11-21-2005, 03:29 PM
A single unnoticeable breath, within that immeasurable time, it all sped up to catch within her throat. Like a stone cast into the water, so was the events that transpired into a series of carnage, despair and loss. Death, it was always death, wrapping around her in a smooth crimson ribbon. Blood and flesh became lifeless, oozing into the afterlife. Her heart throbbed, a cold chill swept within her. Time was unnoticeable, while the bodies hit the floor. All for one goal, one thought, and down they went like puppets.
Her upper lip twitched, while her mind became a sudden empty void. The android, once having been in a world of euphoria, now gripped the sides of her head while the world became a blur of havoc. Panic rose like bile in her throat, gripping her insides tightly, her eyes widened like a deer caught in the headlights. Everyone was going to die, and there was nothing she could do. The way they had been slaughtered so easily, so fast, she trembled. How could she be so happy, and now be so?so?afraid?
Her golden hair, still damp, twirled as her body moved. She rotated, grasping for her companion, her lover, her friend. Nothing, all her fingers took hold of was the cold air. Why did everything feel so dark, so lonely, and so empty? She bit her bottom lip tenderly, while her deep eyes searched for him, or anyone. Where was the tower? Where were the dead bodies? She fell to her knees, the ground crunched; cold seeped through the material of her pants. The darkness was consuming, endless, yet close to her body. She gazed toward the ground, an ocean of white. Snow, it stretched out like a cold blanket. Why was there snow?
Eighteen reached forward, her pale digits clawed the iced substance. Nothing was beneath, just more of the whiteness. She could feel the chill, her body instinctively shivered. Her gaze moved from down to up, and she took in the ?sky?. The void stared back at her, unable to see past the darkness, like some unfathomable smog. She reached around herself, hugging her arms.
She was alone, unbearably alone. Everyone had gone, and here she was in some wintry world. Large flakes seemed to materialize, falling from the emptiness, touching her cheeks and arms. They formed into drops of water, sliding down her smooth flesh, and descending toward the ground, only to become ice once more. She raised her hands, they shook visibly, whether from cold or shock, she did not know. Her face was mystified, like some child seeing snow for the first time. The large bits of white crumbled in her palms, instantly becoming little puddles. What was with this strange place? Had Brim put her here, was she a prisoner? If so?Where were the others? Or?was this what had happened to Burter? Was she really dead? Would she never come back? She dropped her arms, her face suddenly void of all emotions.
Wisps of her own breath issued forward from her icy lips. She could feel her hair had frozen, the damp strands now clumped together, as if glued by the water. She groped her once silky tresses, her hands rubbed and worked to get enough heat into the ice-covered clusters. It was no use; her body had been sucked dry of warmth. She let go of the hair, a sudden wash of depression filling her chest. What was she going to do? The panic was gone, but the fear of being here forever?she couldn?t end like this.
Slowly her body moved, though her eyes were shut. Frozen tears glistened within her lashes, and against her pale cheeks. She stood, dashing away the evidence of defeat. What else could she do? What could anyone do? This was some twisted fate, and so she had to live with it. She did not have the upper hand, whoever did could do as they wished, she was their pawn. She stared into the distance, the snow whisked upward into little flurries. It was a strange occurrence. Although it fell, it was slow, dream-like. Yet the ground moved like a blizzard was in motion, the flakes rose up and fell, perhaps it was beautiful.
She sighed, another puff of air floated outward and then dissipated. Her feet moved forward, a crunching sound radiated with each movement. Like any intelligent organism, she felt a taste of curiosity. She continued forward, her joints felt stuck. It took a few more steps before she could move at a fluid pace. Her rigid movements had resembled that of a true robot, how silly. She shook, jumped, and finally felt her body was more alive. She hesitated, what would be out there? What if it was truly endless? She shook her head, her frozen hair dangled with the movement. Eighteen trekked through the ankle deep snow, seeking out what may be within the darkness.
The landscape was a frozen utopia. Dunes rose and fell around her, like some desert of white. The wind passed against her, fluttering her clothing and damaged hair. She pressed against the flurries, through snow as high as her thighs. It was so cold, she felt numb. It wasn?t painful, but she felt senseless. The white and black clashed against her, making everything so serene, yet undeniably complex. Who had created this world? Could this be?her own? Was this her mind? So many questions whispered between the emptiness in her head, seeming to float as if truly spoken. For a moment she was at a loss, and her movement halted. Another wash of emotions flew through her, and she could not hold back the tears that came forth. She wiped at her eyes and pushed against the assaulting wind, there had to be something here.
The wind died down, the hills of white sloped into a meadow of ice and powder. She stared down at the scene, her own breath caught tight. The dark void of blackness made everything so silent. She stumbled through the snowdrifts, wanting to take a closer look. She misplaced her footing; a patch of ice caused her foot to fly from beneath her. Her body hit the air, and then fell to the ground with a sickening smack. She tumbled through the snow, her limbs twisted and slipped along the ice. A sickening feeling shot through her until she finally slid to a stop. She lay still, her body ached. She made a sound of pain, sat upward and rubbed her head. Her ankle throbbed painfully, how could she be so stupid? The android felt her body tremble, she was so idiotic. She rested her face in her cold hands, wanting to cry, wanting to sob into them. The tears did not come, and her throat closed so that the sobs could not come free. Had she lost the freedom to cry?
