Bringer of Death

Android Saga - Part 2: Concession

Android Saga - Part 2: Concession 

In a dark future...

The boy struggled against the blonde android's iron grasp, but despite his Super Saiyan power he was helpless to assist his friend and mentor. He could only watch as Number 17's fists slammed into Gohan again and again. 

Though his heart was racing desperately, his stomach turning over as he watched, he paid close attention to the battle. The more he knew, the more he understood, the better he'd be able to help if he could somehow get free. Though it was impossible to sense the machine's energy directly, he could tell that 17 showed no signs of fatigue. Gohan was able to get a few blows in from time to time, even exceeding his opponent in strength and speed for brief spurts, but none of his attacks seemed to have any effect. He was quickly tiring, and the android wasn't. Even worse, it was nearly impossible to block 17's energy blasts; they didn't bounce off his aura like ordinary ki attacks. 

BLAM! A kick to one temple dazed the older Super Saiyan. He shook his head, spitting blood. "I don't understand! I've gotten stronger...cough...since the last time we fought!" He was giving it his all, and yet the android was completely unscathed. 

"Hah! Fool." 17 fired a deep orange blast of energy that Gohan just barely dodged. "The last time we fought, I was holding half my power in reserve! Not that I can lower my strength all that much, mind you. But..." the orange-scarfed droid smiled with twisted satisfaction "...it was enough to make you think you had a chance! Hah. Really, Gohan, you're so gullible." 

Horror showed on Gohan's face. He grit his teeth and powered up as high as he could, determined to triumph. "You're wrong about me, you know! I can't allow you monsters to win, not after all you've done. I WILL find a way to defeat you!" He dashed forward, throwing his most powerful punch directly at his enemy's jaw. 

THUD. The android caught the punch as if it was nothing, then twisted the hero's arm with a nauseating CRUNCH. "AACCCHH!" Gohan screamed in pain. His vision began to blur. 'Dad...where are you when I need you?' 

"STOP ITTTT!" shouted Trunks, weeping with rage. "YOU HAVE TO STOP!" He redoubled his efforts to escape, but Number 18 was holding him too tightly. "Really, Trunks, stop your whining before I get irritated. You're just lucky I don't want to get blood all over my new outfit, or else I'd have ripped off your puny head just to shut you up." 

Number 17 began beating the crippled Saiyan mercilessly, delivering vicious kicks and powerful blows to his face and torso. Gohan was helpless. Bones began crunching with every strike. "Trunks...you have to RUN!" 

The android stopped, placing one arm on his hip. "I'm getting fed up with this. Maybe today's the day...yes, I think it is. Hey, 18, take one last look at Gohan." 

"Do it, 17. His attitude has really been getting on my nerves. I'm tired of him popping up right in the middle of our fun. Let's finish it now!" 

"Hmmm. Well, Gohan, you heard the lady. Goodbye!" With a sadistic smile, he lifted both hands and fired a rapid volley of energy blasts that went straight through Gohan's defenses, knocking him back like bullets from a machine gun. As the hero began to fall, his golden hair fading to black again, the monster dashed forward and delivered a roundhouse kick that snapped his neck. The moment froze in time; Trunks choked in silent agony, watching his last friend in the entire world breathe his last. Then the world faded to black.

Several hours later, Trunks awoke. He was alive, miraculously. After murdering Gohan, the androids had kicked the boy around for a few minutes, hurting him badly but obviously not caring about killing him. Eventually, they had knocked him out and left him lying next to his dead mentor.