Long Distance Communication

Epilogue 2/Chapter 23: What If?

Krillin made himself comfortable on the carpeted floor of a mostly wooden living room, his body covered in thick blanket and his hands holding a cup of hot chocolate as dark and rich as his eyes. The emotional brown orbs lingered on several photographs hanging on the wooden wall, taking in all the breathtaking natural sceneries on Monster Island.

"I must admit I'm a bit jealous of you Seventeen, looks like you have quite a lot of fun on the job." The former monk said with his eyes glistening in admiration.

Seventeen, who was sitting on a rocking chair opposite from the short statured fighter, took note of his sincere tone and couldn't help but felt his lips curved up in a smirk. "What did I tell you Krillin? I said I'd have a blast here right?" he proclaimed proudly bumping his chest.

Never to leave its companion alone, the eagle perched on the artificial human's shoulder flapped its now fully matured wings energetically while shrieking loudly seemingly in agreement.

"That you did Seventeen! That you did!" Krillin smiled as he took a sip on the steamy drink feeling the soothing drink coursing down his throat.

Seventeen raised his eyebrow at his guest's joyful expression. "Now be honest with me okay Krillin," he began in a teasing manner, "are you happy for me or is sister dearest the reason you are enjoying yourself."

Eighteen immediately stopped twirling her fingers around her boyfriend's now overgrown hair and rolled her eyes. The cyborg girl had curled up on a couch right behind the pure human, giving her the perfect position to play with those firm sturdy strands to her heart's content akin to a cat obsessed with yarn.

"Very funny little bro, we are all happy for you, especially Krillin!" she sent him one of her famous deadpanned glare.

The younger twin merely chuckled at her defensiveness. "Hey calm down sis. I'm just fooling around here. No need to get hostile for your little Kril," he made sure to emphasize "Kril" by rolling his tongue and dragging the end syllabus. The trick did its job too, seeing those pale cheeks of his older twin became rosy red.

Krillin sensed his girlfriend's fingers tensed up and reached for her hand on impulse, gently stroking her fair skin with his own calloused ones. "Common sweetie, can't you see this is your brother's way of being happy for us? I mean would he make fun of us like this if he disapproves our relation?"

Eighteen gazed at the back of Krillin's messy head then at her mischievous sibling's grin and sighed.

By Sixteen, I think sometimes Krillin knows my twin brother better than I do...

"I guess you are right Kril. You hear that baby bro? I forgive you."

It was Seventeen's turn to roll his eyes. "Since when did I need your forgiveness sis?" He finished by sticking out his tongue.

The elder sister almost snorted but decided to turn her attention to the many photos on the wall, her inquisitive eyes lingering on a few photos in particular.

Making fun of me and Krillin will you? Well you got quite a lot of loose ends for me to pick on yourself!

"So Seventeen," the cyborg girl began, trying her best at imitating her playful counterpart's tone and to her surprise, she kind of enjoyed it, feeling a devious smirk taking over her otherwise angelic face.

The subject of her conversation shuddered at the faux nonchalant tone. Looking over to where his twin's cat-like eyes were glued to, the younger brother cursed to himself mentally for not hiding certain photos, his complexion now white as chalk.

Oh no don't you dare sis!

The killer-cyborg-turned-park-ranger flashed his own death glare but it didn't seemed to have any effect much like how hers failed to work on him.

"I was just wondering how far along is your relationship with...what's her name?" the blonde paused long enough for her words to sink under her sibling's skin all the while snickering internally at his unamused expression.

Krillin, oblivious to the reason behind his sweetie's musical voice other than he found it strangely expressive and oddly charming, tried answering her question but a firm grasp on the former monk's hair silenced him before he could utter a word.

"Ah yes, Carly, that's her name. What a lovely name don't you think baby bro? Anyways just how far have you gotten with Carly?"

Seventeen was now sweating bullets. "I...we...you know sis, we are just casually dating,"

"Oh?" Eighteen arched a blonde eyebrow. "Are you sure? Cause you two looked pretty intimate over there!" she pointed at a picture of Seventeen and Carly together.

All eyes, let them be sly feline orbs or genuinely confused rounded ones, rested on a beautifully framed image of a couple riding the same horse. In it, a merry young man wore an unblemished smile, his arms wrapped tightly around a giggling redhead's waist. The pair appeared to be in their own world, their mouth opened no doubt letting out cheerful laughter that Eighteen could almost hear through time and space.

"Well, that's none of your business sis! Just go back to concentrating on your Kril will ya?"

"Now that's just cold! Don't you think as your older sister it's my right to look after you? I mean does Carly even know who you really are?" the sister stated sounding somewhat serious now, her eyes narrowing and the light blue turning a darker shade.

"No sis, you are not my babysitter! And no I haven't told Carly yet. She just thinks I'm some kind of superman."

As the two began their usual sibling bickering resembling two average teenagers, Krillin studied the many photos more carefully; taking note of how carefree they were, laughing like any ordinary human couple.

No one could've imagined the boy is really a cyborg with enough power to destroy the whole world...and sweetie has a point, does Carly know about Seventeen's unique biology?

"You and Carly do look very happy though Seventeen. She looks pretty nice and I think she'll accept you for who you are." The cultured warrior sounded sincere.

The twins stopped hurling colorful insults at each other, both sporting almost identical expressions bearing traces of shock and please.

"Y-you think so Krillin?" Seventeen stammered for the first time in Krillin's memory, showing no traces of joking around.

