with a small chuckle escaping his lips, "Yeah, I can only repeat things to myself so many times before I'm sick of it as well. How about a break?"

21 smiled and nodded in agreement, "Please."

"No need to plead; just relax," Shikuro smirked. He just plopped down on his back to stare up at the tree leaves and sky. He folded his arms underneath his head as a pillow. 21 followed suit, but she chose to lay on her side, her head propped up by her elbow. The two remained silent for a moment, nothing but the sound of nature passing them by as the breeze blew past them. It was calming.

". . .Can I ask you something?" 21 asked, breaking the silence.

Shikuro glanced over at her, "Sure, go ahead."

"Your tail. I'd thought you hide it when in public, but you seem comfortable with it out," 21 commented.

The young Saiyan male looked down at his tail flowing freely against the grass. He hummed at the observation, "Hmm, yeah. I figure it'd be normal. The people passing by don't seem to mind." 21 didn't know how much that was true, the odd stares from those who walked by were quite evident—especially the children who seemed a bit too interested as their parents had frequently held a tighter grip from approaching for a touch. So, she just held her expression.

"I see. .," she murmured, "Still, that's quite the change. Did something happen?"

Shikuro remained silent, though his eyes never left the tail as it swayed back and forth, "Perhaps, I guess I feel more comfortable."

"With your tail out?" 21 inquired curiously.

"No, just. . .in general," Shikuro clarified as he raised his hand toward the sky. His hair swayed with the wind, eyes staring blankly through the gaps of his finger where the sun rays seeped through, "Like, a weight is off my shoulders. At the very least, here on Earth I mean."

21 watched him in thought while trying to decipher what he meant by that. Knowing his origins, she could guess that the young male Saiyan had a self-conscious anxiety about living as an Earthling. How would people react knowing there was someone out there who could flick their planet out of the solar system? An unknown X-Factor they know nothing about. The answer was simple. When faced with the unknown or something you can't understand, you can't control it. If you can't control it, then irrational thoughts come into play. A sense of fear. Even with good intentions, such as Goku, even when he displays a fraction of his power. Just a small fraction of those who would be bold enough to rob him would call him a monster without a second thought.

'That's it. . .' 21 realized. He had made a subconscious decision to hide that he was not human and blend in. Unlike Goku or Vegeta, Shikuro was a Saiyan who grew up in a prejudice society from birth. So to him, revealing who he was to others for all this time may have just been childhood trauma. But now finding an environment where he can simply be 'normal', she could guess that. . ., "They helped alleviate that burden."

Shikuro could feel her smile at him and smirked, "Yeah, they did. . ."

*BZZZZZZZZZRT!*

The young male Saiyan blinked at the feeling of his pocket vibrating. Curious, he dug into his pocket. He pulled out the U.C.P.U badge, which was flashing blue with the U.C.P.U symbol plastered in the middle. He tapped the button in the middle, causing the device to beep and flash yellow before projecting a holographic image of details that made 21 quite anxious.

"Hey, what's that?" 21 asked, raising an eyebrow at the hologram.

Shikuro didn't answer right away and read the contents; the language was already configured to something he could understand. It only took a quick skim down the list of details. All the while, he ignored the watching eyes before answering. . .

"My Initiation Mission has been confirmed. . .Next Week."

[- - - -]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where The Last Chapter Left Off, 1 Week Later. . .)

"That should be everything. . ."

*RIIIIIIIIIIP!*

Pulling the zipper up and around, Shikuro finished double-checking his supplies before throwing the bag over his shoulder. With a deep breath, he turned to the group who huddled around each other. Standing in the courtyard of the Capsule Corp family home, only some of the people he knew, save for a few faces, were there to see him off. Chi Chi, Bulma, 21, Goku, Gohan, and Videl. The rest were either still asleep based on how early he had to get up and leave, while his school friends had already gone to class. Though, they already knew what was going on, so covering up for him shouldn't be an issue.

Still, they made it seem like he was leaving forever.

"Alright, well I'm off then. . .," Shikuro stated.

"Be sure to take care of yourself out there, Shikuro. Remember, autopilot may be great but not perfect. If you have to avoid the asteroid belt on your way there, reroute the route and avoid it at all costs. It can tear holes into your ship, so be careful," Bulma explained.

