Android 16 (W) vs. Launch (L) [Ref: Blossom Co: Ember]

The once-peaceful street had transformed into a tumultuous scene. The hum of ordinary human activity had given way to pandemonium. Some bystanders, driven by fear, let out shrill screams as they fled, their panicked voices filling the air as they scrambled to distance themselves from the unfolding chaos. Others simply gawked, their eyes locked onto the two combatants locked in fierce battle. They couldn't tear their gaze away from the tumultuous spectacle.

A few among the crowd had seized the opportunity to record the event, their phones held aloft to capture every moment of the street brawl. Meanwhile, others, recognizing the dire nature of the situation, frantically reached for their phones to alert the authorities, hoping they could intervene and restore order.

Amidst the chaos, Android 16 continued to absorb and analyse the surrounding human behaviour. It served as an invaluable learning experience, offering him insight into the complexities of human interaction. However, in the heat of the battle, this newfound understanding did little to aid him in deciphering the most pressing question at hand—how to effectively combat the formidable blonde warrior before him.

As Launch closed the distance, Android 16 seized a brief moment to conduct a rapid scan of her. The scan, while momentarily slowing him down, was a calculated risk, undertaken to acquire vital information that might give him an edge.

Requesting further information on Human or Saiyan female …
The data began to flow in as Launch bore down upon him. She swung one of her formidable axes with deadly intent, bringing it crashing down toward him. With astonishing reflexes, the android's colossal hands intercepted the blade, clapping his hands together on each face of the blade, halting it mere inches from his head. Though this did not seem to deter her, as she immediately followed up with a second strike, aiming to cleave into his midsection, where his arm would have been mere moments ago.

Leveraging the immobilised axe, the mechanical colossus abruptly altered the course of her attack, although he still felt the strike of the axe against his metal ribs, causing him to wince, making him thankful for his armour absorbing a portion of the blow. Despite this, the android refocused, using the weapon as a makeshift fulcrum, raising the human assailant upward. In an instant, his colossal knee shot upward, a formidable attack aimed squarely at her torso. The size and force of his knee strike were commensurate with the massive scale of his frame.

Data transfer incoming... Name: Launch - Gender: Female, Age: Unknown, Species: Human. Wanted on numerous accounts of robbery …
It was becoming increasingly evident that Launch possessed exceptional resilience. None of the Red Ribbon soldiers had managed to withstand the android's overwhelming might, leaving the organisation with the arduous task of retraining its forces and intensifying its recruitment efforts to bolster its ranks.

"You are tough, Launch," the android complimented her, his voice maintaining its monotone, mechanical quality. "It is clear that you possess skills above that of the average person, but time is running out. Soon the authorities will be here."

His words were deliberate, meant to both praise her prowess and provoke her. Android 16 gestured towards the group of civilians who had taken action to alert the police, attempting to rile up the feisty warrior and distract her.

In the mechanical warrior's calculations, the clash with Launch was unlikely to last for an extended period. While she had demonstrated remarkable resilience and combat ability, she had not been built with the sole purpose of battle as he had been.

With a subtle shift in his stance, Android 16 raised his arm, his sensors detecting that the massive burst of energy he was about to unleash would directly impact only the blonde fighter. The other humans had already evacuated the area, minimising potential casualties, and he knew that The Red Ribbon Army was prepared to cover the collateral damage financially.

In a matter of seconds, the mechanical guardian generated an immense reservoir of ki, a surging torrent of power that tore through the air with unmatched velocity. The sheer force of the energy beam uprooted concrete pavements on either side and ripped through the middle of the road, sending debris flying in all directions. Shop and bar windows shattered as they succumbed to the intense pressure of the massive energy wave.

As the colossal torrent of energy finally subsided, Android 16 remained stoic amid the smoky aftermath. The full extent of the destruction he had wrought became clear as the dust and smoke gradually dissipated. With no further need for restraint, the cybernetic sentinel channelled his artificial energy without reservation, removing all self-imposed limitations. His power surged to its maximum, a brilliant white, translucent aura enveloping him and instantaneously dispelling the lingering smoke.

Launch's resourcefulness soared above the ordinary, showcasing a remarkable prowess in the throes of combat. She had defied expectations not once but twice. First, she thwarted Android 16's colossal knee strike, a mammoth of an attack that threatened to send even the sturdiest opponents sprawling. Yet, in midair, her movements held a grace that defied gravity, allowing her to nimbly redirect her trajectory and land a swift and precise blow on his unsuspecting jaw, a strike that would have sent most ordinary humans into a deep, unconscious slumber.

Her second feat was equally astonishing; she had successfully repelled one of Android 16's most devastating attacks. However, the effort etched visibly across her face betrayed the immense difficulty of the task. With each laborious breath, beads of perspiration glistened on her skin. It wasn't that Android 16 was inherently mightier, for their powers appeared to be finely balanced. Rather, Launch seemed to be meticulously conserving her strength, ensuring she had ample reserves for the battles yet to come. In contrast, the mechanical marvel Android 16 fought without concern, his energy reservoirs running far deeper than those of any biological entity.

A hush descended upon the street as the two warriors confronted each other. Android 16's recent onslaught had left the public stunned, their collective gasps hushed by the sheer scale of destruction wrought upon the once-tranquil street. It remained unclear whether the spectators were more awestruck by the android's unfathomable destructive prowess or by Launch's uncanny ability to withstand such a relentless barrage.