The cultured former monk observed the rarely seem other side of Seventeen, taking note of how intense the cyborg looked, his youthful face maturing several years in a span of seconds. Unable to find the right word to reassure his friend, the pure human could only nod.

"Glad to hear that Krillin. You got good eyes, unlike that no good sister of mine!" Seventeen let out a big sigh of relief and was joined in by the accipitradae's cry.

"Hey I'm just concerned that's all baby bro, someone has to say it!" Eighteen protested.

"Whatever my elderly sister," Seventeen huffed but sounded much more at ease. "Anyways back to the topic of the party, I probably won't be joining you guys. Too busy here you see and I've got Carly and everyone else to look after."

Eighteen's eyes dimmed as did her hopeful expression. "Fine, suit yourself Seventeen...but don't hesitate if you change your mind kay?"

The younger brother nodded. "Of course sis, now why don't we do something fun, like having some roasted meat?" as he talked, the raven-haired youth made his way to the fridge and took out a plate of raw meat that made saliva dripping down his lips.

The older sister chuckled at her sibling's behavior but her mind was pre-occupied with something more important. "Now where'd that meat came from bro? Don't tell me it's from this island."

To say Seventeen looked mortified was an understatement, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips curved downward into a frown. "Very funny sis, but there's no way a park ranger such as myself would harm any of my animals. I bought this meat somewhere else. Now shut up and help me prepare our supper okay?"

"Kay little Seventeen!" Eighteen said nonchalantly getting off her comfortable seat; her fingers finally disentwined with Krillin's hair.

"Hey, I'll help too." Krillin offered.

The quartet made their way to the kitchen where Seventeen started the stove and began preparing for dinner while the bird of prey watched from the sideline, unsure what to do other than stare at the juicy meat hungrily.

Krillin and Eighteen put their vast experience of making meal for their housemates to good use and categorized the different animal parts into neat orders. Although the pair appeared to be concentrated on the task at hand, their hands would occasionally brush against each other's as if by accident and lingered on each other just long enough to draw suspicion.

For the male cyborg, cooking for his family proved to be a refreshing change and he did it with glee, his emotions exhibiting in his over exaggerated gestures. While he was immersed in the delicate art of meat preparation, Seventeen never failed to notice how in-sync the couple beside him was as they placed the raw food in neat order, their hands never interrupting one another despite the busy workload save for the exception of some questionable skin contact. Deciding not to make too much of a fuss about this cute sight, he instead diverted his attention to the hungry bird and casually tossed a spare leg to the eagle that began pecking it clean.

At the dinner table, Seventeen's colorful tales of Monster Island dominated the conversation as he articulated stories behind the many unexplained photos, smiling the whole time. The energetic ranger carefully avoided any picture containing him and the redhead though, and while his two guests were tempted to interrogated him about his personal life, they chose to dig deeper into his many adventures which the cyborg gladly overwhelmed them with details.

"I know you are busy but try making it to the party okay?" Eighteen muttered to her brother hours later after the four of them had taken their resting spots on the carpeted floor wrapped in blankets.

The cyborg girl was sandwiched between her boyfriend who had wrapped his muscular arms around her waist firmly from behind and her carefree brother in front of her. Within eyesight was Seventeen's eagle perched on the sofa already fast asleep.

"I'll...think of something sis," Seventeen said quietly, trying not to wake up a snoring Krillin whose only response to his words was to snuggle closer against his twin's back.

That Krillin might think he's jealous of me but I'm the one envious of his and sister dear's relationship. Makes me wonder if Carly and me will ever become this close?

"Thanks bro," the cyborg girl replied with a sisterly smile reserved only for her brother that all but made refusal an impossible task.

Man, a day away from Carly is going to be challenging...but I suppose I'll do it for my family...

The cybernetic duo soon drifted into a peaceful slumber akin to two teenagers at a sleepover party, carried to dreamland by snores of one another.

"So, the other cyborg is also coming heh? I sure hope he wouldn't do anything reckless," Oolong muttered as he hauled several boxes into the shared hover car.

What's wrong with this animal? Doesn't he know Seventeen and me aren't the same as the killers from that other time line? Well whatever, I had better things to do then arguing with this dumbass!

Eighteen huffed but didn't bothered replying, instead opting to put another luggage into the backseat without sparing him a glance.

"Common Oolong, Seventeen's a good guy just like Eighteen. I'm sure you'll like him." Krillin reassured as he climbed into the driver's seat.

"Yeah, well with Eighteen I can understand you liking her but Seventeen too?" Oolong complained crossing his arms.

"Hmph, knowing you, you'll probably like any females with a nice figure!" the blonde cyborg shot the pig a frosty glare.

Rather than embarrassing him as intended, Oolong merely scratched his head, his cheeks crimson red just like the stream of liquid dripping down his nostrils. "Now that's something I wouldn't disagree with!"

"Oh yeah, you said it pig! Anything with boobs and nice ass is good for me!" Roshi joined his fellow pervert drooling like mad.

Eighteen gritted her teeth and clenched her fists but underneath her feisty exterior, her skin was crawling with unease. The blonde turned around to look at Krillin, questioning him silently if there was anything they could do while the pair had their pervert mode on.

The former monk could only shook his head.

"You can't be serious Kril, is it even safe to bring these guys to Chichi's house? What if Gohan sees them acting like this?" she mouthed quietly.

"Don't worry sweetie, everyone's used to their stupidity, you'll see." Krillin reassured grasping his partner's hand in a firm squeeze.

The designated driver turned on the ignition and the vehicle roared into life as it began climbing altitude, until it shook abruptly and stopped gaining height.