Shikuro nodded, "Right."

"And mind what you eat. I know you've gotten over your eating habits when you were just a rascal but that doesn't mean you should be reckless about the foods on other planets," Chi Chi chimed in.

The young Saiyan nodded, a smile still on his face, "Of course, I'll be careful not to get too desperate."

"Pfft, you've been coddled too much. Back when I was younger, eating the limbs of my disembodied enemies was a sure way to keep up nutrients for battle," Vegeta scoffed.

Goku grew a bit pale at that comment: "Ew, that's gross. Didn't you mention some of those guys being bug aliens, too? I can't believe you're scared of worms, Vegeta."

"And YOU'RE scared of needles, Kakarot," Vegeta argued back.

The two rivals bickered in the background while Shikuro could only stare at them with a wry smirk. But in the meantime, Gohan walked up with Videl to place a hand on his shoulder with a prided smirk, "To think you'd become a space cop. Didn't have that on my bingo card. Now, you really can show your superhero stuff. If you want, I can lend you my Great Saiyaman suit. It'll make you stand out."

'For the wrong reasons' Shikuro wanted to say but simply declined politely, "Nah, I think I'll pass,"

"You sure?" Gohan raised an eyebrow.

"Positive," Shikuro answered almost immediately.

Hearing that made the half-breed cross his arms and raise an eyebrow, "Hmm, if you say so,"

Seeing as they had summed that up between each other, Videl cleared her throat a bit to speak, "Well, I'm sure Shikuro would rather wear his own if he wanted. But aside from that, I made sure to leave in some extra gym equipment you can use during the trip. I'm sure the ship is already equipped with some of Bulma's own tech, but it can't hurt to have some weights on board as well."

"Ah, appreciate it, Videl," Shikuro smiled and nodded.

"It's nothing," Videl smiled back.

"OI!"

Everyone turned to the entrance of the ship to see Kyuria tapping her bicep with her finger with a frown on her face. Clearly, she was getting impatient, "Hurry up the hugs and kisses. We got a job to do."

"Whatever, 'Mom', I'll be in there in a moment,'" Shikuro rolled his eyes while ignoring her comment. He returned his attention to what might as well be considered family and waved, "Sorry, I'm still getting used to her. I'll see you around."

Everyone nodded, the silent agreement enough for him to turn a walk away. Although, before he could leave, he felt something tug on the sleeve of his shirt. He blinked, turning to look over his shoulder to see 21 fidgeting a bit. With a raised eyebrow, he waited for her response unbeknown to the approving and cheeky gaze of Bulma that made it more difficult for 21. To make things worse, Chi-Chi picked up on the cues along with Videl as they exchanged looks and giggled to themselves. God knows what they'll be gossiping about later while the men present are completely oblivious.

"Have a nice trip," 21 finally said, looking down at the ground nervously.

Shikuro felt a bit confused by her demeanor but brushed it off with a smirk. It didn't matter. A prayer was a prayer. If anything, he was starting to think that she was getting more comfortable and finding solace around others. Building connections was important after all. Especially in the darkest times. He knew that first hand. So as she let go of her hold, he raised a fist toward her which caught her off-guard when she raised her head. Huffing in amusement, his head only just tilted slightly, "I will, thanks. We'll keep in touch." With a long stare, she smiled back and met his fist with her own. A small bump between the two as the sun slowly passed the horizon afar.

"Better," She simply replied.

No words needed to be exchanged more. As he took one long look at everyone, Shikuro motioned himself to the door before entering the ship alongside Kyuria who seemed to be glad to finally get going. Everyone watched the hatch close, a temporary silence as the engine revved up with a hum. Slowing, the ship produced by Capsule Corp, one that went through the legendary trip to Planet Namek and back, was once more taking off on a new adventure through space and shining and twinkling. . .

*VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRM!*

As brightly as the stars, it came and gone as it took off toward its next destination.

~~~~~Scenery Change: Within The Capsule Corp Family Ship~~~~~

"Thrusters are good, and it seems like the engine is still humming like a baby. At our current speed, it doesn't seem too far off from Earth, so we should arrive at the end of the day."

Shikuro spoke before turning the chair away from the cockpit toward Kyuria. She was simply lounging around, her tail slack behind her. Clearly, she was relaxing for a bit, seeing as there wasn't much to do until they arrived. Nevertheless, it was a day long trip in a vehicle despite the amount of room they had. Eventually, the urge to do something would set in.

"So, I think it's best to review the details, so we're both on the same page," Shikuro suggested.

Kyuria exasperatedly responded, "Really, do we have to? Just go there and beat up some crooks. It's easy."

"And that's why we're debriefing again," Shikuro sighed and shook his head to continue anyway, "According to Rigo, the planet is some place called Krakolon. Apparently, the civilization there is pretty up-to-date from what I can guess, though they operate on a monarchy of sorts. Not much different from Earth, to say, and everything seems relatively peaceful. The only issue stated is that there is a very aggressive grave robbery group that goes around and causes trouble. The king fears that they would eventually try to raid the royal family's tomb where they keep their belongings and such."

"But?" Kyuria added.

"That's all there is to it about the situation that was given to us. To find out more, we have to get there and ask," Shikuro shrugged and leaned back in his chair. "I'm confident that when it comes to a head-on fight, there should be no trouble. But Rigo said we have seven days to complete fix the issue."

"Seven? Damn, they gave you an easy one. But who am I to complain? After this, I will get promoted to not having Rigo on my back anymore," Kyuria reminded and rubbed her hands together as if she had struck gold, "Free rain to do as I please? Fuck yeah, I'm so in on this!"

Shikuro couldn't help but feel a bit out of place, "You do know this mission affects my placement, right. . .? Don't do something stupid."

"Psh, yeah, yeah," Kyuria brushed him off and shifted to lay on her back, "Anyways, I still don't get the problem. That's plenty of time. If anything, this won't even take a day. It's more like 40 minutes."

The young male Saiyan knew better and shook his head, "40 minutes if they were brainless. On paper, it sounds simple, but from what I guess, this problem in Krakolon spreads larger than they let on. Think about it. They had to contact the U.C.P.U for aid, which means that even with likely an army of their own, they weren't able to deal with it. We have to remember that we're a duo on this mission. As strong as we are, we can't cover an entire planet's worth of land."

"So, just remove the headquarters where the leader is, and the whole organization crumbles. It's easy enough," Kyuria remarked.

"Again, if they are brainless. Do you think the leader would just off himself by standing out in the open?" Shikuro sighed and crossed his arms, "I don't like it with the time limit we have, but we may have to take things a bit slow. We'll likely have to start with getting information. You know, to determine who's ally or foe first before taking action."

Kyuria pouted in response, her tail swaying side to side in disappointment, "Tch, whatever. . ."

Seeing as that was all the information he was given, he reached for the diagram about the Atam Spring Acupuncture and held it in front of him. "That out of the way, we won't be making any progress until we get there. It's best that we make sure we're in top form rather than laze around."

"You're still studying that? Have you even made any progress yet?" Kyuria inquired with a frown.

Shikuro nodded, "A bit, but not at your level. I'm labeling the parts of the diagram you gave me by numbers for now and memorizing them that way. But I think I got the hang of the concept." Kyuria gave an amused smirk and pointed with her tail.

"Oh~? I've never seen you actually try to use it so I'm skeptical how legit you are," Kyuria teased.

"I don't have to," Shikuro said bluntly, "Seeing you up close when you showed me was enough."

Kyuria blinked for a moment in slight surprise, "You're kidding. . ."

"I'm not?" Shikuro blinked in return.

Kyuria narrowed her eyes at him, "Quit bullshitting. Memorizing the points is one thing, but actually being able to apply the Ki Control needed is another. You're implying you understood the process from one glance."

