Chapter 15 Last Stand
Cooler's footsteps thudded heavily as he strode toward the two androids. With every step he took, the Lookout trembled a little longer, its sacred platform quivering under the pressure of his power.
"I'm asking you one last time," He said, voice cold as ice, eyes gleaming with menace. "Is what this Earth woman said true or not?"
Cooler loomed over Android 17, but to the android, the intimidation didn't register, there was no pressure, no fear.
"So what if it is? So what if it isn't?" 17 replied with a smirk. "Let me make something clear, you're not even worth me lifting a finger."
He turned slightly, cracking his neck. "Sis, I'm guessing you're itching for a warm-up too?"
Beside him, Android 18 cracked her knuckles, grinning confidently.
"Fine by me. I'll handle this oversized lizard."
Before her words had fully left her mouth, a towering figure flashed into her vision as Cooler launched himself skyward, still in his third transformation. Though it shared the same structure as Frieza's, his form was far more massive.
He looked like a predator descending on his prey, his fist cocked back like a wrecking ball aimed straight at 17.
But before the blow could land, a slender figure darted in front of him, Android 18.
She twisted at the waist, her fist flying forward with precision.
Boom!
Their fists collided in midair, sending a shockwave through the Lookout. The blast pressure rattled the windows and cracked the floor beneath them. The others quickly ducked behind Son Gohan as the storm of energy surged.
Gohan's aura blazed to its peak, his energy shielding the others as best he could.
'I just hope the Lookout holds together until Vegeta shows up…'
'Vegeta Ojisan… you've felt Cooler's ki by now, right?'
Boom!
Another impact. Android 18 held her ground, matching Cooler blow for blow. Trunks narrowed his eyes, watching every move.
(As expected… the androids in my future timeline weren't this powerful. Cooler's able to hold his own against her, but if this were the Android 18 from our main timeline, she'd have flattened him in a single hit.)
High above the Lookout, two figures clashed, one massive, one compact, flashing across the sky in rapid bursts. Their movements blurred from speed, fists trading thunderous strikes.
But over time, a shift became clear.
Cooler was starting to breathe harder. Meanwhile, Android 18 looked composed. Calm. She hadn't even broken a sweat.
"You think you're fit to rule the galaxy?" She sneered. "Please. I'll send you packing right alongside your pathetic little brother."
She vanished mid-sentence, reappearing right in front of Cooler, her body twisting at unnatural speed. Cooler wiped a smear of spit from his mouth, his muscles tensing as he lunged again.
"Don't you dare compare me to Frieza! That arrogant fool was nothing but a disgrace!"
Their bodies collided again like fired shells.
Boom!
This time, Android 18's fist slammed straight into Cooler's gut. Cooler's eyes bulged, his body doubling over. Saliva shot from his mouth as his frame curled like a crushed tin can.
Android 18 smirked, her lips curling with amusement and contempt.
Cooler stared at her, stunned.
'She's not a Saiyan… she's not even an alien… she's just… an Earthling?!'
'And she hurt me?!'
The shame burned hotter than the pain.
Boom!
In a blur of motion, Cooler's thick tail whipped around, striking like a serpent. It caught Android 18 clean across the side, sending her spiraling toward the ground like a falling star.
As she tried to right herself mid-air, a shadow eclipsed her and Cooler dove after her with fury blazing in his eyes. Two massive legs slammed into her chest, hammering her downward with brutal force. Android 18 crashed hard, the impact shaking the Lookout again. She grit her teeth, this wasn't going to be easy.
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh!
Suddenly, a volley of ki blasts rained down from the sky.
Cooler's attention snapped to the edge of the Lookout, Android 17 stood there, arms crossed, smirking provocatively.
"Damn it!" Cooler growled through clenched teeth.
In that instant, Android 18 sprang into action. Her arms uncrossed in a sharp motion, and from the center of her chest, a brilliant energy blast exploded forward.
Cooler, seasoned by countless battles, reacted on instinct. He twisted his body just in time, narrowly dodging the incoming blast.
He retreated a short distance, breathing heavily as he glared at Android 18, his golden eyes narrowing.
'This woman... doesn't tire?!'
"Hmph! Sneaky little worm!" Cooler barked, directing a venomous glance at 17. "I'll settle things with you later!"
Android 17 didn't so much as flinch. Instead, he tilted his head and gave his sister a teasing look.
"Sis… that's all he's got?"
Android 18's eyes narrowed, her brows twitching in irritation as she bared her teeth.
"Hmph! Don't underestimate me. Let's go again!"
With renewed fire in her heart, she launched herself forward, aura blazing. Cooler watched the siblings intently. They weren't like ordinary Earthlings at all, no, they were something entirely different.
'They're dangerous. I need to end this now. Fine. Time to transform.'
Whoosh, Whoosh, Whoosh!
The air itself trembled as Cooler's ki surged. Darkness seemed to stir around him, the very night turning restless.
A tremendous power exploded from his body, the force rippling across the sky. Even the massive Korin Tower below began to groan under the pressure.
Atop the tower, Korin clung to the railing with all his might. He'd seen many fierce battles in his time, but never one with such terrifying power. The Lookout itself shuddered from the shockwaves echoing up through the tower's spine.
Just then, a door in one corner of the Lookout creaked open.
A man in a slightly worn battle suit stepped into the open.
His expression was composed, unwavering. As he walked forward, even the wind stirred up by Cooler's transformation seemed to part for him.
He didn't blink. He didn't slow down.
Step by step, Vegeta approached the group taking shelter behind Gohan.
With a soft thump, he rested a firm hand on Bulma's shoulder. She spun around, startled, but the moment she saw his face, her eyes lit up with relief.
"Vegeta! You're out early?! I thought you said you'd stay in for two full days!"
As Bulma spoke in surprise, Trunks suddenly looked up. Seeing his father's calm, stern face filled him with a surge of hope. Then Vegeta turned to Gohan, placing himself between the boy and the battle raging in the sky.
"Gohan," He said, voice low but resolute, "It's your turn. Go into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with Mr. Popo."
Gohan flinched in surprise. He hadn't even noticed Vegeta's approach.
When did Vegeta Ojisan get next to me? I didn't feel a thing...
He's mastered suppressing his aura completely!
Nodding quickly, Gohan called out, "Mr. Popo! Let's go! I want to grow stronger, strong enough to fight like Vegeta Ojisan!"
With renewed resolve, Gohan turned to enter the Time Chamber.
But just before he could take a step, Vegeta reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Wait." Vegeta's voice was heavy. "Do you know how Piccolo died?"
Gohan froze.
"He was torn apart by the androids," Vegeta said. "His body... just chunks of meat."
The memory struck Gohan like a lightning bolt. His fists clenched, eyes trembling with anger and grief. He turned toward the entrance to the Time Chamber again, this time with fire in his heart, and walked in without hesitation.
Vegeta stood quietly, his focus shifting to the presence looming nearby.
Cooler.
That Ki, it was both alien and familiar.
It was this energy that had drawn Vegeta out of the Time Chamber earlier than planned. Because this Ki reminded him of someone from long ago... someone merciless. Someone dangerous.
To protect the people he cared about, Vegeta couldn't wait.
He slowly made his way to the edge of the Lookout and gazed down at Cooler, who was mid-transformation, power still rising.
Transforming, huh? Well, I can do that too.
Vegeta smirked.
Then he dropped from the Lookout, descending toward the battlefield below.
(End of Chapter)
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