Super Dragon Ball: Redux Kaizen

Arc 1: C11

(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 Kuzuku 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, Kuzuku 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?"

Kuzuku 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. Kuzuku 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.

Kuzuku 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." Kuzuku 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. . ."

Kuzuku 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."