"Hey what's going on here? Are we about to crash?" Oolong muttered fearfully.

"No don't worry Oolong. Everything's working perfectly." Krillin said calmly as he checked and rechecked the monitors.

Eighteen sighed but didn't make a move, knowing whatever problem they have, Krillin can probably handle it by himself. She felt the hovercraft slowly lifting off once more, only to be jerked back onto the ground as if someone was tugging at it then her eyelids snapped wide opened.

"He's here!" she announced opening the front passenger's door and leapt outside.

"Who's here...oh...," Krillin's voice changed from that of bewildered to realization, his hand palming his forehead. "Of course it's him. Only Seventeen would do such a thing!"

True to Eighteen's prediction, Seventeen was standing behind the vehicle, his hand grasping the back wheels, effectively keeping the car grounded. Occasionally, the cyborg would tug at the car playfully giving it a few jerks. In his big sister's view, her brother was handling a toy and not actual transportation as he manhandled the steel construct with ease.

"Hey little bro, that's quite a stunt you pulled!" Eighteen greeted with a defeated smile.

"Sorry sis, but you can't blame me for wanting to ride with you guys right?" Seventeen flashed a sly smirk.

Once everyone was on the ground, Krillin made his way beside Seventeen and gave him a hearty pat on the back. "Allow me to introduce you all to Seventeen, he's a park ranger at Monster Island and will be joining us today!"

"Hey yall, good to be here again and yeah, I'm Seventeen!" the raven-haired youth proudly declared, his piercing blue eyes studying his sister's housemates critically.

My, what a bunch of weirdos...then again sister dear's always had a weird taste...

Roshi took the time to gauge this new arrival, his hard gaze softening at the sight of the eagle perched on the cyborg's shoulder. Seemingly satisfied, the old man took several gentle yet confident steps forward and offered Seventeen's a hand.

His gesture with met with a firm handshake.

"Good to see you again, brother of Eighteen. I see you've brought a friend with you. Well if the bird trust you then I suppose I can trust you too." Roshi said sounding pleasantly surprised.

"Thanks Roshi, I'll be on my best behavior." Seventeen replied earnestly.

Oolong meanwhile appeared as if he was unsure what to do in the presence of their guest as his cheeks continued to change between deathly pale and rosy pink.

"Hey, what's wrong with this pig?" the cyborg raised an eyebrow.

"A-are you sure you are a guy?" Oolong blurted out.

An eerie silence followed before all burst out into loud laughter, including Krillin who was clutching his belly in his hands and even Eighteen who let out a few chuckles.

"Are you blind or what? Of course I'm a guy!" Seventeen spat not bothering to hide his displeasure, a sentiment his accipitradae friend shared as it let out a loud shriek.

"O-oh no, it's just...well...you looked just like Eighteen and uh...kind of girly...in a good way of course..." The intimidated pig continued, still unable to hide the blush on his face.

The artificial human's eyes were blinking red like an ambulance's siren and visible green electric currents leapt between his fingertips but before he could make a move, two pairs of arms quickly wrapped around his body.

"Just forget about that idiot baby bro. This happens all the time." Eighteen said putting on a big sisterly voice.

"Yeah, you'll get used to Oolong. He loves to mutter nonsense but doesn't mean you any harm." Krillin chimed in.

Seventeen kept his death glare on the pig for some time before eventually downing a cool expression. "Fine, but I want to drive this car." He stated mischievously, licking his lips and cracking his knuckles while eyeing the seemingly mundane vehicle in a way that made Krillin and Eighteen shared a wary look.

Four individuals all dizzy to different degrees poured out of the hovercraft the moment it landed. Amongst them, a certain pale-skinned pig fared the worst as he stumbled left and right, covering his quivering mouth with both hands until he finally managed to swallow back whatever content that was threatening to escape his mouth.

"Someone please remind me to never let that lunatic drive again!" Oolong held onto his head trying to stop the spinning imageries.

"Yeah no kidding, and to think I almost considered him a good guy." Roshi adjusted his knocked off center sunglasses.

Krillin was also stumbling a bit and had to hold onto Eighteen to steady himself. Looking at his companion, he could tell she wasn't having the time of her life either with her usually well-groomed golden hair a mess. Gingerly, he ran his heavily calloused fingers through those out of place locks until they've regained their beautiful luster. "You know Eighteen, I have to agree with those two. I think Seventeen overdid this time."

The cyborg girl smiled at his warm gesture and returned in kind by rubbing his back in circular motions, gradually loosening her companion's tense body.

The star of the show took his time emerging from the driver's seat; however, not forgetting to stretch his limbs once freeing himself from the tight confines. "Well, I say that was a fun ride wouldn't you agree?" he teased, eyeing Oolong.

"Like hell it is! I'd rather ride a roller coaster than riding your car again!" Oolong whined.

Seventeen's only response was to let out a boyish laughter while clapping his hands triumphantly, that was until Eighteen strode up to him and clasped a hand on his shoulder.

"Behave baby bro." She mouthed those three words with a deadpanned expression.

"Hey common sis, I'm just getting back at the pig. I'll behave at Chichi's party I promise." He said still chuckling slightly.

"Oh there you guys are! What took you so long? Everyone's already at the party."

The concerned voice of a woman pulled them from their headaches as all turned to look at Chichi with her hands resting on her slender waist.

Eighteen couldn't help but observed the pure human female with awe, her cybernetic enhanced vision analyzing this brand new body and comparing it with the one Chichi sported months ago during her pregnancy, noting the absence of excessive fats and stubby limbs.