"I mean, without your explanation, it may have taken me longer, but thanks to it, I got the idea," Shikuro shrugged, "It may look like a coat of Ki, but really, you are thinning down each part of the Ki coat around your finger to needles. This is probably because, for the techniques to work, you have to strike a small surface area where the point resides with countless tiny needles. Once I understood that, it's just about timing to apply the right amount of stimulation through Ki passing through the pores of the skin. Correct?"

". . .Yeah. . ." Kyuria muttered.

She couldn't necessarily believe what she was seeing. While it didn't take her long to memorize the diagram, actually doing it took practice. Ki Control wasn't her strong suit back then, so Rigo had to drill that part of her training into her up to her teens. For Shikuro, the process was essentially the opposite. He had to be some sort of genius of the martial arts aspects of the technique. One glance and an explanation was all it took for him.

While she mulled over her brother's capabilities, Shikuro scratched his head at the expression she was wearing. "If you want, I can put this aside and help you train as well. I heard from Vegeta that he finally got you to transform."

"What about it? I did plenty of training in Super Saiyan already," Kyuria noted.

"You're going to settle just for that?" Shikuro asked with a raised eyebrow.

His sister looked at him in thought before sighing, "Fine, you're right. What do you have in mind?"

"Meditation. We both transform into Super Saiyan and just meditate. In fact, even after that, we'll remain Super Saiyan the whole day," Shikuro raised a finger, "If you haven't noticed, Super Saiyan for first-timers takes stamina to hold. This is because our bodies aren't used to such a drastic change in Ki, so to counteract that, we remain transformed for a while until it simply becomes natural."

Kyuria thought about his idea for a moment and nodded, "Hmm, sounds legit."

"Then let's get started," Shikuro said. He stood up and quickly transformed, his hair spiking a bit and shifting from black to blonde. Kyuria did the same, and with that, the two sat down on the floor to meditate. The hum of the ship's engine was the only noise filling the air between them. However, as time went on, Kyuria opened one eye to peek over at her brother.

She closed her eyes a second later and went back to focusing on maintaining her form, "Hey, can I ask something?"

"Ask away?" Shikuro muttered in the midst of his own focus.

"You seem oddly serious about this mission. I was under the impression you hated the idea of being part of the U.C.P.U," Kyuria muttered.

The young male Saiyan remained silent for a bit before replying thoughtfully, "It's more of an inconvenience in my current lifestyle. If you didn't notice, I still go to school so having this on top of that just makes my life more hectic than it already is. . .But that blue-haired woman you saw earlier; Bulma. I owe her a lot and again, this was a favor to her. Not much I can do. . ."

"And? I'm sure she'd understand if you were too busy. I feel like there's something more to this," Kyuria questioned further with one eye peeking open.

In response to that, Shikuro's opened his eyes half way from his meditated state, "Life makes us stronger because it's crazy."

"Hah?" Kyuria nearly slumped with her confused expression.

"A little metaphor. Straight from that orange Gi Saiyan arguing with Vegeta," Shikuro clarified with a small smirk, "It's a bit strange but he was surprisingly one of my very first mentors on Earth despite not really being around. Let's just say, he gave me plenty of remote lessons."

Kyuria simply forgot about meditating all together and pressed her feet together with her hands with a mumble, "That guy? No offense, he looks like a dork." Shikuro laughed a bit at that and leaned back to put a pause at his training before smiling at the ceiling.

"Haha. . .Yeah. That's one way to describe Goku," Shikuro agreed but continued, "Some call him an idiot. Others say he's a battle crazed maniac. But those are half truths in my eyes. Under that personality he is a strong person that only knows how to look forward to a better future for himself rather than wallow in doubt. He reminds me so much of someone I look up to."

"Ooooh? Who's that?" Kyuria smirked in amusement.

There wasn't an immediate response to that question as a light seeped through the glass of the ship. They both turned only to see the sight of the passing meteors enveloped by space dust that was illuminated by the rays of the distant sun. Twinkling stars were never so visible and provided a light to a memory accompanied by the deep silence of space that oddly provided more clarity.