She removed her hands; her hurt eyes looked toward the distance. Silver trees stood like ghosts. Their branches reached like skeletons toward the sky. A scant amount of frozen leaves clung lifelessly to their home; it all seemed frozen in time. She was mesmerized. The crystalline meadow gave way to a forest of silver. She made to get up, and winced, her swollen ankle could not be stood upon. She knew she could not stay in this spot forever, she had to move. Gritting her teeth, Eighteen struggled against the pain and limped into the beautiful world before her.
The towering trees loomed high above her; they did not shiver in the soft breeze. So?lifeless, they were detached beings, yet so beautiful. She touched one, it was chilled, and a thin layer of frost covered its trunk. Her hand print was left when she moved away, slowly the frost seemed to eat at the mark and resume the pristine glaze. This made her uneasy, how the cold seemed to eat at all the life here. She stumbled away from the tree, only to hit another. She jumped forward and set pressure on her wounded ankle. She yelped, her voice echoing within the darkness, then dying off like a strangled animal. She hit the ground and withered.
Her breath came quick, her heart thumped against her chest. She could hear it, could any one else? She felt the feeling of eyes upon her. Fear began to bubble up into her chest. She looked up, her face stricken. Who was out there? She struggled to sit up, feeling so small among the giant trees. Was that?? She suddenly gazed intently into the distance. The trees went on for a long time, but had she seen?? She could have sworn, for a short moment, that she had seen that unmistakable long black hair.
She scrambled to get up, and then fell onto her face again. Another cry and she curled up like some pathetic animal. She had to have done that, hadn?t she? How could she find her answers, or find what was out there, when she kept hurting herself? Damn it all, and if he were here?Was he lost too? That had to be it. Slowly, carefully, she got up. She gingerly put little pressure on her toes, once more picking up a limping motion as she walked. She did not touch the trees for support, although they seemed harmless, and beautiful, she did not trust them. She struggled in the direction of where she had seen him; at least she thought she had seen him. The location seemed so close, yet it took ages to reach. She fell to her knees, sucking in the air and heaving.
?Raditzu??? She called; her voice was soft, sad. Nothing, absolutely nothing, she fell forward in defeat. Her body shuttered, she struggled to cry, but nothing came. She was left to stare off absently, the cold snow against the side of her face and the front of her body. Puffs of vapor floated upward, but she became lifeless like the trees around her. Why bother? Her mind was playing tricks on her, she was her own enemy. She closed her eyes, giving up felt like the best option. She was alone, lost; the only one who would care was Raditzu?right?
She shook as her arms pushed her upward, her face scrunched up with what determination she had left. What was she thinking? Give up? She couldn?t! She had to get out of here; she had to get back to the others. Whoever had put her here, they could not win so easily. She wasn?t being herself, likely for good reason, she was in enemy territory. She spat, her eyes flashed with a passion only she could muster. She would not be a puppet.
She made it out of the forest, her limping figure like a ghost in the mist. She gasped, suddenly stuck in another world of beauty. She stared at the area she had come upon. The silver trees seemed to bend forward toward a lake, as if feeding off the beauty. The strange part was that the water was not frozen?it was a clear surface of liquid, not a spot of snow upon it. She slowly made her way toward the water. She could see the layers of white land, so still, stuck within the water. She wanted to touch it, something in her wanted to put her hand in. She reached, her fingers shaking, her breathing slowed. An inch from the surface, and she stopped. This feeling was not natural. She withdrew her hand; everything continued its quiet stillness.
The snow began to fall again; the android fell onto her back and stared toward the sky in oblivion. It seemed that she was at a dead end; the trees were woven thickly together, like a wall. The lake felt eerie, she did not dare touch it. So, she felt at a loss. Was this really it? It couldn?t be?she had struggled so far, only to reach this place, and find nothing. She could not cry, she could not laugh. What was this place? She felt herself being sucked dry, like her soul was being eaten.
?So?you?re here.? She continued to stare upward, as if the voice was not important. Was her mind fooling her again? She wanted to just fade away. There was a laugh, something unnatural again. She forced herself to sit up and look away from the sky, and the lake, toward the path where she had come from. The world of white seemed to blind her, but there was no mistaking that it was indeed him. A feeling seemed to flutter through her, a warm feeling. The cold melted, and she could not stop herself from getting to her feet. She ran, limped, and fell into him. Her arms wrapped around his torso, her face buried against his chest, everything would be okay.
The blond felt his arms move, she smiled. A hug would make everything better. That was not the case. Her body was forced away from him; she felt the air fly by her and the world turned over. Her body slammed into one of the many silver trees, and she slumped to the ground. She was more confused than hurt. ?Why?? She looked up, her eyes wide, puzzled. Why had he rejected her? Her legs quivered, she used the tree to support herself while standing. ?Why?? She repeated, and her voice showed her hurt.