So this is her original figure? Just how much weight did she put on when carrying the kid?

Well, I'm glad she's got her body back though...sure hope having a child is worth the trouble...

"Hey Chichi, good to see you and wow you are looking amazing! Saving that dress for this special occasion?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by Krillin's cheerful words as he walked up to his best friend's widow. The cyborg turned her attention to the woman's choice of clothing and tried to recall if she had come across the garment when raiding the son's house a year ago.

Krillin's right, she does look good in a traditional dress. Too bad those aren't my style...wait, or does Krillin like woman in those?

By now, Roshi and Oolong had both made their way to their host too and Eighteen watched with trepidation, fearing the pervert duo would make some inappropriate remarks about Chichi's curves.

"Common Chichi, where's your new kid? You know I can't wait to hold my second grandchild!"

To Eighteen's relief, Roshi's grandfatherly voice was devoid of any hint of perversion. If anything, when the old man mouthed out the word "grandchild", the artificial human detected an alien quality she hadn't witnessed from the old man. Looking over to Chichi, the cyborg could tell the mentioning of her offspring had brought out something similar in the human, one that Eighteen had a lot of trouble pinpointing.

"Goten's inside the house looked after by my dad. You'll see him soon enough." Chichi then turned her glance to the cyborg twins and waved her hand wildly. "Hey Eighteen and Seventeen, come over here! Don't be a stranger!"

Seeing her former target's wife walking toward her, regardless whether they had met in the previous party, still caused the artificial human tense up slightly but she quickly reminded herself of the conversation they had last time, of the hug the two shared. In the brief lapse it took for the beautiful cyborg to close and open her eyes, Eighteen had shrugged off her discomfort and made her way to Chichi as well.

"You look good Chichi." The blonde remarked genuinely.

"Oh? You think so too Eighteen? Bulma said the same thing to me too." The now mother of two said happily then spun around in circle showing the cyborg girl her entire attire, "so what do you think of my new clothing?"

"I like it, and I'm glad I didn't find it when I came over your place the first time cause otherwise I would've taken it for myself." Eighteen said, evidently regretting her past action from the dip in her tone, but her words seemed to please Chichi who burst out in a heartfelt laughter.

"Hey don't worry about it Eighteen, we've been over this right? You need to stop being so serious girl!" the older woman patted the cyborg girl's back, reassuring her with the warm gesture.

"Thanks Chichi, by the way how'd you get such a dress?" Eighteen asked curiously.

"I'm glad you asked Eighteen. This is from Goku. He got it for our wedding anniversary." Chichi stated proudly.

"Oh...well Goku's got good eyes." It pains her to say it, but knowing if Goku meant as much to Chichi as Krillin is to her, there was no better complement.

"That he does...my Goku is very special. They say he only cares about training but there's another side to him," Chichi flashed Eighteen a sad grin, her eyes glistened as if she was in the past, living through that particular episode of her life all over again. The negative emotion soon evaporated though, transmuting into a smile without reserve, "anyways that's very kind of you Eighteen, but enough about the past, let's join the party what do you say?"

Eighteen couldn't help but to smile at the woman's candidness. The cyborg girl was reminded of a gift she and Krillin had brought for the wife of Goku; however, and after sharing a look with her Kril, she reached into her purse and took out a nicely sealed envelope.

"Here's a gift me and Krillin have been thinking of giving you Chichi."

The blonde woman watched with anticipation as Chichi gingerly opened the envelope. Krillin, who had decided to accompany his girl, now stood beside her, their hands clasped together in an unbreakable bond. Together, the couple was treated to the sight of their host holding a hand over her mouth in a pleasant surprise.

"Wow! Thanks a lot you two! How very sweat!"

Inside the envelope was a gift card to Satan's Children Store and along with it a neatly crafted letter:

Dear Chichi,

Me and Eighteen would like to thank you for inviting us to your party. Although you want to keep this a secret, we kind of know what's going on so please accept this gift from us. Also Eighteen would like to thank you personally for the warm reception last time. It means a lot to her.

Your Friends,

Krillin & Eighteen

The cozy Earthen interior of the Son residence was even more crowded than it had been months ago, it's wooden floor barely visible no thanks to the mountain of gifts piled atop one another. With the arrival of Krillin, Eighteen, and company, the celebratory atmosphere became even more overwhelming as the entire Turtle School fighters and their affiliates gathered in another reunion. The real star of the show wasn't any of the fighters; however, for the honor belonged to a tiny bundle held in Ox King's arms getting all the attention.

"Wow, just look at him. He looks kind of like Goku!" Krillin exclaimed looking at the infant sound asleep in his grandfather's arms.

"You think so too Krillin?" Gohan asked coming up beside his friend.

The former monk nodded as he observed the tiny facial features, especially the particular eyebrow, nose, and mouth that were already starting to resemble his best friend. "Yup, definitely Goku's kid alright. Just wait until he sees his second child, I bet he'll say the same thing."

"Yeah, I bet Goku will agree too." Tien remarked and his loyal companion Chiaotzu nodded in agreement.

Eighteen, who was standing beside Krillin, squinted her eyes as she tried to juxtapose images of Goku she had seem in photos onto the tiny half Saiyan's face. The more she worked her brain though, the more a crude digital image of Goku with the words "Primary Target" plastered all over it surfaced in her mind. Against her will, the cyborg girl's crystal blue orbs began blinking an artificial red so she hurriedly eradicated the blasted digital image and blinked until the flashing was gone.

"So what do you think sweetie? Do you think little Goten is just like his father?" Krillin's words pulled Eighteen out of her trance, his hand clasped around hers stroking her skin as if knowing something was wrong.

