Android 18 pocketed her cell phone and flew at sonic speed as far away from her home, from civilization in general, as possible, cursing under her breath. It had been a long time since she'd treated herself to a shopping spree which she'd been planning that morning and had been just about to leave when her brother's 'Homicidal Hormones' kicked in again.
Only a week had passed since his return when it started happening suddenly and without warning, after all these years since he'd last lived in the area. Somehow his power had ascended, and while his sex life wasn't her business, the fact that they affected herself as well was. After three times of nearly fatally injuring Krillin by their result, enough was enough.
At least 17 had bothered to warn her this time, but she'd been expecting it and had already noticed. The reason why she wasn't too curious about his recent conquest... someone strong enough to take it... was that right now her loins were virtually on fire and ached so badly that she was doubled over when standing. She hadn't thought to bring the accessories that managed to satisfy her within reason as she'd been in too much of a hurry to get out of there. Finally Krillin understood, having learned the hard way to take her seriously.
She spotted the skyline of Satan City up ahead, and there was a large forest where she could be sure of isolation until the storm passed. The thought was ironic because it was pelting rain and she was soaked head to toe, adding to her irritation. Spotting a small clearing in the forest, she landed, doubling over from stabbing cramps. Goddamnit, that hurt. Ignoring the pouring rain, she leaned against a tall tree, just about to sit down to accomplish the necessary when a familiar voice startled her.
"18?" Son Videl hurried to her side, carrying a brown woven basket. "Are you alright?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern at the pathetic sight she knew she made. 18 nodded, unsure yet of coherent speech.
Videl studied 18. Her shoulder-length, usually shining blond hair was soaked and plastered to her head and face. Rain water dripped from her clothes and feverishly red face. Her eyelids were heavy and she was slightly bent over, holding her lower stomach. "Are you sick?" she asked her friend in alarm, placing a small, manicured hand to her damp forehead. 18 shook her head, but Videl insisted, "You have a fever. Come with me, you need to see a doctor."
"NO!" 18 growled fiercely, making Videl wince, "I'd sooner wish my bomb back and blow myself up before seeing any goddamn DOCTOR."
Videl frowned. "I understand, but you aren't well. Could you be pregnant again?" She looked doubtfully at her washboard-flat abdomen.
"No," 18 replied impatiently, "I have no medical condition. My brother and I... when our bombs were wished away, our hormones got the fallout somehow, and when one of ours kicks in, so does the other's. 17 obviously has company, his are in turbo, and... ow!" She bent over, clutching her lower stomach again.
Videl looked confused as well as worried. "Is it like PMS? I know what you mean, that can be a real bitch. I'll give you a couple Midol and some hot tea, then get you into some dry clothes so you don't catch a cold. Let's go." She took hold of 18's elbow and pulled her up.
"You don't understand!" 18 snapped again, "All you can do is leave me alone and stay the hell away from me until it passes. It's dangerous. I could kill you. I don't control these instincts. At all."
But Videl paid no attention, pulling her along by the elbow. "Don't worry, I understand. I'm a total bitch on PMS. It must be worse for an Android, but I buy the extra-strength kind." She picked up her basket. "Well, I was going to pick berries to make Pan's favorite dessert, but it'll have to wait til the rain stops. You'll be much better after a nice bath, hot tea and Midol."
"Goddamnit, Videl! It's not PM..." Another cramp hit, doubling her over again, and Videl had already lifted her into the air by the elbow to fly them back to her house. "I warned you, and I won't be responsable," 18 called through the wind and rain.
"What??" Videl yelled back, but was unheard over the roaring wind and rain, and shook her head. The female Android had a thick head, she reflected, but it could be no thicker than her own.
*
TBC in Chapter 2...
