Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Chinks in Android Armor ❯ Run away with me ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z, it belongs to Toei Animation Co. Ltd. and was created by Akira Toriyama. However the Oc's Bakelite, Polly Carbonate, Infrared and Melmac are mine as is the plot of this fan fiction. It means no harm to the awesome anime and manga! I make no money from this! This is the next chapter in a character piece dealing with 17 and with 18.

 

Thursday, May 24, 2007

17 minutes to Oblivion

By Trynia Merin

****

Someone's kiss lay upon her shoulder. Blinking against the dawn that seemed to burn in slits of white-hot yellow, she shaded her eyes with her hand. Again, the whisper buzzed the scientist's ear, and she pushed herself up with one hand. Flopping onto her back, she saw the smooth face bob into view, its blue eyes gleaming sapphire into hers.

 

“Good morning, Doc,” he said smoothly, the corner of his handsome mouth tilted up in a slight smirk. Next to her, his slender and perfect body pressed, and his hand descended to brush aside a lock of her hair.

 

“I'm surprised you're still here,” she answered.

 

“I said I wasn't going to go without you, silly,” 17 answered, propping himself into a sitting position with one arm pressed into the pillow behind him. Sheets dropped to the level of his waist, revealing his smooth hairless chest.

 

“I need coffee before I can think. I'll just go make some. And curie needs her breakfast,” the scientist answered.

 

“Always thinking of others before you. Honestly we've got to work on your sense of self indulgence,” 17 teased, his blue eyes intently watching her slide between sheets and stand up. Arms wrapped around her chest, the curves of her back were still bare and visible, and she felt the heat of his scrutinizing and predatory gaze.

 

“I'm also thinking of myself and how I can't make good decisions without food, you know, 17,” she answered, turning to face him. Amusing he thought how she sought to cover her chest yet left her lower regions bare for him to admire. Like 18, he saw past perfection and found challenge in seeing flaws presented before him. She was one of his kind, no matter how obsolete one would deem her.

 

“No doubt you want to feed the brat too,” 17 answered, throwing aside the sheet. “Shower first, and then…”

 

Already his lover had advanced into the hallway. Only for a moment did she stop to grab her robe from its hook just inside her closet. 17 stepped after her, not bothering to hide his own modesty because he figured there was little point. After all, he could hear the girl was still fast asleep in her room down the hallway. Instead, he headed to the bathroom, hearing the squeak of a faucet turning on accompanied by the sound of water splashing against porcelain. His enhanced senses could even hear her breathing as 17 swung the door open. Feet slapped against moist tile, his eyes piercing the rising cloud of steam billowing past him into the hall. Sliding the shower curtain aside, he stepped into the cubicle behind her.

 

“Share the soap, will you?” he whispered. She didn't flinch, and merely passed the bottle of body wash towards him. Although it smelled of roses, he didn't mind. Instead, he contented himself with lathering a sponge with the pink liquid before rubbing it over her back and rear in circular strokes. Silently both of them washed one another, their eyes taking in the respective appearances of their nude bodies. 17 enjoyed each new sensation with the enhanced data those abilities his cursed father had given him, knowing that she did as well.

 

“Curie,” she said. Her ears twitched at the sound of a girl softly calling her name.

 

“Go on and see to the kid. I'll finish up while you make breakfast for us,” 17 answered neutrally. Still she could tell from the warmth in his voice that he was in a good mood. As long as he was amused, she sensed he would not harm any innocents. In his own way 17 was just as deadly as a Saiyan, if not more so.

 

Seventeen had not brazenly tried to kill her, as Vegeta would have. Granted he was a killing machine, yet there were traces of humanity still inside his mind and heart. She would much rather test her fate with an android than an alien who almost crushed her throat. Soberly she understood why Bulma herself was bound to that alien prince of darkness.

 

“How can I judge when I'm attached to that cyborg,” she murmured. Belting her robe, she entered her daughter's bedroom to distract those disturbing thoughts.

