Bringer of Death

Android Saga - Part 11: Acquittal

Android Saga - Part 11: Acquittal 

Age 783 

Dark, threatening clouds gathered overhead-whether it was from the massive releases of energy or simply a fluke of nature, Goku didn't know. The two murderous cyborgs looked at each other...plotting...calculating. 

Goku stood tall and motionless, his golden hair rippling in the winds that began picking up around them. Number 17 had proven to be a challenging opponent. The Super Saiyan's skills and resolve had been tested in the fight, but his superior strength had won out. Although the cyborg had yet to suffer any serious injuries, Goku was still at full power, unscathed and alive with the thrill of battle. 

"I don't know how, 18, but he's good-real good. I guess it's just Goku-he was supposed to be the strongest according to Gero anyway, or was that Vegeta? I never can remember." 

"Stop playing around, 17. If you haven't noticed yet, you're losing. Just get serious already so we can end this! I'm getting really tired of him preaching to us like we're his kids." 

"I've been serious, sis. Now get over here and give me a hand!" 17 said. His sister paled as she realized that they indeed had reason to worry. 17 had never asked for help with anything or anyone before. 

Goku interrupted. "You need to give up. Promise to live a life of peace, and maybe I'll let you live. Otherwise, come at me together right now and let's finish this. I won't hold back any longer." Peals of thunder from the gathering storm gave gravity to his voice. The first few drops of rain began...a gentle sprinkle. 

"You don't scare us!" shouted 18, her voice raising in pitch. Try as she might, she couldn't conceal her fear. How was it that this stupid Saiyan was so much stronger than they were? She didn't understand. 

"You're out of time," the Super Saiyan snapped back. "This is the end for you both." 

The two cyborgs charged him simultaneously, the girl coming in high with a charged ball of energy and the dark-haired boy coming in low with his leg pulled back. Goku waved his arm, throwing out a kiai that slammed into 18 and sent her tumbling. 17's kick connected, but the Super Saiyan expertly moved with the blow and twisted his body around, smashing the cyborg to the ground with a double elbow strike. Thunder boomed overhead, accompanying the crash of Goku's blow. The thick clouds made everything grow darker by the second. The Super Saiyan light of Goku's aura shone all the brighter. 

He had prepared to send an energy blast after the plummeting teenager, but suddenly felt a kick smash into his lower back. Number 18 had circled around him unseen-as he recoiled in pain and fired a defensive ki blast, he cursed himself for not anticipating it. He was used to sensing energy signatures in battle; fighting these machines both at the same time would be a bigger challenge than he had expected. 

Goku charged 18 quickly, delivering a rapid burst of blows she was powerless to block. The moment he sent her spinning toward the ground, he spun around. Where was the other one? The rain was now falling harder, rolling off his chin and starting to drench his clothes. It clouded his vision, obscuring his opponents. 

At the last second, he spotted 17 coming at him from the side. He barely had time to shift his stance before the cyborg was on top of him, fists pounding furiously. Thinking quickly, Goku caught the teenager's damp arm and twisted it, then vaulted forward and swung the cyborg around. The boy smashed into his sister, who was flying up again with another attack prepared. The two crashed into some building rubble, their soaked clothes stained brown from the mud. They quickly stood, 18 wiping her face with her sleeve then pulling soaking wet hair behind her ears. Each cyborg angrily glared up at their attacker, the golden-wreathed warrior hovering between the rumbling clouds.