Fighting, Sibling Unity, and...the Predator?


   I don't own Akira Toriyama's stroke of genius, Dragon Ball Z, much as I would enjoy that. I don't own the Predator, either, or anything associated with him. That includes the awesome weapons and camouflaging equipment, not to mention the wicked cool self destruct device that Heero would drool over.
   A/N: Sentences in italics are thoughts. Out of necessity, I've increased the Predator's speed and strength; otherwise he couldn't compete with ki-manipulating beings. As if you didn't know, these events take place before his untimely end at the hands of Ahnold the Magnificent. *snickers* Also, as I hadn't seen much past the Cell saga when I started this, some of the characters may be slightly ooc from what they are now. Sorry. This fic is set in the Android Saga, before #16 was awakened.
   Ch. 1
    "Remind me why we're doing this again." It was a demand, not a request; and the blond, beautiful android was in no mood to be ignored. Turning to her twin brother impatiently, she 'asked' again. "Well?"
    Raven haired, calculating Juunanagou took his eyes off the highway for a moment. Glancing at her, then back at the road, he replied calmly, as he always did when faced with his serious, mission-focused sister. Or anyone else, for that matter.
    "Because it'll be fun."
    Crossing her arms, Juuhachigou sighed in disgust.
    "Really, 17, you're hopeless."
    Juunana smirked, finding this amusing for reasons that would be unfathomable to anyone but Juuhachi. "Hopelessly intrigued with the idea of new experiences, yes. 18, aren't you the least bit interested in seeing what Gero's kept us from for years?" A bitter expression crossed his face at the thought of the mad scientist, twisting the usually smooth and even features into ones of hate and loathing.
    18 looked at her brother and friend with mixed feelings. She empathized and sympathized completely, but saw no reason to dwell on the past. Knowing that their confinement by Gero had been a living hell for 17, who had an very active and intelligent personality, 18 just couldn't see why he continued to relive the torture mentally. Although, she recalled sardonically, it hadn't been exactly enjoyable for her, either.
  
   ***
    A tall, green 'man' wearing a dark blue fighting suit overlapped with a white cape and matching turban was the very picture of pride, as he levitated high above the earth, coaching an eight year old boy with clothes matching his own-minus the cape and turban-in the martial arts.
    "Alright Gohan, that's enough for today."
    His gruff voice scared children and adults alike; however, it caused this particular child to smile and nod in acquiescence.
    "Okay, Mr. Piccolo!" the boy called out enthusiastically, floating down and landing on the beach in front of Kame House with an ease gained only by hard work and dedication.
  
   ***
    Juuhachi-as Dr. Gero had renamed her-could hardly remember what her existence had been prior to the...modifications...that 'the good doctor' had made to Juunanagou and herself.
    "17..."
    She hesitated then, unwilling to bring up yet another source of pain for them. Looking out at the passing scenery, she forced herself to continue.
    "Can you remember what it was like before Gero?" The sense of loss with which she said this caused 17 to inhale sharply, and look at her with thinly veiled concern.
    There, I've said it. Now he can't pretend he doesn't think about it too. Closing her eyes, 18 waited for the rebuff she knew would come next. 17 didn't encourage comments about their past, and as far as 18 knew, it was because he simply didn't know.
    So, she finally asked...I didn't think she would.
    17 was surprised, though it scarcely showed. He had always wanted to talk to 18 about this, but had never felt comfortable in bringing the subject up himself. Discussing his childhood didn't fit his idea of a cold and calculating killing machine. This opinion of himself Gero was able to successfully implant in his mind, despite his intense hatred of the selfish genius.
    Teaching 17 to regard himself as nothing but a heartless bringer of destruction had been rewarding for Dr. Gero, but this accomplishment came with a price-the ultimate price. Gero had inadvertently empowered the very being that would kill him. The irony of it caused 17 to smile occasionally, even in situations where humor was uncalled for.