 

Small hands reached out to her as she approached the small bed set with pink sheets. Nestled among them her pink haired angel rubbed little violet eyes to look up at her. The higher pitched voice said, “Mommy… I'm hungry… and I had a weird dream...”

 

“What dream honey?” Atomica asked, picking up her daughter, nightgown, and all. Settling the youth on her hip, the scientist swung her from side to side.

 

“You were playing with a big boy dolly named 17,” she answered, arms locking around her mother's neck.

 

“And what else? Would you like to tell me more over pancakes or oatmeal?”

 

“Oatmeal! With the purple jelly stuff!” Curie requested, causing her mother to smile at the sensation of her daughter's body warmth next to hers.

 

“All right then. Grape jelly it is and oatmeal. And you can have strawberries too if you want,” said Atomica with a warm laugh. Easily she carried her daughter down the hallway into the living room. A small table sat near a kitchen area, separated from the rest by a breakfast bar about shoulder height. Setting Curie down on the floor, she wandered around the kitchen.

 

“Help me find the jelly?” asked Atomica. Curie nodded and toddled off to open up the lower cupboards. Pots and pans clattered to the floor in a welcome cacophony breaking the tense silence.

 

By the time 17 finished his shower, he exited the bathroom with a towel around his waist. He diverted his course hearing the sound of laughter and clattering utensils from the proximity of the eating area. Something deep in his programming reminded him it would be better to dress first. Just why he worried about such trifles made him wonder only for a second. Scattered over the bed and floor were his clothes and her nightgown. Stooping down, 17 retrieved his garments and put them on again. The black T-shirt coordinated well with his jeans and the bright orange scarf he knotted around his neck. Slinging his belt around his hips, he then grabbed the brown duster coat he'd hung over the back of her chair on his way out.

 

“What's that you're drawing honey?” Atomica asked. 17 hastened his stride, arriving in the breakfast nook to a domestic scene. Perched on a booster seat, the pink haired daughter was squeezing something from a packet into a steaming hot bowl placed before her. He smelled the bitter tang of fresh coffee mingled with the duller smell of oats, and honey.

 

“It's a kitty cat,” Curie said.

 

To Curie's left Atomica was setting a third place, opposite one to curie's right. With interest, 17 saw stacks of whole-wheat toast, a bowl of freshly sliced fruits of many kinds, and a large pot with something steaming inside it.

 

“Very nice honey. Now don't forget to drink your orange juice too,” Atomica reminded her. Then her head ducked up to meet 17's smirking gaze. Just inside the living room he stood, boots nestled in the thick plush carpet.

 

“Mommy who are you looking at? Are you putting a plate for your big boy dolly?” Curie asked.

 

“Um yes… that's right. He's here to have breakfast with us, Curie,” Atomica hastily babbled.

 

“Yay! He wasn't a dream after all then!” Curie clapped, her head swiveling around. Strands of pink hair swirled back and forth, held into two small ponytails with heart shaped barrettes. She wore blue corduroy overalls and a purple shirt, edged in lace. A balance between tomboy and feminine that was refreshingly not cutesy poo.

 

“So, I'd ask what's cooking, but I can see already you've made a nice feast for all of us, Doc,” 17 answered, stepping deliberately towards the place he assumed was set for him. Tugging the chair out, he sat down gracefully and edged the chair back in. Both arms he folded just behind the plate in front of him.

 

“G'morning Mr. 17,” Curie glanced at him, with a slight smile, and those violet eyes filled with innocent curiosity.

 

“Don't bother him with questions sweetie. He's hungry and we all need to focus on eating and not playing,” Atomica urged, pouring steaming hot coffee into the cup 17 inverted for her. Not bothering to ask, she simply dished up portions of oatmeal, a side of bacon, and even pieces of buttered toast on his plate.

 

“I see you like strawberry jam just like I do, kiddo,” 17 said as he glanced over at the mess on her cheeks.

 

“Grape's my favorite, but my SUPER favorite is mixing grape and strawberry all together!” she announced proudly.