Yet, Android 16 paid no heed to the onlookers. His sole focus was Launch, who once again hurled herself into the fray, twin axes gleaming menacingly. The mechanical guardian remained an unyielding monolith, as steadfast as a mountain, permitting her initial strike to cleave down onto his shoulder. A fleeting grimace crossed his impassive visage as he analyzed the situation, enduring the pain to gather crucial data on both her strength and his resilience.

But a second strike would not find its mark. His iron grip clamped onto her forearm, arresting the axe's perilous descent. In a seamless display of calculated precision, the android retaliated with a punch aimed squarely at her abdomen, attempting to steal her breath away. His unfeeling gaze locked onto hers, and from within, an ominous surge of energy illuminated his eyes, unleashing precision beams directed straight at her own. It was a sinister gambit, a ruthless endeavor to blind the human. But Android 16 was not burdened with empathy; victory was his sole directive.

Unrelenting, the cyborg followed up swiftly, parting his lips once more to release the same potent energy. Simultaneously, his palm unfurled, and the twin streams of devastation gushed forth, erupting at point-blank range. The lethal torrents threatened to engulf everything in their path, heralding a cataclysmic maelstrom of destruction.

Colonel Crimson maintained a vigilant watch over the unfolding battle, his discerning eyes peering through the lenses of the android's optics. His appreciation for the blonde fighter's indomitable spirit and combat prowess only grew with each passing moment. Her unyielding determination was nothing short of impressive, and her martial skills eclipsed those of their run-of-the-mill soldiers.

"Perhaps, when this tumultuous battle concludes," the Colonel mused softly, his thoughts given voice, "I shall extend an invitation to her, to join our ranks." His voice resonated with a touch of admiration. However, there was little time for idle thoughts as he swiftly pivoted to his role as the strategist. "But for now, Android 16, it is imperative that we conclude this swiftly. Do not prolong this confrontation any further," he ordered, his tone laced with authority. Leaning back comfortably in his opulent chair, he opted for the comfort of his secluded office, content to oversee the battle from a distance.

The mechanical behemoth acknowledged the command with a subtle nod, his focus unwavering as Launch surged forward once more, though this time her assault carried an air of desperation. Her reliance on sight had been compromised, yet her unwavering determination was a testament to her character.

Refusing to become a target once more, Android 16 executed a graceful leap backward, narrowly evading the reckless swing of her weapon as it sliced through the air with unchecked fervour. Her erratic behaviour made predicting her moves a formidable challenge. Still, Android 16's calculations persisted, as he gauged Launch's advancing position. The axe swung a second time, providing him with a fleeting opportunity. With preternatural agility, he sidestepped the lethal arc, narrowly avoiding it by the slimmest of margins.

In one seamless motion, the android lunged forward, his massive frame coiling like a spring. His hand shot out to seize Launch's forearm, a vice-like grip taking hold. Pivoting lithely on one foot, he executed a swift, graceful rotation, aiming to hurl the determined warrior over his towering form. The culmination of his manoeuvre would result in her crashing mercilessly into the unyielding ground, with enough force to fracture it.

Prior attempts to unleash this devastating attack had proven futile; Launch had evaded its destructive path with a calculated finesse that spoke volumes of her skill. However, the tides of battle had shifted, and the circumstances now favoured the cybernetic guardian. He perceived this moment as the opportune time to bring this fierce confrontation to an end.

With the swiftness of a predator closing in on its prey, Android 16 descended with remarkable agility, his bulk descending like a meteor towards Launch. His intention was clear: a forceful strike aimed squarely at her midsection. As he plummeted earthward, his artificial sinews and mechanical components whirred with precision, amplifying his speed and power.

In a swift and fluid motion, he unfurled his massive hand, channelling an astronomical surge of ki energy into its core. The intensity of this process caused his artificial skin to sizzle and heat, an eerie glow emanating from beneath. With his hand now a seething conduit of raw energy, Android 16 unleashed the torrent of ki with unbridled ferocity.

The luminous surge of energy surged forth, an unrelenting and voracious force directed squarely at Launch. Its sheer power threatened to overwhelm her defences, illuminating the battlefield with its malevolent brilliance. In this climactic moment, Android 16 had orchestrated a symphony of destruction, aiming to end the confrontation with one swift motion.

"Concede defeat, Launch," Android 16's voice resonated with a cold, mechanical precision, a stark contrast to the chaotic aftermath of his devastating attack. In the wake of the explosion, the air was filled with swirling clouds of acrid smoke and billowing debris, obscuring the battlefield in an ashen shroud.

The mechanical guardian stood resolute, his immense frame unwavering amidst the chaos, his crimson eyes locked on the epicentre of the aftermath. His voice, though devoid of human inflection, carried a weight of authority that commanded attention.

As the lingering haze began to slowly dissipate, revealing the extent of the destruction, Android 16 continued his sombre ultimatum. "You have fought admirably," he conceded, a peculiar acknowledgment of respect emanating from the cold, artificial depths of his being. "But if you do not concede now," he warned, his words laden with a chilling gravity, "I will be left with no alternative but to resort to lethal measures."

The battlefield bore the scars of their relentless clash, a testament to the unyielding resolve of both combatants. In this pivotal moment, the choice rested squarely upon Launch's shoulders, a decision that would determine the course of this fierce encounter.