"I...I think so Kril, yeah he definitely looks like Goku," Eighteen tried to sound normal but Krillin didn't buy it and gave her a quick hug.

"It's Gero isn't it? I saw your eyes blinking sweetie," the boyfriend whispered into her ears trying not to arouse anyone's suspicion, "don't worry babe, you are with us now, you and Seventeen both."

The cyborg girl nodded gratefully and planted a quick kiss on Krillin's cheeks when no one was looking.

As the couple talked, Gohan had turned around to face a certain Prince of Saiyan currently sitting on the dining table already snacking away with his son on his laps. "You hear that Vegeta? We all agree my little brother looks just like dad!" the young demi-Saiyan shouted cheerfully.

Vegeta merely spared his rival's son an annoyed look. "Whatever you say Gohan, it's not like the baby possesses Kakarot's strength so before he does I'm not interested." As the prince said, he put a spoonful of half-solid food into Trunks's mouth and the baby eagerly swallowed it whole.

The whole room burst into laughter, including Eighteen who felt her world was once again brightened by this new circle of friends. Scanning around the room, none of the guests wore so much as a frown as they laughed to their hearts' content, and chief amongst these joyful people was her Kril holding onto his stomach. In fact, the human warrior was cracking up so hard he had to hold onto Seventeen who lent him an arm around his shoulder for support.

Guess you are right Kril...I'm part of this group, me and Seventeen both...

"Hey quiet, quiet you all! This is not a joke!" Vegeta bellowed in embarrassment.

"Aww common Veggie, there's no need to be so defensive is there? Besides you look great with kids." It was Bulma walking toward her disgruntled husband, giving him a smack on his back without a tinge of fear.

While everyone was lost in laughter at the Saiyan Prince's behavior, a baby's shrill voice turned all their eyes back to Goten now screaming on the top of his lungs in his grandfather's arms.

"Now now Goten, it's okay. Grandpa's here." Ox King cooed rocking his grandson back and forth but to no avail, seeing the crying only got worse.

"Hey, maybe I can help," Krillin offered and with a nod from Ox King, took the small Goten in his arms.

The former warrior began trying all sorts of methods he could think of in an effort to calm the infant. After trying rocking Goten and even whistling, Krillin began making funny faces, his already expressive face taking on different shapes. The trick seemed to pay off too as the baby began quieting down and even started giggling softly, which in turn brought out an ear-to-ear smile as Krillin's eyes became watery from how proud he felt.

He really does look just like Goku. It's as if I'm holding my best buddy in my arms...

"Wow Krillin, that was quite an impressive feat. No one has ever managed to quiet little Goten like that." Gohan said with hints of admiration in his tone.

"Ehh...y-you think so?" Krillin asked scratching his head.

"Of course we think so Krillin. And you know what else? I think you'll make an excellent father." Chichi stated confidently, crossed her arms in front of her chest.

At first, the pure human's body stiffened upon hearing the remark, his mouth slightly ajar not quite sure how to make of it. Once the comment sank in completely, though, he began blushing feverously. Eighteen too felt her temperature rising, whether from the fact all eyes were now glued onto her or from the thought of having a biological kid with someone she couldn't tell.

"I...a father...wow eh...haha...," the human warrior stuttered heavily, his mind already drifting somewhere else. He turned his attention to his girlfriend and for the first time since forever, the cyborg girl averted eye contact turning her crimson face the other way.

"Oh common guys, why so shy all the sudden? I'm sure Eighteen will make a great mother too!" Chichi said and without so much of a pause, picked up Goten from Krillin's arms before placing the baby into Eighteen's.

The former world-ending killer froze up feeling the infant landed in her arms. The small life's skin felt so smooth and his minuscule form so delicate and fragile, it was as if any unnecessary pressure could've ended his existence and the cyborg girl began shivering ever so slightly, her eyes wide opened in both awe and fear. Goten seemed to have felt the woman's apprehension too and his angelic face cringed up, a sign some major water work was about to take place.

No please don't cry in my arms...what would Krillin do? What would Sixteen do? Yeah, just imagine Krillin playing with Goten and Sixteen playing with birds and squirrels...that's right, be gentle Eighteen...

"I-it's alright little one. It's okay...you are safe with me...," Eighteen cooed and began rocking the infant awkwardly in her arms.

It was clear as day and night to all present that the young woman wasn't in her elements when handling kids and all expected the baby to burst into another episode of crying. Even Krillin, with all of his faith in Eighteen's humanity, was sweating bullets and praying secretly to Dende to let his girl make it out of this unscarred. Seventeen was gazing at his sister anxiously too, his eyes darting back and forth between Chichi and Eighteen with a displeased look, wondering why had the woman put his sibling through such a fuss.

Minutes passed and yet no cries came. Eighteen, now feeling slightly more confident, began gently stroking the infant's skin with minimum force. Slowly but surely, Goten's frown loosened up until his lips curved upwards and eventually, much to the z-gang's amazement, innocent laughter started escaping the baby's tiny mouth.

"Wow, I know Eighteen was a human before but never imagined she has some nice mother instincts." Yamcha remarked bewilderedly.

"Yeah sweetie, that was pretty impressive." Krillin wrapped an arm around her waist.

"See, what did I say? Eighteen's just like any other human female and can be a good parent once she puts her mind to it." Chichi nodded eagerly.

"I wouldn't keep tin woman's hopes up if I were you woman," Vegeta interrupted out of nowhere, "so what if she has some mother instincts? After what Gero did to her, I doubt she can have kids of her own."

