Reprogrammed

Inner Struggle

18 was gone the next morning. This worried Trunks. Last night, he had even began to question 18's mental health. Was it trauma, or perhaps brain damage? He doubted it had anything to do with her data bank, but he couldn't rule it out. But whatever caused 18's emotional breakdown, it worried him deeply.

"She's not hurting anyone." Bulma told him. "So it should be all right. Even your father threw massive temper tantrums at times. He really broke down when Goku died."

Trunks sighed. "I just wish she'd come back so we could help her."

"She said this was a personal problem. So we might not be able to help her. But if she does want our help, we'll be there for her."

Trunks hated to admit it, but his mother was right. If 18 didn't want his help, then there was nothing he could do. But he would be there for her. He just hoped that she would come back soon.

A few hours later, she did. But she behaved very coldly towards them, not speaking to them at all. In fact, she completely ignored them. She stayed locked in the guest room all the time.

'That seems to be a habit she has when she's upset.'

He still didn't know what had set her off, but he was determined to get to the bottom of it. Only he couldn't do that if she kept shutting him out. No matter what he said or what he did, she refused to acknowledge him with anything else besides anger.

Anger he could deal with, but it was the utter loathing he saw in her eyes that concerned him the most. In fact, the look he saw in her eyes reminded him of her darker days, as if she had reverted back to her destructive self.

But that was impossible. Her memories of that time were gone, so was her programming. And the new programming his mother had installed in her classified her as a protector. Besides, as his mother pointed out, she hadn't hurt anyone. Sure she'd thrown a few nasty fits, and she had attacked him, but he could handle it.

Suddenly feeling impatient, he stormed up to the guest room, realizing that this had been the second time she had taken over his sleeping arrangements.

"18, open the door!" he hollered.

"Go away!"

He didn't back down. "No, now, or so help me I'll break down the door!"

The door opened and an angry looking 18 appeared. "Leave me alone! I have a lot to think about!"

"I want to know what's going on. Why are you acting this?"

"You'll find out soon enough! Until then, stay away from me!"

She slammed the door in his face. Trunks' fists clenched tightly in aggravation. Why wouldn't she talk to him? He'd be able to handle this a whole lot better if she just told him what was wrong.

'Tomorrow.' He decided. 'I'll give her until tomorrow, and that's it.'

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That night as Trunks slept, 18 snuck into his room. But not for the reason she had after the final battle with Baby. No, this time her intent was to kill. No matter how powerful he was, if she struck while he slept, she would be able to kill him.

She stood over his bed, waves of energy radiating off her. The mighty saiyan continued to sleep, completely unaware of her presence. The only sound was of her heavy breathing.

She stared down at him, laying there completely helpless, her eyes shining with anger. 'It's time for you to pay for what you did to me.' She raised her hand, glowing with energy. 'One strike, and that will end it.'