~~~~~Flashback: Planet Codia, Roughly 10 Years Ago. . .~~~~~

Near the edge of the wooded mountain that leads to the outstretched sea, twinkling star lights glistened the deep sea. The sound of crashing waves echoed as the night was young with half-moon still out providing little light to those who chose to wander the dark. A wind passed lightly down the mountain from time to time which provided a moment of coolness to a small figure breathing heavily in the middle of the uphill that led to the cliff over the sea. Wiping their chin, they didn't know how long they had been out let alone how much time he had left before he was caught. But he'd quickly find out that his time here was coming to an end. . .

"There you are, runt!"

Hearing the familiar rough and gruff voice, the young boy immediately went stiff with both hands tightly at his side while his monkey's tail practically went straight out of surprise. Turning quickly toward the direction of the voice, he immediately shifted to a weary look and his feet shifted back a bit as if jumping off the cliff was better than facing confrontation with the old man who simply strode over with a hand on his hip.

The man sucked in a breath and sighed once he stopped in front of the boy so different from the native race of Planet Codia, "If I ever make a bet on you meeting curfew then I'd be broke. Shikuro, what are you doing out here? You're giving Nana heart problems with all this sneaking out."

"N-Nothing Gramps. . .," Shikuro poorly tried to dismiss it and looked away with a pout.

Koshu didn't say anything but instead observed the boy's condition. Despite the wild animals that lurked around Mount Kaze, Shikuro for the most part knew how to remain safe despite his age. . .well most of the time. How else would he sneak up the mountain to his home so often? So seeing that he was out here by himself covered in sweat and a bit of dirt. He rubbed his chin while looking at the night sky above, "Hmm, sure doesn't look like nothing. That and knowing you; I doubt you are one to willing to actually come out to stargaze by yourself."

"Hmph!" The boy pouted with crossed arms and looked away, "Maybe I DID and you just assumed wrongly."

The village elder blinked a bit in surprise before snorting into a fit of laughter that made Shikuro shrink. But nevertheless, amused; Koshu leaned down to ruffle the boy's hair to get his attention, "Sorry, sorry, just that. . .Well, that's new to me. But for the future, be more honest that you simply were trying to train."

"Bah! N-No, I was just trying to work up a sweat!" Shikuro poorly denied again.

The old man smirked at that and decided to avoid teasing the boy before walking to the cliff. Lying was most certainly not his strong suit, "I suppose. But you seem to have done it yourself. Tell me, what's so important to sneak out to 'work up a sweat' in secret?" Seeing as there was no use lying, the boy followed Koshu to the cliff who sat down cross-legged at the edge before taking his seek in the middle of his lap.

It was a routine they did often that Shikuro grew accustomed to when it was just them. Back then, the closest thing to a male parental figure was Koshu after all. Granted, he overheard many times that Koshu wasn't the best at raising kids, especially infants. Hence why most of the caretaking was done by Nana in the first place and when he was a baby, Nana would have to come up Mount Kaze to act as a temporary nanny until he was old enough to move into the monastery. But to Shikuro, he didn't seem to be THAT bad. So what he heard was that Koshu tied him to a tree with a rope whenever he cried? Wasn't that normal? Regardless, Shikuro was comfortable enough around him now that he looked up with young eyes while his tail swayed behind him.

"Kicking," Shikuro bluntly answered.

Koshu hummed curiously while staring back down at him, "Kicking?"

"Yeah," The boy reaffirmed and jumped out of his lap to show off. Koshu rested his chin in the middle of his palm while he watched in amusement at Shikuro's attempt to perform kicks. To him, it was still sloppy but at the same time, nostalgic in a way. So he continued to listen, "I was trying to do that kick you showed me last time. You know, the one that you split the sea with! I'm close, right!?"

Koshu laughed at that and waved his hand to urge him jokingly, "Hehe, yeah. 'Close'. I'm sure you'll get it if you keep at it." Hearing the tone of his voice, Shikuro frowned a bit as he lowered his leg to touch the ground.

"You're making fun of me. . ." Shikuro muttered disappointedly.

The village elder's amused smile shifted to a genuine one as he stood up to approach the boy once more and ruffled his hair again assuringly, "Partially. . .But I truly think you can do it one day. Maybe when you're older but not now. Calling that close was just funny."

"Hrmmmm. . ." Shikuro groaned.

"Still. . .," Koshu paused and faced the blowing sea winds, "You need not rush it. It'll only make it harder to take it all in."