"Oh common Vegeta, you don't know that for sure!" Bulma shouted.

"What it's true woman. You think a mad scientist like Gero would give his androids the ability to reproduce? Let's just drop all the niceties and get real here! " Vegeta said in a sincere tone much to everyone's surprise.

Eighteen's heart practically stopped hearing those dreaded comments. She opened her mouth as if trying to say something only to close it. The cyborg girl shared a look with her twin and noticed Seventeen's pale face. It was evident her usually carefree brother was affected by the Saiyan too and the elder sister wondered if it was because of his relationship with Carly.

"Still Vegeta, that was very rude of you! Who are you to say if Eighteen can have kids or not?" Krillin couldn't help but to raise his voice.

The Prince of Saiyans raised an eyebrow at the former warrior monk's uncharacteristic outburst. "Just telling the truth human. Your woman may be a good fighter but she clearly has her limits." He said with a serious expression.

"But..."

"It's alright Kril. Little prince is just being his usual pain in the ass self." Eighteen interjected sharply refusing to let her doubt shown through her voice.

The two former enemies shared a brief uneasy eye-contact before breaking off, with Vegeta returning to feed baby Trunks and Eighteen rocking a disturbed Goten back to sleep.

Can we have offspring if we want to? Just how much of our body is still intact?

The cyborg siblings would spent the remainder of the party pondering the same question, even as they moved onto other activities in an attempt to ease their mind.

"I heard you and Krillin are getting along pretty well Eighteen. To the point you guys even have cute nicknames for each other." Bulma asked slyly from across the table after moving her chess piece.

"Yeah, something along those lines," Eighteen replied absent-mindedly trying to concentrate on the game at hand, her cybernetic enhanced mind already mapping out dozens of potential steps and was now weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each move.

Bulma may be good, but I can literally see all the possible outcomes in my head...but still all this enhancement doesn't compensate what I've lost in the process...wait, what was that noise...

"She's not telling you the whole truth Bulma. Krillin would call Eighteen sweetie, sweeteen, and babe among many others and Eighteen's only got one nickname for Krillin. Wanna guess what that is?" Oolong said with a snicker.

"No, what is it?" Bulma sounded very intrigued and Eighteen could sense thoseplayful glance resting on her.

Okay...maybe I asked for a distraction, but this is just too much...

"Kril!" The pig tried a poor imitation of the cyborg girl's voice and ended up with an unnecessarily high-pitched delivery.

"Oh wow!"

"I know right? She wouldn't stop calling him Kril! Sometimes late at night you would hear them..."

"Just shut up you animal! You are breaking my concentration!" Eighteen snapped icily, her frozen orbs glaring daggers, halting the pig midsentence.

"Hey I'm just saying, relax Eighteen. Besides everyone knows this. Isn't that right Roshi?" Oolong had surprisingly recovered from his shock in record time and turned to the old master beside him for assistance.

"Yup, no doubt about it. Makes me wonder the contexts behind some of her lovely name calls?" Roshi wondered aloud drooling heavily.

Eighteen was about to stand up and stop the two perverts but her cybernetic enhanced brain reminded the cyborg her current objective of winning the chess hadn't been achieved yet. The artificial human quickly cooled her blushing cheeks and soon spotted the scientist's game plan.

Too bad Bulma, but I've seen through your deceptions...

The blonde woman acted quick to counter the bluenette's piece, forcing Bulma to abandon her distraction tactics. Within five moves, the cyborg girl had secured a win as she yelled "Check Mate!" triumphantly.

"Aww crud, and I thought it would work too!" Bulma admitted sheepishly.

The blonde woman shook her head. "Nice try, but you can't break my concentration like this!"

"Well what does it take then? Your Kril?"

"Oh I don't know? Does your Veggie distract you all the time too Bulma?"

It was the blue-haired scientist's turn to get all red on her face, something Roshi and Oolong didn't fail to realize as they started chanting "Veggie, Veggie," repeatedly. It was clear to both women the duo didn't care who they bothered, as long as something sexual could be said.

Well, I guess not everyone has learned to deal with these two...

Right when the heiress of Capsule Corps couldn't take the teasing anymore, Eighteen called out to her. "I think it's a cute nick-name Bulma, even if that Veggie is anything but cute."

Bulma's face brightened up at the cyborg girl's comment. "Yeah he can be a real pain some times...and Eighteen,"

"Yes?"

"Don't take what Vegeta said too seriously okay? That's just his way of saying he accepts you as a member of the gang."

Eighteen's vibrant ocean colored eyes plummeted in temperature for a brief moment but quickly regained their healthy color. "Thanks Bulma, I'll keep that in mind."

The blonde woman next went to check on Chichi. She could tell raising newborn was no picnic nor were there any time-off as the seasoned housewife was constantly busy with Goten. Despite the apparent drawbacks, seeing the seasoned mother made Eighteen felt whole again and, dare she say, slightly jealous of the woman. She tried banishing her doubts and Vegeta's comments to the back of her head though, and went to help wherever she could, grabbing supplies for the woman and even taking care of Goten.

At least I am doing something for this family...even if I probably can't have a family of my own...

While the cyborg busied herself, she couldn't help but to spare Krillin a few doubtful looks and wondered how happy her man would be should Vegeta's prediction come true.

We've both been ignoring the topic for so long...me having a kid...is that even possible?

No...you must not think like that Eighteen...you and Krillin and happy now and we don't need anything to solidify our relationship...

