The Hero And The Redeemed

Hey to all of you! I've always wanted to write a one-shot about how Goku and Android 18's friendship might have evolved in the anime, and this is the result. This story will take place during the party held right after the defeat of Majin Buu. Enjoy and please review!

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The sun began to set over Capsule Corporation as the party to celebrate peace returning to Earth after Majin Buu's defeat continued. Even though Goku had arrived late to the festivities the Saiyan brought great joy to all of his family and friends when he'd finally shown up. The party was a very welcome respite for Goku, the Z-Fighters and their friends and family after the struggle to defeat the evil part of Majin Buu had finally come to an end. It was Goku's most grueling fight against the strongest opponent he'd ever faced so far, though Goku knew that most likely there would be yet another, even stronger foe lurking in the near future, so Goku and his friends always continued to keep their bodies fresh and train, never dropping their guard.

Goku was mingling amongst his friends and having lighthearted conversations with them, recalling old stories of days long past. For one person in particular, listening to Goku and his friends speak was a way for her to get to know them all more personally. Android 18 never expected her life to take such a turn for the better. After being absorbed by the monster Cell and thinking she had died, Goku's son Gohan managed to best Cell and caused him to regurgitate the blonde from his mouth, freeing her from the monster's grasp. Goku had made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that Cell would be defeated, deciding to stay in the Other World for seven years in order to make the Earth safer for his friends, but Goku returned for the World Martial Arts Tournament, eventually being forced to fight Vegeta who had briefly turned evil and Majin Buu himself, finally reaching a sound victory.

Android 18 had been stunned at first how Goku's friends and family were so forgiving and welcoming to her even after the great threat she, her brother Android 17 and Android 16 had posed to all of the Z-Fighters. However, from what Gohan, his mother Chi-Chi and Goku's other friends told her, Goku would have done the same thing, forgiving the blonde and welcoming her into the fold. Android 18 also was nearly unable to believe that she had fallen in love with Goku's best friend Krillin, and they'd gotten married with their daughter Marron being the result of their union. Android 18 was truly grateful for everything that she had, but the blonde never did get to have a conversation with Goku or thank him for everything. She was about to remedy that situation right now.

Android 18 held Marron by the hand and walked over to Goku, who had his back turned towards her as he was conversing with Tien, both warriors talking about their fight at the World Martial Arts Tournament many years ago. 18 tapped Goku on the shoulder, causing him to spin around and face her.

"Oh, Android 18 right?"

"Yes, that's correct. However, my real name is Lazuli. And you're the famous Goku."

The Saiyan rubbed the back of his head awkwardly for a moment as he chuckled nervously.

"Yeah, well, I never intended to become famous. I just go where I'm needed when the Earth has to be saved. I want my family, friends and every living thing on this planet to be safe. That's all I care about."

"I see. Well, that is very admirable of you, Goku. No wonder why all of your friends think so highly of you."

"I'm always thankful for my friends and the bonds that I share with them. They're people I will always be close with."

"You know, Goku, I've never had any friends before until I became a part of this group. They all welcomed me in without a second thought, and that really means a lot to me."

"That's how me and my friends are. Even if someone was evil in the past, they can still become good. Just look at Vegeta."

Goku gestured to the Saiyan Prince, who was leaning against the wall in a corner of the spacious room they were in.

"Vegeta was as bad as they come when I first battled him years ago. After that, slowly but surely he became less and less evil, to the point that now there's no one here who considers him a threat. If someone like that can stop being evil, anyone can."

"Thank you for sharing that with me, Goku. I never thought of Vegeta in that way until now."

"No problem. While the both of us are talking, Krillin told me that he's married to you, and you both have a daughter together. Is that right?"

"Yes. I remember him telling you that at the World Martial Arts Tournament. I love Krillin and Marron so much. Besides my brother, Android 17, I've never loved anyone like my husband and daughter so dearly before."

"Krillin also told me how much he loves you and Marron. He said that you make him feel like the luckiest guy in the world."

"He said that about me?"

"You bet he did. He must care about you and your daughter a lot."

"He does. Krillin is a wonderful man. Goku, can I ask you something?"

"Sure! Go ahead!"

"Well, I know what you said about Vegeta, but I was just wondering how you can be so forgiving to someone like me. I'm an android, not to mention I had the intention of killing you and your friends in the past. It's just hard for me to understand."

"Because you are good now. I can sense the evil intent coming from anyone, and there's none of that from you anymore. You've changed, and that is the most important thing."

"Thank you, Goku."

"You're very welcome. Besides, you make my best friend happy. That's more than enough for me."

"I don't know what to say, Goku. That is one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me."

"I'm very grateful that you're a part of this group. You are a welcome addition to my friends."

For the first time since Android 18 had become part machine, she cried. Not tears of sadness, but of joy. The blonde watched as Goku extended his right hand to hers in a sign of true friendship, but the Saiyan was caught off guard when the android took his hand into hers and pulled him in for a friendly hug, embracing him tightly. Goku hardly ever had been hugged by anyone except for his wife Chi-Chi, but he awkwardly patted Android 18's back in a comforting and friendly way. After a few seconds had passed 18 pulled away from Goku, giving him a warm smile.

"Thank you for everything, Goku. You are a true friend."

"I feel the same way. Best of luck, Android 18."

The blonde nodded to Goku and once again took Marron by the hand, leading her over to Krillin in another part of the room. Goku watched his new friend walk away, with Android 18 being more happy now than she ever was before.

I hope you all enjoyed this one-shot! This is my first Dragon Ball Z story, so please leave a review to let me know how I did. Thanks!