Spirit - Another Dragon Ball Fanfiction

Chapter 24: No More Nightmares

(3 Years Later)

Yamcha headed out to meet the others, since today was the day that the androids showed up. Once he got to the island, he located the others and trudged slowly up to them. "Hey, everybody." Bulma walked up beside him, a baby boy in her arms. Krillin looked over and noticed the toddler, and his expression brightened. "Hey, look at that! Bulma's got a baby with her! Is he yours, Yamcha?" Yamcha stared at the ground, unable to bring himself to meet the eyes of his friends. "No. We broke up a while ago- for good." He leaned against the wall and folded his arms, staring at the sky sadly. "The kid isn't my son." 

Everyone looked confused, and Gohan began to ask "Then who-" "Vegeta." Yamcha replied, closing his eyes and sighing. "Huh?!" "Vegeta." Yamcha said again, as if that would explain everything. Tien cleared his throat. "Um, anyway, we should look for the androids. Today is when they show up, after all." Bulma nodded. "You should go. By the way, his name is-" "Trunks?" Goku asked. 

Bulma blinked. "How did you-" "I, uh, must've gotten lucky!" Goku immediately replied, smiling nervously. Bulma shrugged. "Alright, but still, I was planning to keep it a surprise until later..." Piccolo turned to face the others. "Let's go. Everyone scout the island. If you see or find anything, send out a signal by raising your energy or something." He flew off. Yamcha suddenly noticed that two people were absent. "Hey, where are Vegeta and Marorizu?" Goku frowned. "I dunno." Yamcha grimaced. "Oh, well. We're just gonna have to make do without 'em, I guess." The others nodded and flew away. Yamcha flew into the city, a determined look on his face. Here I come, Dr. Gero. 

Yamcha found that the doctor and Android 19 were wreaking havoc throughout the city. He watched in shock as Dr. Gero strangled a truck driver. Yamcha scowled and stepped out from his hiding place. "Hey, androids!" Dr. Gero and Android 19 turned around, surprised. Dr. Gero's eyes narrowed. "Ah, yes. Yamcha, was it? You're one of Goku's friends." Yamcha took a fighting stance. "And I'm also the guy who's about to kick your smug rear all the way to Otherworld." Gero chuckled. "You're amusing. This might be a good chance to absorb some energy, though." He raised a hand, revealing a pink orb attached to his palm. 

Yamcha grimaced. I need to watch out for that energy absorption device. Gero rushed forward and attempted to grab Yamcha, but Yamcha quickly leaned out of the way and kicked Gero into a building. The building fell on top of him, but luckily all the people inside had fled. Gero stood and raced forward again, but Yamcha easily dodged him again, this time stepping to the side and then punching him in the jaw. Gero went flying, but quickly stood and said "19! Assist me." Yamcha heard the other, bulbous android speak in a high-pitched, robotic voice. "Yes, Dr. Gero." Yamcha turned to see Android 19 charging, and he clenched his teeth. I might've bitten off more than I could chew here. But Yamcha steeled himself and jumped out of the way of 19's rampage. As 19 tried to stop, Yamcha turned in midair and hurled an energy blast down at the android. 

The blast scored a hit, and Yamcha landed on the ground as dust went up. When the smoke cleared, 19's hat was missing, and he had acquired some bruises. 19 turned around, and Yamcha noticed something strange- the android was laughing. Why is he- A hand clamped over Yamcha's mouth. Yamcha's eyes widened as Gero grinned evilly and began to drain his energy. Yamcha tried to scream- but Gero's hand muffled the noise. A stabbing pain erupted in Yamcha's chest as Gero's free hand went through it.

Yamcha crumpled to his knees, his eyes squeezed shut. Not again! Not again- I... I won't... Even after using the Dragon Balls, nightmares of this very moment had plagued Yamcha ever since the arrival of Raditz. There were times when he lay in his bed, wide awake, unable to rest, haunted by dreams of Gero draining his energy while laughing that chilling, maniacal laugh. Yamcha's eyes opened, and his anger reached the boiling point. He began to stand up, tearing Gero's hand off of his mouth, his eyes wild with fury. Yamcha began to power up, screaming in anger. "Kaio-ken... TIMES 20!!"