?I don?t need you anymore.? He looked away; his gaze swept the lake that silently existed. His expression was soft; he looked so harmless?but why? She stepped forward, and he cocked his head. His gaze took her in, and she froze. ?You never did get it, did you?? She stared dumbfounded, what was he saying? ?I got what I needed from you, from liking you; someone like me doesn?t need someone like you.? He crossed his arms against his chest, his eyes scrutinized her.
?How can you say something that!?? She shouted, tears finally bubbled forth and flowed freely down her cheeks. Her body felt alive again, Raditzu was here?yet, why was he acting like this? She shook her head, there had to be an explanation. ?I thought you loved me!?? She clenched her fists, had it all been a lie? He moved toward her, and a part of her felt the need to back away, but her feet would not move. He stood close, and lifted a hand toward her face. She flinched, but he only caressed her cheek. He was very close, too close, something felt wrong.
?I don?t love you; you?re useless, annoying, and dirty.? He spoke in a tone, as if he were to say he did love her, but his words were cruel. She stared toward him, her face contorted with shock. ?I was able to become stronger, to achieve a transformation beyond even Vegeta?s power, all because of you.? He smiled, but it was a dark smile, one that made her suddenly feel fear. ?Now that I have that, I don?t need you anymore, I don?t need to care anymore, and you just got in the way.? She shot forward as his fist buried into her gut. Blood flew from her mouth and splattered against the ground, tainting it with its crimson color. His movements were too fast, she could not react, she was too shocked. His knee shot upward and smashed into her face, and once more the world became dizzily upturned. She hit the ground and felt her body twitch. She raised a shaky hand, although her eyes misted over and blood poured from her nose.
?No?? Her world crumbled. All she had lived for, fought for, and took for granted. Raditzu had never cared, she was nothing but useless. Why now? She let the tears dribble from her eyes, now that they were coming free. ?You told me you loved me?why do you turn your back on me?? She pushed forward, blood dripped to the ground. She had found happiness with him, a life, and now he was crushing it all.
?You really are stupid?? He came forward, the snow crunching beneath his boots. She raised an arm to fend off any oncoming attacks, but none came. She stared at him wearily for the first time since she had met him. She feared him; she feared his hatred, his rejection. He hunched in front of her, giving her a look, like she was a pouting child. ?You should be happy.? As if that answered it all, she could only stare incredulously at him. Her defenses dropped and his hand guided her face closer. ?Or will you miss this?? His voice was low, light, but she could not move from him. Was this some kind of trick? What was he trying to do? She felt like screaming at him, why was he being so mean?and then?Her lips trembled. ?You finally gave in, and you?ll want more, won?t you?? What was he trying to say?
?No?? She said, finding it impossible to move away from his face. ?It was once?didn?t you want it??? She shivered, his alluring eyes held her in a locked gaze. She suddenly felt a rush of feelings, emotions, and images. They had finally made love, and now he was turning his back on her. He had used her for all she was worth. ?How could you?? She broke away from him, pushing him away. She struggled to back away, the snow causing her to slip in her backward retreat.
He laughed, he simply laughed. She had opened up, let him in, and now he was ripping her apart from the inside. She cried. ?Maybe I should put you out of your misery?? She heard him speak; he sobered up from his laughter, now staring at her contently. ?Would you like that?? Her eyes widened. She had wondered, once, what an enemy like him would be like. She had never wished for it, yet here she was, in his grasp, his care having been a farce. She was too afraid to fight back, and so she got to her feet as quick as she could and turned to flee. ?If that?s how you want it?? He sighed, as if the whole thing was troublesome.
She ran, her foot hurt, but she ran. Blood and tears flew from her face and into the air. She ran for the life that was in her, for the fear that tried to bind her. She dodged the trees that blocked her path, she cried out like a helpless victim. How could she even consider getting away? If he wanted to do away with her, then he would. She could only try, she could only cry and run in fear. Why was this happening? She felt her heart break; the pain could not match any she had ever felt before. She stumbled; the ground defeating her, ice seemed to form of its own accord. She fell forward, her fearful eyes closing before the impact. She never hit, she opened her eyes, and looked upward.
?Hi.? His fingers dug into her arms, she was caught in his grasp. The shock wore, and panic took over. She screamed and struggled. This was no longer the man she loved. She kicked against him, struggling with all she had to get out of his grip. His hold tightened, and he flashed powerfully. His long black hair became golden, mystifying. His power made her tremble, her legs stilled and she felt faint. ?Loving you made me this powerful, don?t you see?? She could struggle no more, she was no match for him. He tossed her into another tree, her body grew still. She was no use, she was annoying, and she was dirty. She sobbed, while the blood and tears mixed into the snow against her face. She felt her will broken, her heart broken.
She crawled against the cold ground; fingers numbly clawed the ice beneath her. She struggled to move away, to get away, she couldn?t die here. So what if it ended her hurt, her misery, she would not let him end it. She continued to sob, no longer seeing clearly, the whiteness a blur before her. He was probably laughing, her defeat inevitable. She would not stop, she had to get away. Her fingers hurt, but she continued to struggle through the pain.