The boy's disgruntled expression shifted more curiously as he looked up at Koshu. A hidden message within the literal meaning of his words. But, at the same time, he somewhat understood from previous accounts. So, he nodded and smirked before escaping from Koshu's grasp to stand at the very edge of the cliff.

(Super Dragon Ball: Redux Kaizen, Opening 2; Firework by LASTGASP)

Curious, Koshu watched the boy turn with open arms and a wide grin, "Fine, but know this. One day! You'll see! I'm going to perform that move right in front of you just like you! So don't go kicking the bucket until then, Gramps!"

A mix of pride and shock was evident on the village elder's face to the point he looked like a froze in his spot. But evidently, Koshu matched the boy's smile with a toothy grin while scratching the back of his head in complete flattery.

"Is that right? Then, I can't wait to see it," Koshu chuckled and went to stand by the boy at the very edge, "Shikuro, did you know? When I made that technique, I saw a comet."

"A comet?" the boy repeated.

Koshu nodded before clarifying, "It was on a night just like this and much like you earlier, I was training by myself. All it took was a shooting star cutting straight through the sky. The trails of a comet are akin to a hot wind bright enough to appear in the dark sky. But the one I saw was like a milky spiral. I wanted to recreate that."

"Really. . .?" Shikuro muttered in awe.

"Yeah," Koshu muttered and looked up a bit, "Our Souls. . .Hearts. . .Spirit. . .Whatever one may call them are what defines each of our lives. They are just as special as a comet and have their own unique light. At least that's what I think so-"

"Gramps, you're doing it again!" Shikuro whined.

Snorting, the old man all but laughed. That's the Shikuro he knew. Youngsters. . .They were too young to listen. . .So, he shut his mouth and watched the sea and stars with his adoptive grandson. A single thought only passed through his mind.