Her agitations must have exhibited through her action; however, as Chichi put a hand on Eighteen's shoulder gently like an older sibling.

"Why don't you go enjoy yourself Eighteen? I didn't invite you here to help me with my chores and don't worry, Krillin will love you no matter what." The black-haired woman reassured.

Eighteen brushed a stray platinum blonde strand from her face and sighed. "But he looked so in his elements when he's holding Goten. Just look at Kril," she pointed at her man currently having a lively chatter with Gohan, "he's clearly a people's person Chichi, not to mention someone good with kids and I..."

"Enough Eighteen, if Krillin loved a party girl capable of giving him a biological child he would've chosen Maron but he chose you!"

The cyborg girl felt her eyes getting slightly watery but fought back tears. She turned back to look at Krillin who was still having the lively conversation, only now he would occasionally steal glances at her but never dared to let his eyes lingered on her for so long. The imagined separation ate her away on the inside and with a pat from Chichi, the blonde woman went back to Krillin.

We may not be able to control the future, but at least I have the present here with me...

Seventeen meanwhile appeared to have an easier time distracting himself, as the cyborg enjoyed the many fine cuisines on the house. The raven-haired male would also cut off a different types of meat and feed them to his eagle friend and the bird of prey gladly sank its beaks into the food.

"There little bird boy, you like the meat don't you?" The raven-haired youth asked as he gently caressed his friend's head, earning him a few energetic chirps.

"That's quite an eagle you have here Seventeen," a foreign voice suddenly came from behind him and Seventeen turned around to see a certain three-eyed warrior and a pale-faced fighter much shorter than his sister's boyfriend. He narrowed his eyes trying to recall their names and to his dismay, digital images of the two with large capitalized words "TARGET" appeared in his mind.

Curse you Gero, just how much are you going to screw with us?

"Thanks Tien. Yeah he's a beauty isn't he?" Seventeen said trying to regain his calm demeanor, and the cyborg found stroking his accipitradae's feather to be exactly what he needed.

"That he is. Mind if I touch him?" Tien asked with a smile.

The cyborg studied his former foe for a brief second before giving a consenting nod. "Sure go ahead, but keep in mind this little fellow doesn't like being touched by everyone."

"I'll be careful."

Seventeen watched curiously as the bald triclops extended one hand timidly toward the eagle and was met with a harsh cry. The human made another attempt, only this time his hand was lower and when that too was rejected, he tried again.

He's clearly not me or Carly...and yet he's determined to try...

The scenario was hair-scratching tedious to watch and just when the cyborg wanted to put an end to it, Tien managed to touch his eagle. Tenderly, the warrior ran his fingers through the stiff feathers much like what Seventeen had done.

"There you go. He's a bit stubborn at first but is actually quite nice once you get to know him." Seventeen sounded genuinely surprised.

Tien wore a pleasant grin as he caressed the bird a few more times then let Chiaotzu take his turn. The mini-sized fighter proved to be even better at handling the eagle and succeeded with even less tries.

"You guys must have prior experience handling birds don't you?" It was quite obvious what the answer is, but Seventeen still thought he'd ask just to be sure.

"Uh-huh, me and Tien came from the crane-school of martial arts. Our former master, the Crane hermit, loved to imitate movements of birds and even tried to fly like them." Chiaotzu said casually still keeping his attention on the now much more docile eagle.

An image of Sixteen talking to his feathered friends emerged in Seventeen's mind and he raised an eyebrow, "Imitate birds heh?"

"Yeah, not everyone knows how to fly back then so Master Shen thought he'd copy bird movements. That's why he's the Crane Hermit." Tien added sounding a bit distant.

"So where's your master now?"

Seventeen felt his stomach drop at the sight of the two Crane School fighters' eyes dimming and could guess what happened afterwards.

"He tried to kill us after we refused to kill Goku." Chiaotzu said with shaking voice barely able to continue.

Tien putted a hand on his friend's back. "Master Roshi saved us and ever since then we've switched sides. If you think about it, it's kinda like what..."

"Like what me and Eighteen did to Dr. Gero? Well your master didn't turn you guys into inhuman monsters did he?" Seventeen couldn't help but losing his cool recalling his past experience, his eyes frowning and lip corners pointed downward.

The two Crane School fighters shared an uneasy look then Tien stepped forward. "No not quite, but he did tried turning us into heartless killers. The Crane School is a school of professional assassins after all."

"Wow!" Seventeen's only response was a single exclamation of disbelief.

"Well, in any case we are good to see you and Eighteen have turned to the good side. Guess that mad scientist didn't take away everything did he?" Tien asked sincerely.

"I guess he didn't, and Tien,"

"Yes Seventeen?"

"Sorry about your neck. No hard feeling right?" Seventeen reached out a hand to the three-eyed warrior.

His friendly gesture was reciprocated by a firm handshake.

That night, the newly expanded z-gang shared one last dinner by the Son family's house before going their separate ways. Seventeen had offered to drive the hover car once more but Oolong and Roshi vehemently rejected, citing their weak stomach and poor health as reasons.

"Okay then, guess I'll leave the flying to Krillin," Seventeen said with boyish mischief, "as for me I'm heading back to Monster Island now."

Eighteen looked at her twin longingly. "You are not coming back to Kame House with us bro?"

Her inquiry was met with a gentle head shook. "Sorry sis, but I want to go back to Carly."

The elder sister's eyes widened then returned to their normal shape, already getting his reasoning without having to ask.

Looks like what Vegeta said today really got to us...

"Fine then little bro. You take care alright?"

"Of course sis! You too."