His foot came down on her hand, he had moved so quickly. She stared in surprise, and then upward, as if to beg him not to. A scream ripped through her, her hand pushed through the ice, the bones cracked. She gripped her wrist, the pain unbearable. He stepped away and she immediately cradled her now useless hand. ?I was going to put you out of your misery, but now you?re just being bothersome, why don?t you just stay still?? He sounded angry. His hand took hold of her hair, he dragged her up and she cried out. ?You can?t even fight back.? She shook, where was her determination? Ankle broken, hand broken, spirit broken. She struggled inside, what did he want with her? Why didn?t he just kill her then? She opened her eyes, seeing that face she had thought she knew. He tossed her again. She could cry no more. She became lifeless, if this is what he wanted, then she gave up.
?Eighteen?? He picked her up, like some doll. She stared lifelessly away; he would do what he wanted. His hand touched against her cheek again. She had never thought?never wanted to see?was this what being evil was? He seemed twisted. She feared him like this, she feared evil. She had seen evil, the way Koola and Vegeta had been?was this how he really was? Like them? He stood up, still holding her. What was he doing? She felt no will to fight back; likely he would hurt her again. She could see the trees pass by, the dark sky never let up, but the snow did continue. The large flakes settled on her face, but did not melt. She did not blink, did not move, why bother? She was afraid, afraid of what he was going to do.
The treetops cleared but he continued. She knew they were back at the lake, back where it had started. She wanted to move, but couldn?t. She looked into Raditzu?s face; it held nothing, no emotion, like some detached soul. She moved her functional hand, something didn?t feel right. She finally made to push out of his hold, her legs twitched. What was she doing? She twisted, but his arms held her too tightly. She looked up fearfully.
?Raditzu?I don?t want to die?? She said, trying to break free again. Why had she been so weak? ?I don?t want to die!? She said it again, her voice getting high. She could see the lake, the way it shimmered eerily made her shudder. ?Let me go!? She struggled more forcefully, but he didn?t acknowledge her. He stopped at the water, and looked down, as if just noticing her struggling.
?People who are useless have no need for life.? Her eyes widened and he shot his hand around her mouth. Suddenly she was dangling over the water, his grip like an iron clamp. She muffled and gripped his wrist, her legs kicking the air. ?You?ll like it here, eternally.? She fearfully struggled but there was no use. She cried. The tears slid down and against his hand.
But I love you, she mentally said. Her struggling stopped. She could feel the water around her ankles; it was cold, too cold. He was lowering her into the lake, but why? She continued to grip his wrist, his hand around her mouth made her unable to speak, or cry. Why do you hate me? Large tears fell freely and froze as they hit the water. What did I do wrong? I trusted you, I let you in, and it was all a lie? She closed her eyes. The water felt tight, it was around her calves, yet he was not lowering her anymore. Was the water an entity of its own? I don?t want to die like this, I want to live, I want you to be yourself?this can?t be real, this can?t be! The cold seeped through her, it chilled her right to the bone. Raditzu let go, and she sagged downward. The water had more solidity to it than was normal. She was stuck to her thighs, but it seemed to grip to her and slowly inch against her figure. ?Raditzu!? She cried, feeling herself being dragged downward by the icy anomaly.
He turned his back, he turned away from her. She cried out, pitifully. She felt the water consuming her, feeding off her soul. She slipped deeper and deeper, reaching for him. She tried to drag herself out, tried to splash free. It was useless, it was too strong. The icy water dug into her flesh like glass, and froze her inside. ?I don?t want to die!? No matter how many times she said it, it still did no help. Raditzu turned, he looked down, was that doubt? She looked up pleadingly. One arm was still free, still reaching. He had to have some feelings for her, he had to. The ice water flooded into her mouth, against her cheeks, but she still reached for him. Everything seemed still, her struggling form and his figure staring down at her. He could save her?if he could just?stop being like that?She felt dizzy. Her head disappeared beneath the surface, her eyes closed. She felt sleepy. Her hand grew limp, soon it, too, would be devoured.
Her mind flew through the days, the events, the times she had spent with him. She remembered meeting him, taking advantage of being an android with hidden ki. He had told her so much, he had been so warm. They had gotten along so well?he took her to Earth-Sei?And that sunrise. Her thoughts clouded. They had bonded on her brothers? ship; they had talked for so long. It hurt to think that it had all been a lie?the way he had nursed her wounds, and let her experience a hot spring for the first time in her life. She wanted to believe it weren?t true, but the whole ordeal felt too real. She was going to die knowing that what had happened between them had been a lie. All of the training together, the understandings, and the admitting of love had been for nothing. He had shown her love, and just as easily ripped it from her chest. He had never been her ?boyfriend? she had just been trash, dug up and then tossed away. How could she have been such a fool? His friendly face?that smile?and his words. Only just recently he had shown her love, given her feelings she thought she would never experience, and it was all a lie! Yet?every person, evil as they may seem?they had a heart, and inside, deep inside?there had to be hope.
The water bubbled; she opened her eyes and her mouth, the air escaping. She would drown, the ice would shred her lunges, but she had to try one more time. With all of the love, power, and devotion within her soul she reached out to him. She cried out, a fierce telepathic cry to him, a hope to touch his heart, to make him believe.
Raditzu, don?t let me die! Don?t let me die here! You can?t forget what we?ve gone through, you know you love me, and you can?t let yourself change! Save me, don?t let me die! Remember what we?ve done together, I won?t believe that you want this! She felt faint, the world grew dark around her, only her fingers were left above the water. It was too late; no one could save her now. She could only cry inside, why?!
