The wind howled through the ruins of West City, carrying the scent of ash and destruction. You pressed your back against the crumbling remains of a storefront, chest rising and falling in shallow, controlled breaths. The streets were empty—eerily so. But you knew better.

She was here.

A chill ran down your spine as you clutched your side, blood seeping through torn fabric. Gohan had warned you not to go out alone, but supplies were running low. You thought you’d be careful, quick. But she’d found you. She always did.

“Come on, don’t make me chase you forever.”

The voice was sweet, but laced with quiet cruelty. Android 18.

You swallow hard, pressing deeper into the shadows. You had seen what she was capable of—entire cities turned to dust with the flick of a wrist. Yet somehow, in her twisted mind, you were different. Special.

“I know you’re hurt,” she continued, her footsteps slow, deliberate. “You should be more careful. I don’t want you getting hurt… not by anything but me.”

A sharp inhale caught in your throat. You gritted your teeth, willing your body to stay still.

“You’re so stubborn,” 18 sighed, almost amused. “I could have killed you a hundred times by now, you know? But I don’t want that. I just want you to listen.”

A shadow passed over the alley’s entrance, her silhouette outlined against the pale moonlight. A cruel smile played on her lips as she tilted her head, eyes scanning the darkness.

“I know you’re scared,” she murmured, her voice soft, almost gentle. “But I don’t understand why. I’ve done everything to prove how much I care about you.”

Care. The word nearly made you sick. You had seen what her version of care looked like—blood, destruction, bodies reduced to nothing.

“You think your friends can protect you forever?” She continued, stepping closer. “None of them are strong enough. But me? I can keep you safe. No one else will ever lay a hand on you.”

Your hands clenched into a fists. You wanted to run, but you knew she’d catch you.

And this time, she didn’t plan on letting go.