 

“Mmm, suppose I'll have to try that then,” 17 answered. He grabbed the jar from the center of the table and heaped spoonfuls of both preserves into the middle of his oatmeal bowl.

 

Atomica sat down opposite him, hurriedly helping herself to food. Warily her eyes shifted between her daughter and 17 every few minutes. Yet 17 simply ate his meal in silence, paying little mind to the excited babbling of the child. Sometimes he interjected with a `mmm,' or `uh huh' if she directed a question at him. Finally, after a half hour of this, Atomica finally relaxed and let herself enjoy the rest of their meal. Oddly, it felt domestic, taking her back to memories of what should have been. A man and woman with little girl enjoying a family breakfast.

 

“Mommy, why are you so quiet?” asked Curie.

 

“Mommy has to go someplace,” said Atomica. She stood up, taking the emptied plate that 17 passed her. Stacking Curie's on top, she carried them into the kitchen. 17 rested his chin on one hand, watching her flit nervously back and forth with the piles of dirty dishes.

 

“Where? Are you going on a trip with your dolly, Mr. 17?” asked Curie.

 

“That's right. Your mommy and I are going out to play,” said 17 in his smoothest and most charming voice. The next second he heard a noisy clatter of dishes landing in the sink.

 

“17,” Atomica whirled around and glanced at him panicked.

 

“Am I coming too?” asked Curie.

 

“I'm sorry honey, but you're going to be spending a few days with Nanny,” said Atomica, swallowing hard as she rushed back to the table.

 

“Aww, I wanna go with you!” Curie pouted.

 

“Honey, you love visiting Nanny. Maybe she'll take you to the amusement park?” said Atomica.

 

“Cool,” said Curie clapping her hands together. “But why do you have to go alone?”

 

"Your mom's in danger, kiddo," 17 leaned over and looked at the girl sitting there. "I'm going to protect her from the bad guys."

 

"Bad guys? You mean those cyborg machines?" asked Curie. She slid down from the chair and glanced up at him. 17 stood up as well. By now, Atomica had cleared the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher.

 

"One machine. He's a monster who can gobble anyone up alive," 17 said. "And I don't want him to eat your mom so I'm taking her someplace she can play hide and seek."

 

Sighing, Polly leaned down and hugged her daughter tightly. She smoothed the girl's hair and said, "17 will take care of me, honey. And Miss Root will take care of you. It's just like last time Mommy had to go away on a trip. Daddy will come by and pick you up for his visitation too. Remember he promised to take you on that field trip?"

 

"Oh yeah! He said we'd be going with my new mom… I mean Miss Tangy," said Curie excitedly. 17 curled up his lip at the slip of the child's tongue. Something smelled rotten when it came to the child's father. Not that it was his business, but he knew better then to pry into his lover's private life. Truth be told he'd rather the kid be out of the way with what he had planned.

 

"Yes mommy! I love you!" she said and let her mom pick her up. The knock at the door made 17 flinch and reach for one of the pistols on his holster.

 

"That's just Miss Root. Now promise you'll be a good girl for her. And also Daddy and Miss Tangy? I might be gone a while."

 

"Okay mommy!" she said excitedly, swinging her legs as Polly reached for the bolts on her door to open it.

 

"17 wait here," said she. Grunting 17 stood just inside the kitchen. He watched the door open on the redheaded young nanny, and ducked out of sight pressing himself to the wall. He heard the greetings exchanged and the laugh of the woman.

 

"But that doesn't mean I don't love you. I just want to keep you safe from the monsters," said Polly. She swallowed guiltily realizing that one of the 'monsters' was the young man standing in the kitchen with the duster coat swirling around his sneaked feet.

 

"Ohh honey she knows that," said the Nanny. "So are you going to wave goodbye to your mommy?"

 

"Just like last time? Like our special goodbye?" said Curie. She closed her eyes and let the Nanny take her hand.