Her upper lip twitched, while her mind became a sudden empty void. The android, once having been in a world of euphoria, now gripped the sides of her head while the world became a blur of havoc. Panic rose like bile in her throat, gripping her insides tightly, her eyes widened like a deer caught in the headlights. Everyone was going to die, and there was nothing she could do. The way they had been slaughtered so easily, so fast, she trembled. How could she be so happy, and now be so?so?afraid?
Her golden hair, still damp, twirled as her body moved. She rotated, grasping for her companion, her lover, her friend. Nothing, all her fingers took hold of was the cold air. Why did everything feel so dark, so lonely, and so empty? She bit her bottom lip tenderly, while her deep eyes searched for him, or anyone. Where was the tower? Where were the dead bodies? She fell to her knees, the ground crunched; cold seeped through the material of her pants. The darkness was consuming, endless, yet close to her body. She gazed toward the ground, an ocean of white. Snow, it stretched out like a cold blanket. Why was there snow?
Eighteen reached forward, her pale digits clawed the iced substance. Nothing was beneath, just more of the whiteness. She could feel the chill, her body instinctively shivered. Her gaze moved from down to up, and she took in the ?sky?. The void stared back at her, unable to see past the darkness, like some unfathomable smog. She reached around herself, hugging her arms.
She was alone, unbearably alone. Everyone had gone, and here she was in some wintry world. Large flakes seemed to materialize, falling from the emptiness, touching her cheeks and arms. They formed into drops of water, sliding down her smooth flesh, and descending toward the ground, only to become ice once more. She raised her hands, they shook visibly, whether from cold or shock, she did not know. Her face was mystified, like some child seeing snow for the first time. The large bits of white crumbled in her palms, instantly becoming little puddles. What was with this strange place? Had Brim put her here, was she a prisoner? If so?Where were the others? Or?was this what had happened to Burter? Was she really dead? Would she never come back? She dropped her arms, her face suddenly void of all emotions.
Wisps of her own breath issued forward from her icy lips. She could feel her hair had frozen, the damp strands now clumped together, as if glued by the water. She groped her once silky tresses, her hands rubbed and worked to get enough heat into the ice-covered clusters. It was no use; her body had been sucked dry of warmth. She let go of the hair, a sudden wash of depression filling her chest. What was she going to do? The panic was gone, but the fear of being here forever?she couldn?t end like this.
Slowly her body moved, though her eyes were shut. Frozen tears glistened within her lashes, and against her pale cheeks. She stood, dashing away the evidence of defeat. What else could she do? What could anyone do? This was some twisted fate, and so she had to live with it. She did not have the upper hand, whoever did could do as they wished, she was their pawn. She stared into the distance, the snow whisked upward into little flurries. It was a strange occurrence. Although it fell, it was slow, dream-like. Yet the ground moved like a blizzard was in motion, the flakes rose up and fell, perhaps it was beautiful.
She sighed, another puff of air floated outward and then dissipated. Her feet moved forward, a crunching sound radiated with each movement. Like any intelligent organism, she felt a taste of curiosity. She continued forward, her joints felt stuck. It took a few more steps before she could move at a fluid pace. Her rigid movements had resembled that of a true robot, how silly. She shook, jumped, and finally felt her body was more alive. She hesitated, what would be out there? What if it was truly endless? She shook her head, her frozen hair dangled with the movement. Eighteen trekked through the ankle deep snow, seeking out what may be within the darkness.
The landscape was a frozen utopia. Dunes rose and fell around her, like some desert of white. The wind passed against her, fluttering her clothing and damaged hair. She pressed against the flurries, through snow as high as her thighs. It was so cold, she felt numb. It wasn?t painful, but she felt senseless. The white and black clashed against her, making everything so serene, yet undeniably complex. Who had created this world? Could this be?her own? Was this her mind? So many questions whispered between the emptiness in her head, seeming to float as if truly spoken. For a moment she was at a loss, and her movement halted. Another wash of emotions flew through her, and she could not hold back the tears that came forth. She wiped at her eyes and pushed against the assaulting wind, there had to be something here.
The wind died down, the hills of white sloped into a meadow of ice and powder. She stared down at the scene, her own breath caught tight. The dark void of blackness made everything so silent. She stumbled through the snowdrifts, wanting to take a closer look. She misplaced her footing; a patch of ice caused her foot to fly from beneath her. Her body hit the air, and then fell to the ground with a sickening smack. She tumbled through the snow, her limbs twisted and slipped along the ice. A sickening feeling shot through her until she finally slid to a stop. She lay still, her body ached. She made a sound of pain, sat upward and rubbed her head. Her ankle throbbed painfully, how could she be so stupid? The android felt her body tremble, she was so idiotic. She rested her face in her cold hands, wanting to cry, wanting to sob into them. The tears did not come, and her throat closed so that the sobs could not come free. Had she lost the freedom to cry?