The twins shared a hug that was soon joined by Krillin who wrapped an arm around both their shoulders. The trio locked themselves in an emotional embrace for minutes, seemingly having forgotten the outside world existed.

On their way home, Eighteen kept one of her hand resting on Krillin's thigh the entire time. The close contact provided her some level of reassurance, and the cyborg girl chided herself mentally for not having more faith in Krillin.

You two have already been through so much together, so what's with all the doubts now?

Because maybe I can't provide him a family if he wants it...

Much later on after the entire Kame House had retired for the day, the couple laid on the bed beside each other surrounded by cries of the night bugs. Krillin's arms were wrapped around Eighteen's waist from behind, his chest pressing against her back. Although the human warrior couldn't see his beloved's face, he could tell she was troubled and, doing the best he could to ease her pain, he began gently caressing her form, making her felt loved and cared for.

Common sweetie, talk to me okay? Don't tell me you are still troubled by what Vegeta said...

"Kril..." Eighteen finally said after gathering up her courage.

"Yes babe?" Krillin replied gently.

The cyborg girl breathed deeply still unsure how to continue, and then she opened her mouth hesitantly. "Do you think you'll be satisfied with me as your partner?"

The former monk paused a few moments, taken aback to what he'd heard. "Wh-what made you say this sweetie? Of course I'm satisfied with you as my partner and why wouldn't I?"

It was Eighteen's turn to pause. "E-even if I might not be able to give you a family like any normal woman can?"

The cyborg girl felt her partner's arms tensed up pressing against her skin and bit down on her lips nervously. To her surprise, a few playful chuckles followed.

"Oh common babe, what's with this talk? Besides, if I really want a family, I guess we can always get ourselves the Dragon balls and wish for a kid bearing our genetics." Krillin tried joking to relieve the tension but was reprimanded by Eighteen grasping his skin and giving it a hard twist.

"Ouch Eighteen!"

"I'm serious here Kril!" Eighteen shouted. "Look, I may have the appearance of a woman but there's no telling how much of me is still intact underneath this skin."

It was Krillin's turn to inhale hard and on her skin which made the cyborg grew uneasy, her heart thumping violently against her chest and her hands gripping on to the sheets for support.

What have I just done? This is like a declaration of breaking up...

"Look sweeteen," the pure human's caring voice hadn't changed the slightest, "I started this relationship with you knowing exactly what I'm getting into okay? So what if you were altered? So what if we might not be able to have kids? I'll still have you and that's enough for me!"

Artificial Human Number Eighteen's heart skipped a beat and her tummy felt funny but she remained silent. "That's just so cliché Kril. Do you really mean it? Now you might think it's no big deal but what if you regret your choice years down the line." she made sure to articulate her sentence as clearly as possible.

"I don't think so sweetie, and I won't be leaving unless you want me to." There wasn't any doubt in his voice but just to make his decision clearer, Krillin planted a kiss on the back of her sensative neck.

Eighteen smiled a radiant smile, even if Krillin couldn't possibly see her reaction. What the former warrior monk could hear though, was the sharp shriek from her when he abruptly turned her around and kissed his girl, this time fully on the lips. They stayed on the bed with their mouth locked and once the couple pulled apart, they were panting for breath.

"There, does that convince you just how much I love you no matter what?" Krillin asked, his emotional orbs bearing the richness of the entire brown spectrum bore down on her beautiful crystal blue ones.

"You are so cheesy but yes, I'm convinced Kril," Eighteen let out an uncharacteristic giggle only reserved for the man in front of him.

They laid there in total silent save for each other's calm breathing, not talking nor moving, merely holding onto each other as if that was all the couple ever needed, that was before Krillin broke the tranquility much to his sweetie's annoyance.

"I'm not going to lie though, I'd love to start a family with you someday Eighteen. I'm happy with you as it is but an extra family member never hurts."

The cyborg girl nodded. "Glad you are being honest with me Kril. Me too! But for now we'll have to do with each other."

Krillin flashed her his trademark grin and leaned in for another kiss.

Several thousand miles away from the Kame House, Seventeen knocked on Carly's apartment door and waited until he heard gentle footsteps from the other side. A woman with uncombed red hair that seemed to fly all over the place greeted the cyborg.

"Oh I'm sorry Seventeen. Didn't know it was you. Here hold on a second, let me..."

The cyborg youth reached out a hand and stopped the young woman in her tracks. "It's alright Carly, no need for makeups, I like you this way!"

The young woman was taken aback by what she had heard. "Oh? What's the matter with you today?"

"I...can I stay with you tonight? I just want to be close to you that's all." Seventeen said sincerely, his usual calm voice showing signs of emotion.

Carly picked up his odd tone too but nodded. "Sure thing, Seventeen, whatever you need I'm here."

A/N: Thanks for this long awaited chapter. It's honestly quite hard to get back on track after new years but alas this chapter is out.

For those wondering the change in tone and subject of this epilogue, I've always felt Eighteen able to get pregnant with Marron isn't just Toriyama trying to put a baby in her, but rather proof she's much more human than most think. With how much Krillin loved to have a big family, I also felt the whole whether Eighteen can get pregnant issue would be on the couple's mind so this is my take on the issue.

Do let me know how you guys think though. Criticisms and feedbacks are welcome, even though this is epilogue.

There is a chance I'm planning on a skipping ahead to when the couple already has Marron for the next epilogue, which will most likely be the final epilogue, since that would tie in well with this chapter. Do let me know if anyone would want me to have another date chapter, wedding chapter, or some other chapters to further establish the couple before time skip. Thanks!