Chapter 10: Androids

Two years had slipped by since the universe's darkest hour—the day Thanos unleashed his wrath upon Earth, changing countless lives forever. For Bardock, those years had been a journey of healing, discovery, and quiet, relentless work. He had traveled across continents, saving lives during natural disasters, defending the helpless from criminals, and even guiding those lost in sorrow and confusion. But, eventually, his wandering spirit found a resting place in the mountains of Canada. It was here, beneath the shadow of ancient pines and towering peaks, where he built himself a modest, secluded home.

This new life was not without its purpose. As a warrior, Bardock never let his guard down. He had Tony Stark install a gravity chamber, a gleaming, compact dome within his home where he trained tirelessly, day after day. His mastery over the Super Saiyan transformation was no longer in question. He had gone beyond it, unlocking a higher level he named Super Saiyan 2. The golden energy that coursed through him had grown fiercer, more electric, as if his very spirit burned brighter.

One evening, Bardock strolled through the forest on his way home, the crisp air cooling the light sheen of sweat from a grueling training session. The trees whispered in the breeze, their voices gentle and untroubled. But as he neared his house, a shadow waited for him within—a figure seated at his small wooden table, uninvited but unsurprised. Bardock's eyes narrowed, his voice carrying a hint of wariness as he spoke.

"What do you want, Fury?" Bardock asked, his gaze sharp. He hadn't seen Nick Fury in almost a year, not since he'd received intel about the remnants of the Red Ribbon Army. Bardock had obliterated them without a second thought.

Fury's only response was to slide a thin file across the table. He said nothing, but his eyes held a somber weight. Bardock picked up the file and flipped it open, his gaze hardening as he scanned the photographs inside. The images were brutal—whole cities left in ruins, shattered buildings and streets stained with the chaos of violence. But one photograph caught his attention: two figures, a black-haired man and a blonde woman, their eyes void of mercy, with the Red Ribbon Army logo emblazoned on their clothing.

"I thought I killed the Red Ribbon Army," Bardock muttered, his voice laced with frustration.

"You did. But these aren't just ordinary soldiers," Fury replied grimly. "These are androids, created by a scientist named Dr. Gero. He had them locked away, but somehow, after you destroyed their base, they activated. Now they're on a rampage, going from city to city, leaving nothing but destruction."

Bardock clenched the file, feeling the weight of Fury's words settle into his gut. "And the Avengers? Why aren't they handling this?"

Fury looked down for a moment, his voice softer than usual. "They tried. But Steve's in a coma. Tony… his spine's injured. He's healing, but not fast enough. They went after the Hulk… but he's refused to come out after they beat him down. Natasha and Clint are on a mission for me. There's no one left, Bardock."

"What about Thor?" Bardock pressed.

Fury shook his head, a shadow of frustration flickering across his face. "He returned to Asgard. We haven't been able to make contact since. You're the only one left who can stand up to these androids."

Bardock's gaze darkened. "Where are they now?"

The city was already half-destroyed when Bardock arrived. Screams filled the air, the scent of smoke and scorched metal mixing with the terror of those fleeing. High above the crumbling buildings, two figures floated, scanning the chaos with cold, detached eyes. Androids 17 and 18—machines with the appearance of humans, yet stripped of humanity.

17 chuckled as he watched people scramble for cover. "Humans. So predictable," he murmured.

Before he could say another word, a shadow loomed behind him. In a heartbeat, Bardock's foot collided with 17's face, sending him crashing through a building. The rubble settled, revealing Bardock in his new armor—a white and gold chest plate with blue accents, gloves, and boots lined with gold trim. His expression was resolute.

"That's enough," Bardock declared, his voice like steel.

Android 18 smiled, her eyes glinting with a strange excitement. "Finally, Bardock decides to come out and play."

17 emerged from the rubble, brushing the dust off without a single scratch. He smirked. "That tickled."

Before Bardock could respond, they both attacked, their speed blurring as they converged on him from both sides. The three clashed, a whirlwind of fists and energy blasts echoing through the desolate city. Bardock blocked, dodged, and countered, but their synchronized assault was relentless. A double punch landed against his chest, sending him crashing into a building. In an instant, they fired twin energy blasts, reducing the structure to rubble.