She removed her hands; her hurt eyes looked toward the distance. Silver trees stood like ghosts. Their branches reached like skeletons toward the sky. A scant amount of frozen leaves clung lifelessly to their home; it all seemed frozen in time. She was mesmerized. The crystalline meadow gave way to a forest of silver. She made to get up, and winced, her swollen ankle could not be stood upon. She knew she could not stay in this spot forever, she had to move. Gritting her teeth, Eighteen struggled against the pain and limped into the beautiful world before her.
The towering trees loomed high above her; they did not shiver in the soft breeze. So?lifeless, they were detached beings, yet so beautiful. She touched one, it was chilled, and a thin layer of frost covered its trunk. Her hand print was left when she moved away, slowly the frost seemed to eat at the mark and resume the pristine glaze. This made her uneasy, how the cold seemed to eat at all the life here. She stumbled away from the tree, only to hit another. She jumped forward and set pressure on her wounded ankle. She yelped, her voice echoing within the darkness, then dying off like a strangled animal. She hit the ground and withered.
Her breath came quick, her heart thumped against her chest. She could hear it, could any one else? She felt the feeling of eyes upon her. Fear began to bubble up into her chest. She looked up, her face stricken. Who was out there? She struggled to sit up, feeling so small among the giant trees. Was that?? She suddenly gazed intently into the distance. The trees went on for a long time, but had she seen?? She could have sworn, for a short moment, that she had seen that unmistakable long black hair.
She scrambled to get up, and then fell onto her face again. Another cry and she curled up like some pathetic animal. She had to have done that, hadn?t she? How could she find her answers, or find what was out there, when she kept hurting herself? Damn it all, and if he were here?Was he lost too? That had to be it. Slowly, carefully, she got up. She gingerly put little pressure on her toes, once more picking up a limping motion as she walked. She did not touch the trees for support, although they seemed harmless, and beautiful, she did not trust them. She struggled in the direction of where she had seen him; at least she thought she had seen him. The location seemed so close, yet it took ages to reach. She fell to her knees, sucking in the air and heaving.
?Raditzu??? She called; her voice was soft, sad. Nothing, absolutely nothing, she fell forward in defeat. Her body shuttered, she struggled to cry, but nothing came. She was left to stare off absently, the cold snow against the side of her face and the front of her body. Puffs of vapor floated upward, but she became lifeless like the trees around her. Why bother? Her mind was playing tricks on her, she was her own enemy. She closed her eyes, giving up felt like the best option. She was alone, lost; the only one who would care was Raditzu?right?
She shook as her arms pushed her upward, her face scrunched up with what determination she had left. What was she thinking? Give up? She couldn?t! She had to get out of here; she had to get back to the others. Whoever had put her here, they could not win so easily. She wasn?t being herself, likely for good reason, she was in enemy territory. She spat, her eyes flashed with a passion only she could muster. She would not be a puppet.
She made it out of the forest, her limping figure like a ghost in the mist. She gasped, suddenly stuck in another world of beauty. She stared at the area she had come upon. The silver trees seemed to bend forward toward a lake, as if feeding off the beauty. The strange part was that the water was not frozen?it was a clear surface of liquid, not a spot of snow upon it. She slowly made her way toward the water. She could see the layers of white land, so still, stuck within the water. She wanted to touch it, something in her wanted to put her hand in. She reached, her fingers shaking, her breathing slowed. An inch from the surface, and she stopped. This feeling was not natural. She withdrew her hand; everything continued its quiet stillness.
The snow began to fall again; the android fell onto her back and stared toward the sky in oblivion. It seemed that she was at a dead end; the trees were woven thickly together, like a wall. The lake felt eerie, she did not dare touch it. So, she felt at a loss. Was this really it? It couldn?t be?she had struggled so far, only to reach this place, and find nothing. She could not cry, she could not laugh. What was this place? She felt herself being sucked dry, like her soul was being eaten.
?So?you?re here.? She continued to stare upward, as if the voice was not important. Was her mind fooling her again? She wanted to just fade away. There was a laugh, something unnatural again. She forced herself to sit up and look away from the sky, and the lake, toward the path where she had come from. The world of white seemed to blind her, but there was no mistaking that it was indeed him. A feeling seemed to flutter through her, a warm feeling. The cold melted, and she could not stop herself from getting to her feet. She ran, limped, and fell into him. Her arms wrapped around his torso, her face buried against his chest, everything would be okay.
The blond felt his arms move, she smiled. A hug would make everything better. That was not the case. Her body was forced away from him; she felt the air fly by her and the world turned over. Her body slammed into one of the many silver trees, and she slumped to the ground. She was more confused than hurt. ?Why?? She looked up, her eyes wide, puzzled. Why had he rejected her? Her legs quivered, she used the tree to support herself while standing. ?Why?? She repeated, and her voice showed her hurt.
?I don?t need you anymore.? He looked away; his gaze swept the lake that silently existed. His expression was soft; he looked so harmless?but why? She stepped forward, and he cocked his head. His gaze took her in, and she froze. ?You never did get it, did you?? She stared dumbfounded, what was he saying? ?I got what I needed from you, from liking you; someone like me doesn?t need someone like you.? He crossed his arms against his chest, his eyes scrutinized her.
