Bringer of Death

Android Saga - Part 10: Déjà Vu

Android Saga - Part 10: Déjà Vu 

"Is it really over?" Krillin asked, his jaw hanging open. 

The charred frame of android 21 lay motionless on the ground. Super Saiyan Gohan still stared angrily at its form. His green eyes were piercing; fierce enough to frighten a grown man, but his power was no longer needed. The android was dead. 

Gasping, Gohan released his grip on the power, collapsing on his knees. The golden light faded from his hair and aura. The strain on the young boy's body had been immense; he had been overcome not only with power but with the emotional turmoil that accompanied the transformation. Piccolo quietly landed beside him, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. 

"It's all right, Gohan. You were amazing," said his mentor softly. Gohan still stared at the ground, as if he was in a different time and place. Finally, as if he was suddenly waking from a dream, the boy blinked and turned towards Piccolo. 

"Wh...what happened?" His eyes were drained, but he was sighing with relief. He remembered what had just taken place, but it felt like a dream or a vision rather than reality. He asked, needing to hear someone confirm that it wasn't just his imagination. He had dreamed of becoming a Super Saiyan so many times - only to wake up in his own bed, still ordinary and weak. Had it really happened this time? 

"I mean, Mr. Piccolo, did I?" 

"You did, Gohan. You became a Super Saiyan. I want you to know just how proud of you I am." His mentor's deep voice was comforting and strong. The Namek stood tall again, turning his head north as something piqued his interest. 

"What is it, Mr. Piccolo?" 

"It just that I don't feel much energy from either Vegeta or Trunks. Neither of them are fighting yet, which means there may be a chance the other androids haven't been activated." 

The other two fighters turned their attention north as well at Piccolo's remark, but suddenly looked behind them. The Bringer of Death was descending rapidly, its external lift engines kicking up a cloud of dust from the scorched and flat ground. 

"Looks like we had an audience," quipped Krillin, grinning. Most of the Z Fighters had become accustomed to the ship's presence. Vegeta used its chamber exclusively for gravity training, but Oniya had begun using it often when he did not require its amenities. Its speed and spaciousness made it the vehicle of choice for picking up Chi-chi and others when everyone was going to meet. To Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin, the sleek ship had become nearly as inviting as Capsule Corporation-though the decomposed skulls of both Frieza and Cooler, still mounted to the hull, were constant reminders of the vessel's true nature. 

Oniya and C47 stepped out of the ship's side, the robot's gears whirring and chirping. His red eyes glowed brightly as he approached Gohan. 

"Astounded observation: Your efficient and ruthless execution of this inferior creation is most impressive! Though you still lack the cold and calculated cruelty of the master, your imagination makes you quite appealing, for a meatbag." 

"Conclusion: For the first time, I find myself experiencing a sense of optimism regarding your race. If only more organics were like you, Gohan." 

The boy smiled at the droid's remarks. Though Trunks still held the robot in contempt, most of the other Z Fighters - Gohan included - were simply amused at its antics. "I guess I'll take that as a compliment, C." 

The droid's red eyes flashed in affected annoyance at hearing Gohan use his nickname, but he quickly shrugged, the gears in his shoulders whirring. He turned to the burnt-out shell of Android 21.