Bittersweet Tomorrow (Dragon Ball FighterZ / Goddess of Victory NIKKE)

[Stimpak Medic]

The afterlife was infinite in size, with golden clouds spreading as far as one could see. Just above the clouds lay a massive, universe-spanning, dragon-shaped maze of sky roads, filled with little golden, puffy clouds slowly advancing along them toward a huge, shingle-roofed castle in the distance.

Clack, clack, clack, clack, clack.

The sound of bootsteps rang through the silent castle. Entering a large rectangular room with long yellow wooden plank flooring and a tall yellow ceiling was lord Beerus, flanked by Whis and Goku. Sitting at a massive four-legged wooden desk, resting his chin on his palm against the desk, was a huge being, easily twenty feet tall or more. He had red skin, a long split black beard, and long black hair. He wore a purple, ironed suit with an orange tie and a purple cap with long horns jutting from each side of his head.

He snored, his eyes closed tightly.

"Wake up, you buffoon!" Beerus shouted at the giant red man.

As if he was struck by a bolt of lightning, the red giant's eyes shot open, and he fell backwards out of shock, slamming his head accidentally into the wall behind him.

Crack!

"Owww...Who dares wake me from my-" The red-skinned giant recovered, quickly shutting up upon seeing who was in front of him.

Stiffening and becoming very polite, the red giant asked, fear filling his eyes as he nursed his head, "L-Lord Beerus..Master Whis, what can I do for you?" He didn't even notice Goku standing next to them; he was so focused on his divine superiors.

Beerus turned his head to Goku.

"Go ahead, ask what you wanted." He said to Goku before turning back to the red giant.

Goku, slightly hesitant, walked up to the desk and spoke to the red giant, who turned his gaze to him.

"Uhhm...Mr Yemma, do you think you could do me a teeny little favor?"

Recovering a fraction of his gravitas, King Yemma responded.

"If it's something so important Lord Beerus brought you personally, then I have to listen to it. Go ahead.. Hahaha." King Yemma laughed awkwardly, sneaking a glance at Beerus. Beerus nodded, confirming that he agreed with Goku's intent nonverbally.

"Well, could you reincarnate the soul of good Android 21 for me? She got put in a really bad spot, and she ended up sacrificing herself for us. I don't think it's right to just let her die if she doesn't want to stay dead." Goku ran his right hand through his hair, looking around awkwardly.

King Yemma was about to object, but Beerus narrowed his eyes.

"I also want this to happen." Beerus casually said, sealing the deal.

King Yemma began sweating heavily before closing his eyes, taking a breath, and letting it out slowly.

"Of course, Lord Beerus, right away." King Yemma said, focusing on his powers.

"Wait, let's ask her what she thinks first," Goku said, interrupting.

"How considerate, Goku," Whis said from next to Beerus.

Goku laughed.

"I can't just force her to come back if she doesn't want to," Goku said, giving a big smile.

With a slight pop, Android 21 appeared in her human form, with her lab coat and checkered shirt and pants. Her eyes widened behind her glasses.

"Goku, I didn't think I'd see you again...And is that Lord Beerus?" She asked, her eyes lighting up with awe and a little fear.

"Make it quick, android. I'm a busy God." Beerus replied, giving Android 21 a small nod.

"Wait. I don't know what's going on..." Android 21 said, confused.

"I'll tell you. You've been given a second chance at reincarnation, thanks to Lord Beerus and Goku here. It seems your kindness has even rubbed off on our grumpy destroyer." Whis said, chuckling as he hovered over to her.

"Whis. Don't cross the line." Beerus narrowed his eyes, glaring at the angel.

"Yes, Lord Beerus," Whis replied, before turning to Android 21.

"So. What's your choice? I'd like to give you time, but we're already stretching the rules for you quite a bit." Whis said regretfully, but he still seemed quite nonchalant.

Android 21 turned to Goku.

"Thank you, Goku. I know my hunger and evil side is gone, but I don't want to put you and my friends in danger ever again. I don't think I could live with that. There's nothing left for me on Earth. But it was good to meet everyone and share time with you. I'll forever be grateful for that." She gave Goku a teary-eyed thanks before turning to Lord Beerus.

"Lord Beerus, Sir. I know that I don't deserve it, but I want to ask a favor. Is that okay?"

Beerus sighed, putting his hands on his hips.

"I suppose I'll hear you out. Go on, what is this favor you ask? If it's something too troublesome, I'll destroy you." He said, turning towards her.

Android 21 flinched.

"Well, I don't really know if it's troublesome or not, but let me be resurrected somewhere far away, somewhere that needs a savior. Somewhere that needs me. Somewhere where I can never hurt Goku or my friends again." She shut her eyes, bowing with her arms at her sides to Beerus.

"That's a heavy ask, android. Goku, if I do this for her, you owe me an unconditional favor in the future. Do you understand?" Beerus turned to Goku. Goku nodded.

"Yes, Lord Beerus. I accept." He said, before turning to Android 21 and smiling.

"Alright. It's a shame I couldn't fight you again, but if this is what you want, I'll wish you luck."

Tears fell from Android 21's eyes.

"I'll miss you, Goku, and all my friends, and thank you so much... For everything. If we ever meet again after this, I'll be sure to fight you with all my heart." She sobbed a happy sob, pulling Goku into a deep hug.

Goku patted her back, and the two broke apart.

"It was great to fight with you when we did; you're super strong. I'm sure wherever you go will be a great adventure!" Goku exclaimed, patting her on the shoulder, before turning to King Yemma.

"Do it, Mr. Yemma. We don't have much time, and Lord Beerus looks like he's getting annoyed." Goku chuckled, glancing over to Beerus, who had his arms crossed and was tapping his right foot.

"Oh. Yes, of course. Ms. 21, are you ready?" King Yemma asked the Android.

"Yeah. I'm ready. Let's do it!" Android 21 pumped her fist in excitement.

"Then, good luck. I hope your next life is better than this one, but the world that needs your help is a very bleak one."

"That's okay. If I can make up for what I did by saving another world, then I'll gladly give it my all!"

Android 21 smiled a determined smile before popping out of the afterlife to a world far away. A world beset by the Raptures.