?How can you say something that!?? She shouted, tears finally bubbled forth and flowed freely down her cheeks. Her body felt alive again, Raditzu was here?yet, why was he acting like this? She shook her head, there had to be an explanation. ?I thought you loved me!?? She clenched her fists, had it all been a lie? He moved toward her, and a part of her felt the need to back away, but her feet would not move. He stood close, and lifted a hand toward her face. She flinched, but he only caressed her cheek. He was very close, too close, something felt wrong.
?I don?t love you; you?re useless, annoying, and dirty.? He spoke in a tone, as if he were to say he did love her, but his words were cruel. She stared toward him, her face contorted with shock. ?I was able to become stronger, to achieve a transformation beyond even Vegeta?s power, all because of you.? He smiled, but it was a dark smile, one that made her suddenly feel fear. ?Now that I have that, I don?t need you anymore, I don?t need to care anymore, and you just got in the way.? She shot forward as his fist buried into her gut. Blood flew from her mouth and splattered against the ground, tainting it with its crimson color. His movements were too fast, she could not react, she was too shocked. His knee shot upward and smashed into her face, and once more the world became dizzily upturned. She hit the ground and felt her body twitch. She raised a shaky hand, although her eyes misted over and blood poured from her nose.
?No?? Her world crumbled. All she had lived for, fought for, and took for granted. Raditzu had never cared, she was nothing but useless. Why now? She let the tears dribble from her eyes, now that they were coming free. ?You told me you loved me?why do you turn your back on me?? She pushed forward, blood dripped to the ground. She had found happiness with him, a life, and now he was crushing it all.
?You really are stupid?? He came forward, the snow crunching beneath his boots. She raised an arm to fend off any oncoming attacks, but none came. She stared at him wearily for the first time since she had met him. She feared him; she feared his hatred, his rejection. He hunched in front of her, giving her a look, like she was a pouting child. ?You should be happy.? As if that answered it all, she could only stare incredulously at him. Her defenses dropped and his hand guided her face closer. ?Or will you miss this?? His voice was low, light, but she could not move from him. Was this some kind of trick? What was he trying to do? She felt like screaming at him, why was he being so mean?and then?Her lips trembled. ?You finally gave in, and you?ll want more, won?t you?? What was he trying to say?
?No?? She said, finding it impossible to move away from his face. ?It was once?didn?t you want it??? She shivered, his alluring eyes held her in a locked gaze. She suddenly felt a rush of feelings, emotions, and images. They had finally made love, and now he was turning his back on her. He had used her for all she was worth. ?How could you?? She broke away from him, pushing him away. She struggled to back away, the snow causing her to slip in her backward retreat.
He laughed, he simply laughed. She had opened up, let him in, and now he was ripping her apart from the inside. She cried. ?Maybe I should put you out of your misery?? She heard him speak; he sobered up from his laughter, now staring at her contently. ?Would you like that?? Her eyes widened. She had wondered, once, what an enemy like him would be like. She had never wished for it, yet here she was, in his grasp, his care having been a farce. She was too afraid to fight back, and so she got to her feet as quick as she could and turned to flee. ?If that?s how you want it?? He sighed, as if the whole thing was troublesome.
She ran, her foot hurt, but she ran. Blood and tears flew from her face and into the air. She ran for the life that was in her, for the fear that tried to bind her. She dodged the trees that blocked her path, she cried out like a helpless victim. How could she even consider getting away? If he wanted to do away with her, then he would. She could only try, she could only cry and run in fear. Why was this happening? She felt her heart break; the pain could not match any she had ever felt before. She stumbled; the ground defeating her, ice seemed to form of its own accord. She fell forward, her fearful eyes closing before the impact. She never hit, she opened her eyes, and looked upward.
?Hi.? His fingers dug into her arms, she was caught in his grasp. The shock wore, and panic took over. She screamed and struggled. This was no longer the man she loved. She kicked against him, struggling with all she had to get out of his grip. His hold tightened, and he flashed powerfully. His long black hair became golden, mystifying. His power made her tremble, her legs stilled and she felt faint. ?Loving you made me this powerful, don?t you see?? She could struggle no more, she was no match for him. He tossed her into another tree, her body grew still. She was no use, she was annoying, and she was dirty. She sobbed, while the blood and tears mixed into the snow against her face. She felt her will broken, her heart broken.
She crawled against the cold ground; fingers numbly clawed the ice beneath her. She struggled to move away, to get away, she couldn?t die here. So what if it ended her hurt, her misery, she would not let him end it. She continued to sob, no longer seeing clearly, the whiteness a blur before her. He was probably laughing, her defeat inevitable. She would not stop, she had to get away. Her fingers hurt, but she continued to struggle through the pain.
His foot came down on her hand, he had moved so quickly. She stared in surprise, and then upward, as if to beg him not to. A scream ripped through her, her hand pushed through the ice, the bones cracked. She gripped her wrist, the pain unbearable. He stepped away and she immediately cradled her now useless hand. ?I was going to put you out of your misery, but now you?re just being bothersome, why don?t you just stay still?? He sounded angry. His hand took hold of her hair, he dragged her up and she cried out. ?You can?t even fight back.? She shook, where was her determination? Ankle broken, hand broken, spirit broken. She struggled inside, what did he want with her? Why didn?t he just kill her then? She opened her eyes, seeing that face she had thought she knew. He tossed her again. She could cry no more. She became lifeless, if this is what he wanted, then she gave up.
