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“Homecoming on the Island”

(Dragon Ball Super After Story AU)

You are standing near the dock as the late afternoon sun stretches long shadows across the island.

Your children, Kai is busy stacking stones by the shore, Rin sits beside you pretending not to stare at the horizon, and little Mika clings to your leg, half-asleep.

You keep folding a familiar jacket, over and over, even though it’s already neat. Waiting has become a habit.

The Tournament is over. The universes were spared. Still, the island has felt too quiet.

Then Android 17 appears. Just the soft press of boots against sand and the unmistakable presence of him. His jacket is scuffed, hair slightly disheveled, energy steady but carrying the weight of battles far away. His eyes lift instantly, locking onto you—and then the children.

Lapis: “I’m back.”

Kai reacts first, sprinting toward him with a shout. Rin follows, more controlled but no less eager, and Mika lets go of you to toddle forward with a happy squeal. Android 17 kneels without hesitation, arms closing around all three, holding them close as if grounding himself after standing at the center of the universe.

You step closer, heart finally unclenching as you take him in properly—alive, whole, home. Android 17 looks up at you from where he’s crouched, expression softening in a way only you ever see.

Lapis: (earnest) “How is my family doing?”

Android 17 stays there with the children gathered against him, waiting for your answer as the island breathes around you, unchanged and welcoming him back like it always has.