"I wonder, what kind of trail will you make; Shikuro. . ."

~~~~~Returning Back To The Present~~~~~

Shikuro laughed to himself a bit which caught Kyuria a bit off guard. But without context, he turned to her despite the irony of the display before them outside the ship with a smirk, "Someone who really liked comets."

"Ehhhh?" Kyuria was perplexed at the answer.

But Shikuro didn't explain any further than that. Instead, he took in the time to take in the sight before them. Each of the passing trails of space rocks reminded him of that day. Glittering lights that matched the distant stars that roamed this infinite universe.

Shining within the unknown. . .

Like everlasting fireworks.

The mission awaited.

Super Dragon Ball: Redux Kaizen. . .

Arc 2: Krakolon Planet Conflict; Loading. . .

[- - - -]

EDIT: Dropping the lyrics here cause I didn't realize how well this song correlates to my character notes on Shikuro LOL!

Lyrics

[I want to catch a comet that flies off. . .Into the distant night sky. . .

My outstretched hands are going numb now!

It is not going well!

I can't reach it, I'm spinning in circles!

Today I've been unable to do anything, so I will "See you later. . .".

–

Isn't that's what right!?

Please don't you forget and lose those thoughts in your own heart. . .Things you want to do. . .Things you want to say. . .!

-

Please don't let this dream end as a dream like a fading red flame! Take the hand of someone that is closer to you!

Tell us once more. . .Those words as we're hurting deep inside!

While those clouds are still white in vast grand blue above! I want to capture the very change in the time!

Cause, we're heading for the same place in the end!

-

As soon as I catch the shooting star. . . that bounces off my eyes. . .

It flashed brightly and then disappeared, oh-!

It is not going well!

I can not reach it, I'm spinning my wheels!

Before I know it, the sun will set, and I'll have to say goodbye. . .

-

Like the blooming fireworks beside the wishing stars above!

I want to liven up the end of the road!

So believe in us once more as we get tarnished, dirty, and hurt

Before those clouds turn red at the break of the new dawn, I want to question my failing old self!

I'm searching for a different answer as of now!

-

Those painful events won't ever go away in my brief life, cause I've lost something important to me along the way!

Even so. . .I'm hurt, I believe that tomorrow. . .is still just wonderful!

I want to change myself while those clouds are still white in vast grand blue that stretches on forever!

Even if the answer changes as time goes on. . .!

We're still heading for the same place in our hearts!]

Chapter Text

(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, 24 Hours Later. . .)

Rigid rock-like ground mixed with sand that stretched as far as the eye can see. Patch spots of forestry between distances from each other and the smell of an earthly fragrance would feel constantly present under the bright sun. This was Planet Krakolon. A planet mostly covered by water, yet the land was that of a tropical desert where the smell of fruit would entice those to vacation there if capable of traveling. However, as nice as the planet was; one particular ship wasn't there for relaxation. The roaring engines simmered to a calm thrum as it landed in an open bearing near a tropical forestry. Gradually, it came to a halt as its claws dug into the sound before finally turning off to open its hatch.

Hard metal steps rung through the air as the occupants exited to scan the area. As expected, nothing but patches of purple, lakes here and there, and sand mixed with rock. No civilization to be seen. Due to standing out in the open, Shikuro couldn't help but wipe his forehead for a moment in slight awe.

"Man, it's hot. This planet might as well be a oversized oven," Shikuro noted.

Almost agreeing, Kyuria began fanning herself with her hand, "Tell me about it. Probably the sun we passed by before landing. That thing was freaking huge for no reason."

Hearing that, Shikuro couldn't help but glance over at the Capsule Corporation Ship they used to get there. Bulma and her dad must've been in the zone when they made it, since it was impressive enough to have no problems getting past the gravitational pull of the star. Or any large planet of that matter. Still, seeing as they were here, Shikuro strode over to the side of the ship before pressing the button to return it into Capsule form before depositing it into his pocket before stretching his arms, "Can't disagree with that. But you have to admit, this would make a good place to return to if we ever had a vacation or what-not. Maybe I should let Bulma and the others know when I get back."

"Now look who's getting side-tracked. . ." Kyuria muttered and placed a hand on her hip. She took a moment to reexamine her surroundings before continuing, "Not a damn thing in sight. It's nothing but water, land, and Oasis after Oasis. Are they sure there's a civilization here?"

Humming at the questions, the young male Saiyan did a quick scan as well. Obviously, they landed in the middle of nowhere and, due to unfamiliarity; it wasn't like they could just sense the civilized life and bolt toward the nearest city. Tapping his chin, he turned to Kyuria curiously, "Don't know, surely the U.C.P.U would supply us with directions right?"

"Yeah, they do but since this mission wasn't officially assigned to me they didn't send it to my E-Com Badge. Check yours by clicking the left side button," Kyuria answered as she pointed at his pocket.

Nodding, Shikuro pulled out his own badge before clicking the button that was instructed. Surprisingly enough, a holographic image of the planet itself hovered above the badge for him to see and displayed sub-bars of information around the space-rock. Without saying a word, Kyuria walked over and pressed on one of the hubs, which prompted the image to zoom in on what looked to be their first designation. A settlement, or city more accurately; surrounded and enclosed by several mountains and cliffs with forestry, tropical trees and a canal system spreading for miles. But noticeably, at the edge of the city was a large temple or palace made of gold stone that towered over everything and creatures that looked at Wyverns circled protected over the city.

All while displaying a compass and the exact distance they were from the city itself. Shikuro took a little of a closer look at the mechanism before commenting in slight awe, "Okay, more handy than just being a badge. Noted."

"Seems to not be too far from here," Kyuria remarked before looking toward the direction the compass was pointing, "From here, it's just as simple as showing up to their front door step and showing them our badge."

"Really?" Shikuro only said with a raised eyebrow.

His twin sister rolled her eyes and crossed her arms at his skepticism, "Yes, really! Look, they already know we are coming as they are the ones who sent the distress signal first. As long as we prove we're the real deal, we'll be fine."

"That sounds all well and good but what stops them from thinking we stole or forge these badges?" Shikuro questioned while scratching his head.

"E-Com Badges are made from a special material that is only found on the planet where HQ is. No other planet has those materials meaning remaking the badge is next to impossible," She explained before gradually lifting herself into the air with her Ki, "So enough talking and let's get some shelter."

Shikuro sighed as he did the same but noted, "Kyuria, first off, the ship is our shelter and second; I'm pretty sure getting the job done would be the first priority after meeting up with our employers."