?Eighteen?? He picked her up, like some doll. She stared lifelessly away; he would do what he wanted. His hand touched against her cheek again. She had never thought?never wanted to see?was this what being evil was? He seemed twisted. She feared him like this, she feared evil. She had seen evil, the way Koola and Vegeta had been?was this how he really was? Like them? He stood up, still holding her. What was he doing? She felt no will to fight back; likely he would hurt her again. She could see the trees pass by, the dark sky never let up, but the snow did continue. The large flakes settled on her face, but did not melt. She did not blink, did not move, why bother? She was afraid, afraid of what he was going to do.
The treetops cleared but he continued. She knew they were back at the lake, back where it had started. She wanted to move, but couldn?t. She looked into Raditzu?s face; it held nothing, no emotion, like some detached soul. She moved her functional hand, something didn?t feel right. She finally made to push out of his hold, her legs twitched. What was she doing? She twisted, but his arms held her too tightly. She looked up fearfully.
?Raditzu?I don?t want to die?? She said, trying to break free again. Why had she been so weak? ?I don?t want to die!? She said it again, her voice getting high. She could see the lake, the way it shimmered eerily made her shudder. ?Let me go!? She struggled more forcefully, but he didn?t acknowledge her. He stopped at the water, and looked down, as if just noticing her struggling.
?People who are useless have no need for life.? Her eyes widened and he shot his hand around her mouth. Suddenly she was dangling over the water, his grip like an iron clamp. She muffled and gripped his wrist, her legs kicking the air. ?You?ll like it here, eternally.? She fearfully struggled but there was no use. She cried. The tears slid down and against his hand.
But I love you, she mentally said. Her struggling stopped. She could feel the water around her ankles; it was cold, too cold. He was lowering her into the lake, but why? She continued to grip his wrist, his hand around her mouth made her unable to speak, or cry. Why do you hate me? Large tears fell freely and froze as they hit the water. What did I do wrong? I trusted you, I let you in, and it was all a lie? She closed her eyes. The water felt tight, it was around her calves, yet he was not lowering her anymore. Was the water an entity of its own? I don?t want to die like this, I want to live, I want you to be yourself?this can?t be real, this can?t be! The cold seeped through her, it chilled her right to the bone. Raditzu let go, and she sagged downward. The water had more solidity to it than was normal. She was stuck to her thighs, but it seemed to grip to her and slowly inch against her figure. ?Raditzu!? She cried, feeling herself being dragged downward by the icy anomaly.
He turned his back, he turned away from her. She cried out, pitifully. She felt the water consuming her, feeding off her soul. She slipped deeper and deeper, reaching for him. She tried to drag herself out, tried to splash free. It was useless, it was too strong. The icy water dug into her flesh like glass, and froze her inside. ?I don?t want to die!? No matter how many times she said it, it still did no help. Raditzu turned, he looked down, was that doubt? She looked up pleadingly. One arm was still free, still reaching. He had to have some feelings for her, he had to. The ice water flooded into her mouth, against her cheeks, but she still reached for him. Everything seemed still, her struggling form and his figure staring down at her. He could save her?if he could just?stop being like that?She felt dizzy. Her head disappeared beneath the surface, her eyes closed. She felt sleepy. Her hand grew limp, soon it, too, would be devoured.
Her mind flew through the days, the events, the times she had spent with him. She remembered meeting him, taking advantage of being an android with hidden ki. He had told her so much, he had been so warm. They had gotten along so well?he took her to Earth-Sei?And that sunrise. Her thoughts clouded. They had bonded on her brothers? ship; they had talked for so long. It hurt to think that it had all been a lie?the way he had nursed her wounds, and let her experience a hot spring for the first time in her life. She wanted to believe it weren?t true, but the whole ordeal felt too real. She was going to die knowing that what had happened between them had been a lie. All of the training together, the understandings, and the admitting of love had been for nothing. He had shown her love, and just as easily ripped it from her chest. He had never been her ?boyfriend? she had just been trash, dug up and then tossed away. How could she have been such a fool? His friendly face?that smile?and his words. Only just recently he had shown her love, given her feelings she thought she would never experience, and it was all a lie! Yet?every person, evil as they may seem?they had a heart, and inside, deep inside?there had to be hope.
The water bubbled; she opened her eyes and her mouth, the air escaping. She would drown, the ice would shred her lunges, but she had to try one more time. With all of the love, power, and devotion within her soul she reached out to him. She cried out, a fierce telepathic cry to him, a hope to touch his heart, to make him believe.
Raditzu, don?t let me die! Don?t let me die here! You can?t forget what we?ve gone through, you know you love me, and you can?t let yourself change! Save me, don?t let me die! Remember what we?ve done together, I won?t believe that you want this! She felt faint, the world grew dark around her, only her fingers were left above the water. It was too late; no one could save her now. She could only cry inside, why?!
![[Image: A18Oct.jpg]](http://frozendust.com/sig/A18/A18Oct.jpg)
DA08 Winner. "Screw them, this was her show now."