 

"Till later. Count to twenty. And remember mommy loves you," said she, kissing her daughter's cheek. They always played this game when she would have to leave. Nanny Root understood, carrying the girl down the hall to her room. When she was gone, she squeezed her eyes shut.

 

"17, let's leave now," she said. Silently he stepped out of the kitchen, an amused look on his face.

 

"Interesting little game. You do that each time you leave her?"

 

"Yes. Now let's go before I change my mind," she snapped.

 

Android 17 nodded, and then strode over to the pair of French doors leading to the balcony. He swung them open, and then beckoned with a finger to her. She grabbed her jacket and purse then joined him. Both stepped onto the balcony, and 17 took her hand in his. He wrapped his arm around her from behind, gently raising them into the air so his coat flapped around them both. Protectively his arms wrapped around her torso and he turned her to face him so she hooked one arm around his neck. Far below the city shrank and she clutched him tightly.

 

"Hang on, I'm not holding back, Doc," 17 warned her.

 

They sped up rapidly, soon only a distant speck on the horizon. Dr. Atomica squeezed her eyes shut and thanked the gods that nobody could trace a Cyborg. Or so she hoped. Neither he nor his sister gave any ki signature due to their unique battery configuration.

 

Dr. Polly Atomica had heard from Krillin about the being known as Cell. She had agreed to go with Android 17 the morning after, only on the condition that she could leave her child with someone safe. Impatiently 17 waited in her apartment as she called her nanny. Tense minutes he waited for the woman to arrive. Leaving her child in the care of her nanny at Capsule, she would let 17 carry her away.

 

Android 17 had said he would be back shortly. Polly wasn't sure what to believe. The past two days had been packed with ecstasy and agony: the sighing of silk sheets contrasting with the vigilant 17 jumping at almost every noise. Each morning she would awaken wrapped in his arms, only to have him blast off shortly after breakfast to scout around.

 

She did not question this in front of him. Nevertheless instinct screamed that one of these times he would not return. Not with that THING out there. So she filled her days with reading and television. 17 had appropriated a laptop she could use for checking emails in order to apprise Bulma she was all right. When she opened the email from her friend Bulma had given her silent understanding. Still she did not reveal to Bulma just HOW she had gone into hiding.

 

Because Dr. Gero's databanks included information on ALL red ribbon projects, she was worried that this thing might be after any of his 'creations'. Krillin had guessed when 18 came to him terrified that this thing had chased her. Only the intervention of 16 had saved her and 17 from being gobbled up. This resulted in 16 being taken to Capsule for extensive repairs by Gohan.

 

Guilt wracked her. What could she do a virtual prisoner of 17's good will away from the main action? As long as 17 kept her, he wouldn't attack the others. Still she guessed the temptation to face Cell would prove more then he could resist one of these days.

 

Sitting in the remote cabin that she had first marked time with Android 17 she suddenly heard a strange squeaking gait. The insectiod being stepped into view, spotted like a beetle. Long wings and a carapace on its back gave him the illusion of wearing a cape, and she shuddered in horror.

 

"Well well, I thought you'd be here," said the slightly hissing voice.

 

"Who… what ARE you?" she gasped, rushing backwards. Bolting for the door she raced outside. Then the thing was behind her, snaking out its long tail and wrapping it around her waist. Something moved, light gleaming off its body, and she screamed in terror to see that hulking creature that Krillin had described.

 

"Something in pursuit of perfection," he whispered, licking his lips. "And I'm almost there!"

 

"What… you… how?"

 

"Foolish girl. He's me. Inside here," laughed the monster.

 

"You… you're…"

 

"Twenty one. I know all about you, Dr. Carbonate. I absorbed the whole databank from Gero's computer, and all the knowledge of 17 is now part of me. He's here, and that's how I knew about you. Quite an interesting hobby he made you," the green monstrosity gritted.

 

Eaten by the monster Cell. The bottom fell out of her soul and Polly was terrified. Just as she had come to comprehend him, he was gone. But he was only a doll, wasn't he? Why should she have an attachment to a thing, a killing machine?