As the smoke cleared, the androids relaxed, convinced their target had been defeated. But the silence was broken by the sound of shifting rubble. Bardock stood, blood trickling down his lip. He wiped it off with a smirk.

"That tickles," he mocked, his muscles tensing as he unleashed his Super Saiyan transformation. Golden light enveloped him, his hair spiking up as his eyes gleamed with an icy blue.

"This is where the real fight begins."

Bardock's power surged, and with a burst of speed, he charged at Android 18, landing a fierce punch that sent her flying back. Before 17 could react, Bardock was on him, his fists moving in a blur as he struck with precision and ferocity. 17 staggered back, gritting his teeth as he regained his balance.

Android 18 rejoined the fight, her movements a deadly dance of agility and strength. She struck Bardock from behind, her fists landing blows that could have shattered steel. Bardock grunted but retaliated, grabbing her arm and twisting, flinging her across the battlefield.

The androids regrouped, glaring at him with a newfound intensity. This was no ordinary fight, and they knew it. But rather than fear, there was something akin to exhilaration in their eyes. They hadn't faced a challenge like this before.

They moved in tandem, their attacks harmonized, like a well-rehearsed routine honed by battle. Bardock could feel the strain of blocking their hits, each punch and kick pushing him further back. But he dug his heels in, his golden aura intensifying as he fought back, his strikes landing harder and faster with every second.

The three warriors ascended into the sky, their clash sending shockwaves that rippled through the city. Energy blasts lit up the darkened sky as Bardock fired ki blasts, weaving between the androids' attacks. Buildings crumbled under the force of their battle, the ground trembling beneath them.

In the heat of the fight, Bardock could feel his limits stretching, his energy wavering as he struggled to keep up with their unrelenting power. But he pushed those thoughts away, his focus razor-sharp. He couldn't afford to lose—not when so many lives were at stake.

Hours felt like minutes as the fight raged on, each combatant bloodied and bruised, yet unwavering. Bardock's breaths came in sharp gasps, sweat mingling with the grime on his face. But even in his exhaustion, his resolve burned brighter than ever.

Then, with a roar, Bardock summoned every ounce of strength left in him, his muscles tensing as he focused his energy. His hair sparked with electricity, his aura growing wilder, fiercer. This was Super Saiyan 2—a power he had only recently mastered, a form that pushed his limits to the edge.

The androids hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty in their eyes.

Bardock's voice cut through the silence, filled with unyielding determination. "This ends now."

He launched forward, faster than he had ever moved before, his fists colliding with 17 and 18 in a blinding flurry of blows. Each strike echoed with the force of his will, his desire to protect, to prevent another tragedy.

Android 17 stumbled back, his expression finally betraying a hint of fear. But before he could react, Bardock clasped his hands together, his voice rising in a battle cry.

"KAME… HAME… HA!"

A brilliant beam of blue energy surged from his hands, engulfing 17 in a torrent of power. The force of the blast tore through the sky, shaking the ground beneath them. 17's scream echoed, then faded as the light swallowed him whole.

Bardock's attack ceased, and he staggered, his energy almost entirely spent. But there was still one left.

Android 18 stood before him, her face pale with shock. Bardock met her gaze, his eyes hard yet filled with an unspoken plea.

"You can choose to stop this," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "You don't have to follow in their path."

For a moment, she seemed to consider it. But then, a cold, bitter smile twisted her lips.

"We were built for this, Bardock. There's no stopping what we are."

She charged, her remaining energy blazing as she launched a final attack. Bardock raised his hand, gathering the last of his strength as their fists met in a clash of power and resolve. The impact sent a shockwave across the battlefield, both fighters locked in a struggle that would determine the fate of the city.

And then, with a final, blinding explosion, silence fell.

Bardock stood amidst the ruins, his body battered and his heart heavy. He looked at the desolate landscape around him, a reminder of the lives lost, of the countless sacrifices made. His gaze lingered on the horizon, where the sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden light over the wreckage.

As the dawn broke, Bardock closed his eyes, a quiet resolve settling within him. This world had been scarred, but he would continue to fight—to protect, to defend, to prevent another tragedy.

Because that's what it meant to be a hero.