 

"You… you ate 17? Absorbed him?" she gasped.

 

"He wasn't willing. But he did see the advantages of joining me. I'm not sure his sister will prove so reasonable," Cell gurgled, hunched over and examining her like a cobra staking its prey.

 

"What do you WANT?"

 

"To be perfect. A perfect Cell," said he.

 

"Horrible," she whispered.

 

"Not so. I thought you of all beings would appreciate my perfection. But I am not yet complete. Only one more and I will be whole," he leered.

 

"Seventeen, if you're in there, please!" she begged.

 

"Oh I'm here, Doc," he laughed in that hissing voice. "The power… it's incredible. You should join us."

 

"I… what do you mean? You're… you are an amalgam of all that you absorb, is that it?"

 

"Very intelligent. You'd enjoy it. We'd be together you and I, forever," laughed Cell.

 

"No, oh god no," she pleaded. "Murderer!"

 

"You will be with me," laughed Cell. "Together forever."

 

"My daughter!" she cried. Then the last thing she remembered was her life force ebbing away as Cell held her up with one hand around her neck. Predatory eyes gleamed into hers, with a mean grin. Next thing she remembered was a horrible tail whipping up with a yawning gap. That horrible tail shot down and then oblivion happened.

 

Who am I?

 

You are us. All of us are one.

 

No, I am me… an individual.

 

There is no individual. Only Cell, the imperfect who will become the Supreme Being on Earth.

 

Strength, great power

 

You and I will be together forever, doc. Become one with perfection.

 

No, I cannot…

 

18 has joined us. Though she resists like you, it is only a few who are privileged to have a moment of self awareness before they unite.

 

I'll NEVER be part of you.

 

You say that now, but you cannot fight all of me.

 

Relent and join me. We will be one always.

 

My daughter is all alone. I've failed to protect her.

 

Sooner or later she will join us. Join me. Your mind will add to mine, your knowledge part of a greater whole. Is that not the aim of those that wish to be remembered? I am immortal and as such you will be. I can never die, and neither can you. Either join willingly or be absorbed.

 

Seventeen how can you let him control you?

 

I AM him. I am Cell. I am complete.

 

I cannot fight. Too many, drowning.

 

Take my hand Polly. Don't be afraid. Only by merging can we survive.

 

This is insanity. 17 come forward and talk to me!

 

He is here. We are ALL here. I am Cell, I am complete.

 

Please help me! Don't do this!

 

Brother, stop this! You don't know what a monster you've become.

 

Sister, you'll join us one way or another. If you fight there is a greater chance you will be destroyed.

 

17 how can you do this!

 

I don't want to perish. I want to live. And you will live too, forever, Doc. Don't be afraid. I said I'd protect you and I will.

 

You bastard.

 

It's the only way, Sis. We've lost. You can't stop this from happening.

 

I can't believe you'd do this.

 

She doesn't deserve to have the privilege of awareness in my higher mind. Her knowledge alone will remain, but none of her abilities.

 

You won't harm her. I will protect her. Dr. Polly Carbonate, join me.

 

I'm frightened I don't want to die! Please, for the sake of my daughter don't let him do this!

 

Reaching out to feel the hand that extended. Strong arms clutched her close to his slender body. 17 surrounded her with the strong radiance of his being. Supported by his mind trace she was dragged away into the radiant nucleus. Terrified and yet fiercely strong.

 

Only when you willingly join. Till then you are part of me who was once 17. She won't join willingly. And I will not let her be destroyed.

 

You fight me, 17 when you willingly joined? What uses have you for this human spark? She is intelligent but her body is so weak.

 

She is mine. I own her, I chose her. I alone can possess her. She is part of me now, and you will not have her directly. She will sleep inside me as I join with you.

 

Polly was part of a greater being, and she heard the voices of many crying out in fear. Wrapped in the light of his rogue soul she vanished into hibernation. The part that was still 17 sealed her spark away inside his own, and returned to the core of Cell's being. 18 fought kicking and screaming, but the tendrils snared her as well.